Elementary Secondary Higher Ed Common Reads
0 0
Download high-resolution image

The Man Who Made Parks

The Story of Parkbuilder Frederick Law Olmsted

Author Frieda Wishinsky
Illustrated by Song Nan Zhang
Paperback
$10.95 US
Tundra | Tundra Books
On sale Jan 13, 2009 | 32 Pages | 9780887769023
Add to cart Add to list Exam Copies

The story of Olmsted who designed some of North America’s most famous public spaces

When the great cities of North America were being built, little thought was given to the idea of creating “green spaces.” But these oases from the dirt, gravel, and noise of the crowded city streets were exactly what were needed. One of the few people to recognize this fact was Frederick Law Olmsted, North America’s first landscape architect.

Combining his love of nature with his admiration for the structured beauty found in the great public parks of London and Paris, Olmsted turned neglected, swampy acres on the edge of New York City into one of the most acclaimed parks in the world: Central Park. But Olmsted’s success was not earned overnight. He spent many years wandering from job to job, searching for the perfect career. And when he finally discovered his passion, few people were confident in his abilities. But Olmsted fought for the preservation of areas like Yosemite in the USA, and his perseverance would be rewarded: he went on to design some of the most famous public spaces in North America.
© Bill Wishinsky
Frieda Wishinsky is the international award-winning author of over thirty trade and educational books. Her books have earned critical acclaim and have been reviewed in magazines and newspapers around the world. Her book, Each One Special, was nominated for a 1999 Governor General's Award for text. Her book Jennifer Jones Won’t Leave Me Alone won both the 2004 Stockport and Sheffield Children’s Picture Book Award. Frieda's books have been translated into many languages including French, Dutch, Danish, Spanish and Catalan. Frieda loves using humor and history in her work and exploring new ways to tell a story. She lives in Toronto with her husband and family. View titles by Frieda Wishinsky
© Song Nan Zhang
Tundra artist Song Nan Zhang was born in Shanghai. He received a Masters degree from the Beijing Central Institute of Fine Arts, and his paintings have been exhibited in galleries around the world. After teaching at the Central Institute for several years, he visited Montreal, Canada, and decided to settle there with his wife and two sons to pursue his painting full time. His works on canvas have been regularly exhibited in eastern Canada, notably at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. View titles by Song Nan Zhang

About

The story of Olmsted who designed some of North America’s most famous public spaces

When the great cities of North America were being built, little thought was given to the idea of creating “green spaces.” But these oases from the dirt, gravel, and noise of the crowded city streets were exactly what were needed. One of the few people to recognize this fact was Frederick Law Olmsted, North America’s first landscape architect.

Combining his love of nature with his admiration for the structured beauty found in the great public parks of London and Paris, Olmsted turned neglected, swampy acres on the edge of New York City into one of the most acclaimed parks in the world: Central Park. But Olmsted’s success was not earned overnight. He spent many years wandering from job to job, searching for the perfect career. And when he finally discovered his passion, few people were confident in his abilities. But Olmsted fought for the preservation of areas like Yosemite in the USA, and his perseverance would be rewarded: he went on to design some of the most famous public spaces in North America.

Author

© Bill Wishinsky
Frieda Wishinsky is the international award-winning author of over thirty trade and educational books. Her books have earned critical acclaim and have been reviewed in magazines and newspapers around the world. Her book, Each One Special, was nominated for a 1999 Governor General's Award for text. Her book Jennifer Jones Won’t Leave Me Alone won both the 2004 Stockport and Sheffield Children’s Picture Book Award. Frieda's books have been translated into many languages including French, Dutch, Danish, Spanish and Catalan. Frieda loves using humor and history in her work and exploring new ways to tell a story. She lives in Toronto with her husband and family. View titles by Frieda Wishinsky
© Song Nan Zhang
Tundra artist Song Nan Zhang was born in Shanghai. He received a Masters degree from the Beijing Central Institute of Fine Arts, and his paintings have been exhibited in galleries around the world. After teaching at the Central Institute for several years, he visited Montreal, Canada, and decided to settle there with his wife and two sons to pursue his painting full time. His works on canvas have been regularly exhibited in eastern Canada, notably at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. View titles by Song Nan Zhang

Other Books by this Author

Related Articles

Books for National Depression Education and Awareness Month
Psychology

Books for National Depression Education and Awareness Month

For National Depression Education and Awareness Month in October, we are sharing a collection of titles that educates and informs on depression, including personal stories from those who have experienced depression and topics that range from causes and symptoms of depression to how to develop coping mechanisms to battle depression.

Read more

Books for National Depression Education and Awareness Month

Psychology
Literature

Horror Titles for the Halloween Season

In celebration of the Halloween season, we are sharing horror books that are aligned with the themes of the holiday: the sometimes unknown and scary creatures and witches. From classic ghost stories and popular novels that are celebrated today, in literature courses and beyond, to contemporary stories about the monsters that hide in the dark, our list

Read more

Horror Titles for the Halloween Season

Literature
Gender and Sexuality Studies History

Books for LGBTQIA+ History Month

For LGBTQIA+ History Month in October, we’re celebrating the shared history of individuals within the community and the importance of the activists who have fought for their rights and the rights of others. We acknowledge the varying and diverse experiences within the LGBTQIA+ community that have shaped history and have led the way for those

Read more

Books for LGBTQIA+ History Month

Gender and Sexuality Studies History
Subscribe

Penguin Random House Higher Education

© 2025 Penguin Random House

Back to Top
0
    • 0
    Wish List (0)