Perhaps you are look-
ing for a book to continue
these kind of adventures,
Atlas Obscura: Explor-
ers Guide for the World’s
Most Adventurous Kid
(Workman
Publishing,
New York, 2018, $19.95),
written by Dylan Thomas
and Rosemary Mosco and
illustrated by Joy Ang, is
a must. This book is con-
nected to the Atlas Ob-
scura website (https://
www.atlasobscura.com/)
and takes the reader into
the amazing possibilities and adventures that await them out-
side their door or anywhere in the world. The book will take us
to 47 countries across the world connected by common themes.
This is a wonderful way to learn geography, history, science,
and even travel tips. It also reminds us that some of the best
adventures are right in our backyard or around the corner. The
website provides continuous updates and interesting informa-
tion that will encourage local and international travel and explo-
ration. Best of all it encourages curiosity and courage.
If Atlas Obscura leaves you wanting more, The Adven-
tures of Alexander von Humboldt (Pantheon Books, New
York, 2019, $29.95), written by Andrea Wulf and illustrated
by Lilian Melcher, will encourage the explorer in all of us. Al-
though we all know the name Humboldt, most do not know
the significance of this individual and this book takes us on his
adventure of exploration and discovery. Written in the genre of
graphic nonfiction (with liberties taken on imagined conversa-
tions), it is punctuated by illustrations that are collages of Hum-
boldt’s field notes, sketches, real plants and artifacts, and histor-
ical details of his adventure of the 1799 scientific discovery of
South America. This visually stunning and engaging book will
entertain and inform indoors and outdoors, encouraging aware-
ness, curiosity, and adventure while leaving the reader in awe
of Humboldt’s courage, commitment, and insight for the time in
which he lived and for our time, 220 years later.
The Original Fun Family
Movie Experience...
• Mini Golf • Playground •
• Concessions •
Call or visit our website for times
and films scheduled on our
5 giant outdoor screens.
625-8535
WWW.TRANSITDRIVEIN.COM
Why not be adventurous and head out to your local library
or bookstore, or take a virtual tour online to find these books
or books like them that speak to your summer curiosities and
interests? It is never too late plan a staycation or foray out into
your neighborhood, a local
park, or take that day trip to
visit the many wonders we
have in Western New York
and throughout our region.
Dr. Donna Phillips is an as-
sociate professor in the Col-
lege of Education at Niagara
University where her specialty
is literacy and children’s lit-
erature. She lives on Grand
Island, NY and is the mother
of two adult children and the
grandmother of one.
July 2019 WNY Family 49