August 1, 2005
K-Gr 2 -Each of these titles is part of a series of tall tales designed to generate enthusiasm for reading in newly independent readers. The problem with the books is that the subjects actually lived and had an impact on American history. Facts about their lives are documented in many resources, and Blair never distinguishes fact from fiction. He presents these figures as caricatures, never really commenting on their accomplishments. He confuses Daniel Boone with Davy Crockett, known for telling wild stories about wrestling with a grizzly bear, and doesn't mention the significance of the Wilderness Road that went through the Cumberland Gap. Johnny Appleseed didn't travel throughout the West, just the Ohio River Valley. And Annie Oakley likely didn't buy ice-cream cones for all the kids in Texas. The illustrations, digitally rendered in "Appleseed" and in acrylics in "Oakley" and "Boone", add to the books' cartoonlike flavor. Stephen Krensky's "Abe Lincoln and the Muddy Pig" (S & S, 2002) is a fine example of a biography for newly independent readers. It focuses on one event, generating interest in reading more about Lincoln's life. While well-written and competently illustrated curriculum-based materials are always welcome, these seem more like a badly produced television show than quality children's books." -Pamela K. Bomboy, Chesterfield County Public Schools, VA"
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