– An Introduction to the Flag –
Book Blurb
The American flag waves in reverence for many—for the immigrants who came and built a nation with hard work and ingenuity and for all who continue to defend and serve our nation. The verse and artwork resonate with the symbolism that represents the very characteristics of our nation and offers young readers a clear understanding of how one part of our country says so much. The flag represents the freedom, the endurance, and the indomitable courage that makes America the home of the free and brave.
Details
- Title: America’s Flag Story
- Author: Karen S. Robbins
- Illustrator: J. James
- Publisher: Schiffer Publishing
- Publication Date: March 2020
- Pages: 32
- Ages: 5–8
- Age level: Early Readers
My Thoughts
To be honest, I’m not a fan of stories told in rhyme, but in this case, I didn’t feel it added or distracted from the story. It was fine.
My big ah-ha regarding this picture book was not over the text. It happened the moment I saw the cover and the illustrations. And along with the impressive art was the construction of this elegant book. It is hardcover, with slick, heavier pages that say to me that it intends to withstand lots of time and handling.
But as I continued reading I found even more reasons to like this book.
As I slowly assessed each page, I realized that most children would require an adult’s guidance, at least the first few times through. There are few words, approximately 200, and the flag story covers lots of time and happenings in just 32 pages.
This will leave much to be explained. So depending on the age of the child, you can offer very little and then add more information as the child grows.
The illustrations and text cover these points:
- A flag being sewn with stripes and five-pointed stars
- Immigrants (of course most five-year-olds wouldn’t understand this, so talk about it)
- Freedom for those forlorn (again, forlorn? time to talk)
- Purchasing flags for schools and proudly displaying various places
- Colors and symbols were displayed on airplanes
- What the 13 stars stood for and now 50 stars
- What the colors stand for
- Freedom
- The pledge is included at the back of the book
- Pictures of the flags that were flown from 1775 to present day at the back
- Flag Etiquette
- 26 state names with native American origins and the year admitted to the U.S.
- Flag-folding instructions
- How to fold and cut stars
I think if you’re made aware of these things, you’ll be more like me, you’ll want to promote this teaching aid to libraries and classrooms. And of course, home libraries!
What Concerned Me
As long as you’re aware that approximately 200 words of text can only provide an avenue to open further discussions, then I am not concerned about anything.
What I Liked Most
As I mentioned earlier, the cover and illustrations were what immediately caught my eye. Then, after reading the book several times, I considered the opportunities it might provide to talk about the flag and our freedom. I always came to the same conclusion.
This is perfect for opening discussions regarding several topics. I highly recommend it!
My thanks to Schiffer Publishing for gifting me this book and allowing me to post my honest opinion.
Rating
About the Author and Illustrator
Karen Robbins is an award-winning children’s author with more than 300,000 copies of books in print. She grew up in a patriotic family with her father and brother, who served in the U.S.M.C. Karen co-authored the adult book, Flags Across America, and the children’s Think! series. She lives in Gig Harbor, Washington where she writes, crafts, and designs books and toys for children.
Jeff James has over a decade of experience illustrating, producing award-winning packaging, and designing exhibits for retail and museum displays. In 2009, after moving to Seattle, he earned recognition from the Society of Illustrators of Los Angeles. He lives near New York City with his wife and daughter.
