Johnson, Aaron: - As I've hiked throughout different national parks and my home of Colorado, I've imagined stories about young boys and girls searching for treasure and, in the process, discovering the best treasure of all: the beauty of wild places. I've been inspired by my own searches for a treasure in the gorges and caves of Ohio, and by my dad, who discovered an ancient Native American settlement when he was just a teenager. ?I've always loved stories, but I didn't always love reading. That changed in sixth grade when my teacher, Mrs. Jones, gave me a copy of The Book of Three by Lloyd Alexander. I hope that the books in my series awaken a love for reading in kids just as that book did for me.I believe that the best way to care for our natural treasures is to first develop a deep connection with them. I hope you have been able to do so in these pages, and that you'll be able to get outside to develop an even deeper affection for the outdoors and national parks near you.