Our Great Big Backyard

Our Great Big Backyard follows Jane, a young girl who faces disappointment when her parents announce a family road trip to national parks instead of her planned summer of screen time. The cross-country journey takes them through multiple U.S. national parks and monuments. Jane brings her electronic devices along but soon discovers the natural wonders around her as the family travels from park to park. Her initial reluctance transforms through encounters with landscapes, wildlife, and outdoor activities. Through Jane's story, this picture book presents the value of unplugging from technology and connecting with nature and family. The narrative champions preservation of national parks while highlighting their accessibility to all Americans.

Parents and teachers report this book resonates with children ages 4-8, particularly those who enjoy road trips and outdoor activities. Multiple reviewers note it helps kids appreciate national parks and nature over electronic devices. Readers liked: - Jenna Bush Hager's illustrations capture different U.S. landscapes - Clear message about unplugging from technology - Introduces national parks to young readers - Includes map and park facts at the end Readers disliked: - Some found the storyline predictable - Several mentioned the book length was too short for the price - A few noted the protagonist's initial attitude about the road trip felt negative Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (396 ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (271 ratings) Barnes & Noble: 4.7/5 (15 ratings) One librarian reviewer praised its use in summer reading programs, while a parent noted: "This book inspired our own national park visits with our kids."

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🌲 Laura Bush co-authored this children's book with her daughter, Jenna Bush Hager, making it a unique mother-daughter collaboration. 🏞️ The book was published in 2016 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service. 🚗 The story follows a young girl named Jane on a cross-country road trip, visiting national parks like Yosemite, Yellowstone, and the Grand Canyon. 📱 Through Jane's journey, the book addresses modern children's attachment to electronic devices and encourages them to explore the outdoors instead. 🎨 The vibrant illustrations were created by Jacqueline Rogers, who has illustrated over 100 children's books throughout her career.