Ashley Benham Yazdani

Other than the civil engineers in the group, I don't think many of us think about parks being "invented," especially not ones as steeped in our collective cultural touchstones as Central Park in New York City. Yet it did have to be designed, apparently down to every tree and rock. This book tells the story of the two men who tirelessly worked to create an open green space for all residents to use and enjoy. The book furthers that vision with illustrations of all kinds of people -- young & old, black & white, able-bodied & disabled -- taking up space in the park for walking, biking, rowing, and other leisurely activities. The author appears to have done extensive research and provides the reader with many details without getting too bogged down in them. A fascinating read that had me completely absorbed and learning so much!… (altro)

In 1858, New York City requested bids for the creation of Central Park. Two visionaries (Calvert Vaux and Frederick Law Olmstead) created what would be a template for many other cities, turning a mud pit with squatters into the first of America's landscaped public parks. Ashley Yazdani has beautifully illustrated and written about the 34 unique bridges, master gardens, fountains, pagodas, and so much more, covering 840 acres, built over 13 years. She even tossed in a challenge at the end for young readers to find the 22 gray squirrels in the book.… (altro)

A nonfiction picture book about the creation of Central Park in New York City. The book is a beautiful tribute to the park. It starts out with how they removed people from the land, created a contest that was used to get ideas for space, and the phases it took to build the park. While a little wordy at times for a picture book, people with a connection to New York will like this title. At the end of the book, the author adds different facts that were missing along the way. Such as who was displaced by the park, weddings in the park and a challenge to find 22 gray squirrels. I would have loved to have seen a color drawing of the completed park within the book. Illustrations show the diversity of the city.… (altro)