'Adventures with Jonny' Takes the Family Outdoors

DETROIT, MI--(Marketwire - Jun 12, 2012) - Michael A. DiLorenzo aims to get kids -- and their parents -- outdoors in his award-winning "Adventures with Jonny" series, including the newest title, "Road Trip to the Parks!" (www.AdventuresWithJonny.com).

For DiLorenzo, there's much at stake in Jonny's family camping trip to a national park. Today's children are not getting the gift of the great outdoors, which lasts a lifetime, he says. And too many families are missing out on the bonding that occurs during such an adventure.

"This is a shared experience, and one that will be talked about during family gatherings for years to come," says DiLorenzo, a father of three.

The book is illustrated with detailed, full-color drawings by Jennifer Julich that incorporate hidden pictures to search for. It's broken down into three sections: the story -- "Jonny's Road Trip Adventure"; "A Visit to the Parks Guide" with details about individual U.S. and Canadian national parks; and "Awesome Animals of the National Parks" to watch for. There are also plenty of tips, including:

• Games: There is ample entertainment for both drivers and riders in cars these days. BUT, the goal is to bond with the family, so consider a fun, albeit off-color game like "Road Kill Round-Up." A point system might go like this: two points for the first to spot a poor critter; three for whoever first correctly identifies the species; two points subtracted for a false road-kill call; three points subtracted for misidentifying the kind of road kill.
• Schedule stoppage time for pit stops: Being in a hurry should be left behind for the morning commute. When traveling across states and provinces, consider local culture. For example, barbecue in South Carolina is very different from Missouri's version. Enjoy diners and unique attractions, and don't be afraid to take notes.
• Consider rush hour: Whether the idea is to stop and check out a city, or simply to zip through it, bumper-to-bumper traffic is something to avoid. Some consideration for city driving can save your family hours of grid-locked misery.

About Michael A. DiLorenzo

Michael A. DiLorenzo is a married father of three residing in the outdoor-rich environs of Michigan. This is his fourth book in the "Adventures with Jonny" series, which is designed to entertain and educate children about the outdoors and the adventures that await them.