Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks reccomend the following books:

Chasing Monarchs: Migrating with the Butterflies of Passage
by Robert Michael Pyle
Intrepid lepidopterist and writer Robert Michael Pyle chases monarchs from Washington State to solve the mysteries of their migration. A young boy in Aptos finds one of Pyle’s tagged monarchs and plays an important part in the story. This fall you can check out these tiny wanderers yourself at Natural Bridges State Beach.

Georgiana:Feminist Reformer of the West: The Journal of Georgiana Bruce Kirby (1852-1860)
By Georgiana Bruce Kirby
Read the amazing story of a pioneer woman with deep ties to the local community, including the Meder family who once owned the lands that became Wilder Ranch. Read about local history, then visit Wilder Ranch to enjoy hands-on living history demonstrations.

The California Missions: History, Art and Preservation
by Edna E. Kimbro and Julia G. Costello
This gorgeous coffee table book weaves text and images to create an engaging profile of the iconic California Missions. Begun by beloved local historian Edna Kimbro before her death, the book was lovingly finished by Julia Costello. Come and explore the oldest building in town at the Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park, another part of Edna’s legacy.

Redwoods
By Jason Chin
This fun book features all the facts and figures your junior scientist could want, wrapped in vivid scenes from a child’s imagination. After enjoying the story, visit the real redwoods at The Forest of Nisene Marks. You may spot many of the plants, birds and animals that appear in the book’s wonderful illustrations in our favorite redwood park!

Rancho San Andrés Castro Adobe: Documenting the Preservation of History
by Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks.
Ever wonder how an historic building is saved? Follow the progress of preservation, one brick at a time, at the Castro Adobe State Historic Park in Watsonville. Once restoration is complete, the Adobe will tell the story of the Mexican-era Californios. Learn the history of the Adobe and how dedicated volunteers saved this hidden gem for future generations.

Please note: This book is only available in the store.

Forever Facing South: The Story of the SS Palo Alto
by David W. Heron
Who ever heard of a cement ship? Read the fascinating history of this oil tanker turned dance hall and how it came to rest on the shore at Seacliff State Beach. Head over to Aptos and take a long walk on a short pier to compare the crumbling wreck with the old photos, and enjoy the teeming wildlife currently inhabiting the old ship.

Please note: This book is only available in the store.

The Tallest Tree
&
Redwood Tree Stacking Blocks

Young children will enjoy this board book and companion set of stacking blocks. The toddlers connected with Friends all give this selection two thumbs up!