City of Angels [Hardcover]

Julie Jaskol (Author), Brian Lewis (Author), Elisa Kleven (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 1999 | Age Level: 5 and up | Grade Level: K and up

A gorgeous, informative look at one of this country's most fascinating and complex cities

Here is Los Angeles in all its many forms and guises, beautifully illustrated by collage artist Elisa Kleven--a native of L.A.--and narrated by L.A. journalists Julie Jaskol and Brian Lewis. From Hollywood and the La Brea Tar Pits to Watts Towers and the Getty Museum, twenty sites of interest are explored in large, detailed, whimsical pictures and in text that is both thoughtful and easy to read. Elisa Kleven has observed L.A. closely and translated its sights and rhythms into her magical artwork, just as she did for San Francisco in the best-selling City by the Bay (Chronicle). A map, introductory essay, and further fun-filled facts round out this tour of Los Angeles, giving readers in any part of the U.S. an appreciation of its long history, varied ethnic groups, and diverse, colorful neighborhoods.

Packed with people and places to look at and pore over, this book can be used by a wide range of children, teenagers, and adults. Perfect for use at home as well as in libraries and schools, it will tie into the subjects of California history, Spanish heritage studies, American individualism, and urban life.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

This nifty picture book/guidebook, the debut work of Angelenos Jaskol and Lewis, shouts "I love L.A.!" and may well elicit the same affection from readers. As reporters for independent newspapers in Los Angeles, the authors know well how to combine the histories of individual communities and human interest stories to create a pulsing biography of the nation's second-largest city. Readers who have never visited Southern California (and even those who live there) will take away a portrait of an urban center teeming with cultural and geographical diversity, as seen in the glitz of Hollywood and Beverly Hills, the springtime Blessing of the Animals ceremony on Olvera Street, the ringing of the Korean Bell of Friendship and the newly built Getty Center, dedicated to preserving and exhibiting fine art. Historically significant dates, anecdotes and fascinating fun facts abound, including those found in a brimming time line at the end of the book. Kleven (Abuela), also an L.A. resident, shares her favorite, often aerial perspectives of familiar places in joyfully bustling compositions of watercolor and cut paper. Her scenes, full-to-bursting with people, color and detail, suggest sunny bursts of confetti or the view through a kaleidoscope. And kids will love searching for the angels hidden in each painting. All ages. (Oct.)
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

Grade 2-5-Beginning with Chinese New Year, the authors take readers through a year in their city. The book opens with a colorful title page that features the entrance to the Los Angeles Public Library complete with hovering book-reading angels and ethnically diverse readers. The double-page spreads that follow introduce the attractions and neighborhoods of the sprawling City of the Angels through bright, exuberant collages filled with fascinating, minute details and a few paragraphs of text equally jam-packed with tidbits of information. Olvera Street, Angels Flight, San Pedro's Korean Bell of Friendship, Santa Monica's pier and merry-go-round, Leimert Park's street fairs, and the annual Los Angeles Times Festival of Books at UCLA are among the 20 sites and events that help give this city its unique, complex character. A three-page chronology that begins with Juan Cabrillo's arrival in 1542, a one-page historical overview, and a colorful map all help to make this a valuable, entertaining resource that will inspire readers to explore their own communities and learn about local history.
Ginny Gustin, Santa Monica Public Library, CA
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Hardcover: 48 pages
• Publisher: Dutton Juvenile; 1st edition (October 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0525462147
• ISBN-13: 978-0525462149
• Product Dimensions: 12.3 x 9.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,473,707 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A combination of magical illustrations and informative text., October 26, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: City of Angels (Hardcover)

As residents of Los Angeles we are thrilled to have a book which highlights our city, its diversity and its vivacity. Each page is a jeweled mosaic. We will enjoy introducing our grandchildren to their city in picture and word.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Celebration of what LA has to offer, December 6, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: City of Angels (Hardcover)

This book shows Angelenos and the world that there is much diversity to celebrate and enjoy in Los Angeles and it does it in a fun, colorful way. The illustrations are delightful and the text informative. Even long-time residents will learn something new. Fun for adults as well as kids. We bought them as gifts for everyone on our holiday list.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Book!, October 26, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: City of Angels (Hardcover)

This book is one of those rare children's books that teaches the adult as well as the child. I can only hope that the authors and the illustrator work on capturing the magic of other cities, just like they did with Los Angeles!