FARLEY by Phil Frank

The Yosemite Handbook answers all the questions. What is the best time of year to go to Yosemite? Where should we stay…and eat? What is the best way to spot wildlife? Can we bring our skateboards? The answers to these and a myriad other questions about Yosemite National Park appear on the clearly organized, informative, and fun-filled pages of Pomegranate's The Yosemite Handbook. The fruit of collaboration between noted Bay Area cartoonist Phil Frank and his wife Susan, The Handbook is drawn and elaborated from the National Park Service's own "100+ Common Visitor Questions & Answers"--an internal resource used to train park rangers and staff. Organized topically, the book gives directions to the park, summarizes activities to enjoy in all seasons, describes the flora and fauna one can observe there, and shares the rules and history of the park. The Yosemite Handbook also includes a handy resource section at the end featuring a telephone directory, campsite reservation form, and checklist for campers.

Published in 1999 by Pomegranate Press, The Yellowstone Handbook is the second in Susan and Phil Frank's ultimately usable "insider's guides" to America's parks, the book is organized in a question-and-answer format that answers such commonly-posed queries as: ""Help! We only have one day to visit--what should we see and do?", "We really want to see wildlife--any suggestions?", "Can you recommend a nice, easy day hike" (or, for the more adventurous: What are some great butt-kicking hikes?). Livened by the entertaining work of cartoonist Phil Frank, a "quick reference" section at the book's conclusion gives park rules, historical background, a list of licensed tour operators, campers' checklists, an area telephone directory, and more.

In this detailed, engaging profile of Muir Woods--a redwood wilderness just north of San Francisco--a cartoon park ranger named Mia shows you places to stay, ways to get around, and activities to enjoy at any time of the year. The book is organized in a convenient question-and-answer format and offers a reference section that includes, among other things, a telephone directory, a guide to area resources, a backpacker's checklist, and an overview of regional educational programs. Susan Frank worked closely with the Muir Woods staff to ensure the accuracy of the text, and cartoonist Phil Frank's deft illustrations add a welcome dose of levity to the book. This is the third in Susan and Phil Frank's Handbook series.

Those armed with The Grand Canyon Handbook, however, will be wise to all the tricks for having the best possible time at the park. They'll know when to go, what to bring, what to see, and how to see it. They'll be properly equipped for a safe visit. They'll have a matchless grasp of all the facts, from how the canyon was formed down to the closest place to rent camping gear. There's even a table of sunrise/sunset times, so readers won't miss any meteorological light shows unless they want to.

This detailed and engaging guide, narrated by a seasoned cartoon ranger named Jack, includes illuminating notes on the park's flora, fauna, history, and future prospects. The question-and-answer format gives the facts without a lot of searching. A quick-reference section offers, among other things, a telephone directory, guide to area resources, backpacker's checklist, lists of outfitters and transportation companies, and an overview of regional conservation and educational programs.