You're a Grand Old Flag

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You're a Grand Old Flag (NOOK Kids) Pub. Date: 10/18/2011 Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers

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You're a Grand Old Flag (eBook) Pub. Date: Publisher: FreeHandMusic.com
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You're a Grand Old Flag Pub. Date: 6/3/2008 Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers

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You're a Grand Old Flag Pub. Date: 5/28/2007 Publisher: Walker & Company

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You're a Grand Old Flag (Library Binding - Reinforced) Pub. Date: 5/28/2007 Publisher: Walker & Company

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Overview

You're a grand old flag,

You're a high flying flag

And forever in peace may you wave.

Written in 1906 by George M. Cohan, "You're a Grand Old Flag" has been a favorite celebration song for generations of Americans. Now see it brought to life like never before as it is set with images of Americana, by the master of all things patriotic, Norman Rockwell. Children run to the swimming hole, families attend parades, a young couple kisses, and soldiers salute in this tribute to Norman Rockwell and the American culture, so beautifully immortalized in his art. With a foreword by Norman Rockwell's grandson, John Rockwell, this book is a treasure that families will love to sing along with.

Editorial Reviews

Publishers Weekly

Kimball's (The Cat's Meow) crisp folk art pays star-spangled tribute to Cohan's rousing patriotic song. Rendered in acrylic paint on distressed wood, the inventively textured paintings integrate images of Old Glory in wry ways as they accompany the lyrics. An eagle standing against the backdrop of the flag sports a vest featuring stars and stripes ("You're a high flying flag"). A pumpkin-headed scarecrow flanked by a pair of unfrightened crows with miniature flags in their beaks wears a star- and stripe-studded tuxedo and top hat ("You're the emblem of") and an indisputably proud rooster sports similarly flag-inspired formal wear ("Where there's never a boast or brag"). Kimball balances these entertainingly eccentric interpretations with more conventional renderings: a boat sails serenely past a lighthouse as two flags stand in the background ("And forever in peace may you wave") and a bell-topped one-room schoolhouse sits between two high flying flags ('Neath the Red, White, and Blue"). Kimball wraps up with a note on Cohan's creation of the song (originally titled "She's a Grand Old Rag," which proved too controversial), a brief roundup of "Flag Facts" and a score of the song. This patriotic paean will find an appreciative audience among folk art aficionados. Ages 5-8. (June)

Children's Literature

For those of us who are older, the name Norman Rockwell means something. We remember his artwork that appeared on the Saturday Evening Post and many other publications and advertisements. His style was distinctive and as a child I enjoyed looking at the magazine covers. He focused on American life and the simple things experienced by ordinary people. This collection of his work has been assembled to accompany the song from another famous person—songwriter George M. Cohan. This particular song was a World War I hit. Cohan also wrote musicals and was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in 1936. Knowing all that, I am really not sure that this picture book will have a lot of kid appeal. It takes a bit of understanding as to what was happening in America to make sense of illustrations that depict times long gone. The book could be used in a social studies program, music lesson and art programs, but without some adult assistance, it will probably only appeal to adults and in particular those of a certain age. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot

More Reviews (2) Fewer Reviews

School Library Journal

K-Gr 4

It is difficult to think of a more patriotic combination than Cohan's lyrics and Rockwell's artwork, and this picture book introduces both to a new generation of children. In a short but interesting introduction, John Rockwell discusses his grandfather's long career and some of the common themes found in his pictures. This is followed by a series of spreads, each pairing a few lines from the famous song with a good-quality, full-color reproduction of a familiar Norman Rockwell illustration. The lyrics are then repeated, with a different painting for each phrase. The choice of images is thoughtful, in some places suggesting new and occasionally humorous meanings for the words. The text is artistically typeset in a large font reminiscent of printing during the mid-1900s. Matching borders tie the book together in a cohesive visual whole. Illustration credits are appended, with thumbnails of each picture and captions stating when and where it first appeared. This volume has great appeal for Rockwell's fans, but readers must be sensitive to the fact that it portrays an idealized, predominately white view of America. You're a Grand Old Flag (Walker, 2007), with Warren Kimble's attractive folk art, is a good alternative.-Donna Cardon, Provo City Library, UT

Kirkus Reviews

The patriotic chestnut by George M. Cohan (first published and sung in 1906) is nicely paired (twice through) with iconic Norman Rockwell images of families, little boys, returning solders and lovelorn lasses. The span of Rockwell's career is made plain: The first line of the song, "You're a grand old flag," faces first an image of returning World War I Doughboys carrying their exultant children from 1919 and then, upon its repetition, the Look cover image of the moon landing. Humor leavens the nostalgia, as with the juxtaposition of "the home of the free and the brave" against a trio of nearly naked boys, their clothes strategically carried, running past a sign that says "No swimming." The undeniable appeal of Rockwell's work aside, with no clear visual narrative, there's not much for a kid to grab onto. Warren Kimble's charming 2007 picture-book version of the song holds much more child appeal. (illustration credits, introduction by John Rockwell) (Picture book. 5-9)

Product Details

ISBN-13: 9780802795755
Publisher: Walker & Company
Publication date: 5/28/2007
Pages: 32
Age range: 5 - 8 Years
Product dimensions: 10.73 (w) x 10.19 (h) x 0.38 (d)

Meet the Author

GEORGE M. COHAN (1878-1942) grew up on the road in a vaudeville family. After moving to New York in his teens, he and his musicals became hits on Broadway. You're a Grand Old Flag was the first song in a musical to sell over one million copies of sheet music.

WARREN KIMBLE is one of America's most successful folk artists. Originally an elementary art teacher in New Jersey, he was drawn to the serenity of Vermont, where he lives and works today. His favorite medium is paint on distressed wood—antique doors, breadboards, or tabletops that he and his wife travel widely to find. He and his wife, Lorraine, have 3 children and many grandchildren.

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