NEW YORK, NEW YORK; BOUNDARY WATERS CANOE AREA, MINNESOTA; WASHINGTON, D.C.

by ‧ RELEASE DATE: Dec. 1, 1990

Each of the eight books in the new ""See the USA"" series provides a colorful, tourist-bureau look at a city or area, including brief statistics. But while the color photos are appealing for browsing, the texts give less information than standard guidebooks, and the maps are totally inadequate. A sampling: New York focuses on Manhattan, suggesting a walking tour for which only a three-inch map is provided. Natives may be amused to read a quote from the NY Convention and Visitors Bureau stating that the public transportation system is ""unmatched in any other city. . .vast, efficient, safe, and inexpensive""; tourists need to beware, and yet no safety rules are suggested. Washington lacks the warmth and personal flavor of Krementz's A Visit to Washington, D. C. (1987). It, too, may mislead: ""Everything is free. . ."" Information is included on opening hours for public buildings and museums, but, since those are subject to change, it may not be useful. Boundary Waters, describing a protected wilderness area with 1,400 lakes in northern Minnesota, is the most successful of the series. Here, photos and text celebrate wildlife, sunsets, campfires, fishermen, cross-country skiers, and winter campers, capturing the flavor of an unspoiled natural area and inviting the reader to visit. Clothing and equipment lists and safety tips am included. Each title includes addresses for more information and an index.

Pub Date: Dec. 1, 1990

ISBN: 89686-467-7

Page Count: 48

Publisher: Crestwood--dist. by Macmillan

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 15, 1990

Categories: CHILDREN'S