Feb 252024
 

Thor’s Hammer (Hoodoo)

Bryce Canyon National Park was established in 1928. Located in southern Utah, the park encompasses 35,835 acres. Bryce Canyon National Park is really not a canyon but a series of natural amphitheaters. Its distinctive features are hoodoos, pinnacles caused by frost erosion and erosion of the sedimentary rocks. Archaeological evidence shows that Native Americans lived there about 10,000 years ago. The Paiutes moved in when other groups left, but they were pushed out around 1873 when Mormon settlers started overgrazing the land. The park has three distinct life zones, determined by altitude. At least 400 different species of plants have been identified. Although hundreds of different animal species live there, the mule deer is the most common animal. Children can learn more at: https://www.nps.gov/brca/index.htm.

Feb 252024
 

Frank Bonham (born Los Angeles, California, 1914; died Arizona, December 16, 1988) wrote at least 48 westerns and novels for young adults. His books include Nitty Gritty and Durango Street.

Enrico Caruso

Enrico Caruso in Costume

Enrico Caruso (born Naples, Italy, 1873; died Naples, Italy, August 2, 1921) was a famous operatic tenor.

Ida Lewis (born Newport, Rhode Island, 1842; died Little Rock Island, Newport, Rhode Island, October 24, 1911) was a lighthouse keeper. She is best known for making many daring rescues at sea. Children could read Rowing to the Rescue: The Story of Ida Lewis, Famous Lighthouse Heroine by Doris Licameli.

Pierre Auguste Renoir (born Limoges, France, 1841; died Cagnes-sur-Mer, Provence, France, December 17, 1919) was an impressionist painter. One of his most famous works is The Luncheon of the Boating Party. Later in his life, arthritis crippled his hands. He had paint brushes tied to his hands and learned to paint in broader strokes. Children could view some of his works at: Auguste Renoir.

Cynthia Voigt (born Boston, Massachusetts, 1942) is an author who writes for children and young adults. She wrote Dicey’s Song, the Newbery Medal winner for 1983. She also wrote A Solitary Blue, which earned a 1984 Newbery Honor Award. Voight received the Margaret A. Edwards Award in 1995 for her body of work. Children could view her website at: Cynthia Voigt.