John and Annie Bidwell

Book excerpt: John Bidwell was a trailblazer who organized the first wagon train of Americans to come to California in 1841, where he made the most of every opportunity that came his way. He was a pioneer in the opening of the American West, a Gold Rush entrepreneur, a leader in California politics, an innovator in agriculture, and a generous donor to schools and churches. In 1865, as a new congressman in Washington, D. C., he met Annie Kennedy, who became his wife. Annie was active in the causes of education, Indian rights, women's rights, and temperance. This picture book biography portrays their love of nature, California, the town of Chico, and each other.