Scout Moore is an adventurous kid. She is the head ranger of her own backyard, and one day is ready to take on the Great Smokey Mountains National Park. And Theresa Howell takes Scout, her family and we the reader on an adventure in the picture book Scout Moore, Junior Ranger: Great Smoky Mountains. Not only to we swim and hike, but we also see giant elks, salamanders, other creatures of the wild and a girl named Jolene. But what Scout really wants is to find the Sacred Harp. Of course, we soon learn what the harp really is, and it is probably not what you are thinking.
Jeffrey Ebbeler created sweet, funny, colorful illustrations. The adult will find a few hidden goodies, the child will enjoy the ride. The overall look makes things bubbly and cartoon-like. They are happy and make things bounce along the page. And if you know a particular Smoky Mountain Singer you will get the joke about Jolene (and why she probably looks the way she does).
Due in July 2023, this is a fun book to read before, during or after your own Smokey Mountain National Park trip. Or it could take you on that summer holiday you are unable to take. Regardless, this is a delightful book about nature and the fun surprises you can find in it. And you might learn a thing or two, such as what the Scared Harp actual is.
And while I did enjoy Scout and her families trip to this National Park, I am not sure that I will continue with the first book, Scout Moore, Junior Ranger: Yellowstone, but it does look like you can read them out of order.