About John Muir Wrestles a Waterfall
On a moonlit night in 1871, conservationist John Muir steps out of his cabin in California’s Yosemite Valley to enjoy the sight of Yosemite Falls as it splashes at his feet. Not content to enjoy the beauty of the tumbling, rumbling waterfall from a distance, he decides to climbs the mountain in order to get closer still. Join John Muir on his midnight adventure.
In addition to the lyrical, adventure story, most pages include interesting and fun-to-find-out facts about John Muir’s life. Back matter includes a list for further reading, a bibliography and an archival photo of Muir.
Jamie Hogan’s beautiful pastel pencil illustrations capture the tranquility and majesty of John Muir’s surroundings in Yosemite Valley.
Reviews and Honors:
“This attractive picture book retells naturalist and writer John Muir’s climb up a steep trail behind a waterfall along Yosemite Falls in April 1871. Danneberg includes information about Muir’s love of the outdoors, his house in Yosemite (where he slept in a hammock that hung over an indoor spring), and his exploration of the park’s natural setting. Lucid descriptions and the use of the present tense make the story immediate and relevant…. VERDICT: This is a solid work, ideal for those looking to add to collections or units on environmental studies, geography, writing or biography and sure to inspire further interest in Muir.”–School Library Journal
“A welcome addition to the modern collection of John Muir’s adventures.”–Kirkus Review
-Eureka! California Children’ts Literature List