The Adventures of Bubba Jones: Time Traveling Through Shenandoah National Park (A National Park Series Book)
By Jeff Alt
Beaufort Books; www.bubbajones.com; softcover; 200 pp.; $9.99.
After inheriting legendary time travel skills from their Papa Lewis, Tommy “Bubba Jones,” and his sister Jenny “Hug-a-Bug” embark on a Shenandoah National Park adventure to solve a family mystery. From the moment they reach the park entrance, the excitement begins. They travel back in time millions of years and come face-to-face with extinct creatures, past presidents and park founders. They travel deep into mountain hollows, up onto talus mountain slopes, and discover more about Shenandoah than they ever imagined. Explore Shenandoah National Park with Bubba Jones and family in a whole new way.
Ski Faster! Guide to Ski Racing and High Performance Skiing, 2nd Edition
By Lisa Ballard
Rocky Fork Media; www.LisaDensmore.com; softcover; 220 pp.; $29.95.
This long-awaited second edition of Lisa Ballard’s ski racing primer is 85 percent rewritten with more than 150 new photos and illustrations. For anyone wishing to carve better turns, ski like a pro through gates or simply gain a better understanding of the sport, this book can help. Ballard is one of the most decorated masters racers ever, with almost 100 national titles and four world championships. “Ski Faster!” reveals her secrets.
Ranger Rick’s Travels: National Parks!
By Ken Keffer and Stacy Tornio
Globe Pequot Press/Muddy Boots, 414-399-2972; kckeffer@gmail.com, www.kenkeffer.net; softcover; 144 pp.; more than 400 color photographs; $14.95.
“Ranger Rick’s Travels: National Parks!” takes readers on a tour of America’s most beautiful protected landscapes. Join Ranger Rick as he leads this cross-country adventure and provides his favorite facts, and introduces you to his favorite animals and plants along the way. Beautiful photography and fascinating information bring the most unique features of the national parks to life. Inside you’ll also find Ranger Rick’s favorite things to do in each park. With Ranger Rick as your trusted guide, there is no better way to experience the national parks – other than being there! Expertly researched, “Ranger Rick’s Travels: National Parks!” is sure to delight and inspire any young explorer.
Photographing the Aurora Borealis
By Andy Long
Amherst Media, PO Box 538, Buffalo, NY 14213, 716-860-1662, kneaverth@amherstmedia.com; softcover; 135 pp.; 120 photographs; $37.95; pre-order at www.amazon.com/Aurora-Borealis-Andy-Long/dp/1682032086/.
Take a journey to see beautiful photographs of the aurora borealis and learn how to take amazing shots when offered the chance to visit an area where the sky comes alive with color. The book is divided into four sections: understanding the aurora; getting you and your camera ready; shooting the aurora; and image processing. Each section is a primer to help you understand everything needed to take great northern lights photos.
Between the Levees
By Jonathan Olivier
self-published; 225-287-0998, jonathanolivier1990@gmail.com, JonathanOlivier.com; softcover; 216 pp.; $12.99.
For Sam Miller, family is what he wants most in the world. But with his parents deceased since he was a boy, and no way of uncovering who they were, finding a sense of family seems impossible until he goes to Louisiana’s Cajun Country with hopes of finding a man who perhaps knew them. After venturing into backwater swamps and fending off alligators, snakes and a few sinister locals, Sam finds what he sought all his life. He’s also given a chance to leave behind a pained past he would rather forget. But finding what he wants most means he’ll eventually have to lose it.
Buck, Buck, Moose
By Hank Shaw
H&H Books; 916-792 -8197, scrbblr@hotmail.com; hardcover; 304 pp.; 120 photographs; $29.95.
“Buck, Buck, Moose” is the first comprehensive, lushly photographed, full-color guide to working with and cooking all forms of venison, including deer, elk, moose, antelope and caribou. It will take you around the world, featuring more than 100 recipes ranging from traditional dishes from six continents, to original recipes never before seen. You’ll also get thorough instructions on how to butcher, age and store your venison, as well as how to use virtually every part of the animal. “Buck, Buck, Moose” also includes a lengthy section on curing venison and sausage-making. Peppered throughout are stories of the hunt and essays on why venison holds such a special place in human society.
Natural Connections: Exploring Northwoods Nature through Science and Your Senses
By Emily M. Stone
Green Darner Media P.O. Box 416, Cable, WI, 54821; Deb Malesevich, 715-798-3890, deb@cablemuseum.org; softcover; 293 p.p.; 72 illustrations; $18.96.
Join Emily Stone on a hike, paddle or ski, and you’ll soon be captivated by her animated style. In stories about the smell of rain, cheating ants, photosynthesizing salamanders and more, she delves deeply into the surprising science behind our Northwoods neighbors. These tales will leave you with a more complex understanding of their beauty. While this book contains many of your familiar friends, through the research and unique perspective of this award-winning writer you will discover something new on every page and around every bend in the trail. Whimsically illustrated by kids and adults. ♦