This is America: A National Treasury

by Miroslav Sasek

Overview

Selections from M. Sasek’s most popular children’s travel guides compiled into one big look at the United States and its unique history. Celebrated the world over for his famous children’s books, master illustrator and storyteller M. Sasek captured the essence of the world’s major cities and brought them to life for an entire generation of young readers. Now comes a new edition from the master. Culled from the pages of M. Sasek’s renowned series of illustrated children’s books, This is America is a witty, urbane, and child-friendly introduction to some of the United States’ most popular destinations. From east to west, this is an inspirational travelogue that introduces readers to the art, architecture, music, food, and traditions of multiple cities and states. From a rodeo in Texas to a subway car in New York City, with stops in Cape Canaveral and the Golden Gate Bridge, This is America is the perfect book for international travelers shopping for a gift to take home, and is also perfect for those looking for a nostalgic view on the history of the United States. This anthology includes excerpts from This is New York, This is Texas, This is San Francisco, This is Washington, D.C., and This is the Way to the Moon.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780789332585
Publisher:	Rizzoli
Publication date:	09/06/2016
Series:	This is . . .
Pages:	80
Product dimensions:	8.80(w) x 12.30(h) x 0.70(d)
Age Range:	8 - 12 Years

About the Author

M. Sasek (1916–1980) was born in Prague, Czechoslovakia. He is best remembered for his classic illustrated stories on the great cities of the world.

Editorial Reviews

12/01/2016
Gr 1–5—Five of the late Šašek's most popular U.S. state books have been combined into one volume to create a guide to the United States. The landscape of the nation is well represented in this charming though nostalgic reprint, from the skyline of New York City; the memorials of Washington, DC; and the rockets of Cape Canaveral, FL, to the longhorns of Texas and the hilly streets of San Francisco. Šašek's art style is folksy, with illustrations that are a mix of two-dimensional cartoonlike people and precise drawings of buildings and other structures. The people often have exaggerated noses and large eyes, which helps define their expressions. The buildings, however, are meticulously rendered, revealing Šašek's early training as an architect. The palette retains a vintage quality. The visuals are saturated but muted. Monochrome buildings are contrasted with a rainbowlike arrangement of cars and people on the street. The text is brief but pithy, covering the most essential information as succinctly as possible. The author periodically weaves in alliteration and witty comments that reveal a deep understanding of U.S. culture. This blends with the delightful artwork to make this selection amusing and fun for children and adults alike. VERDICT Purchase for geography collections. It is timely and relevant and has a lot to offer.—Gretchen Crowley, formerly at Alexandria City Public Libraries, VA

School Library Journal