Hidden New Jersey (Search & Seek Books) [Hardcover]

Linda J. Barth (Author), Hazel Mitchell (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 1, 2012 | Series: Search & Seek Books | Lexile Measure: 990L (What's this?)

This whimsical and magical book about the great state of New Jersey will delight readers of all ages with historical, cultural, and fun facts. Readers can uncover hidden items on each page. There is much to see and do in the third state of the Union.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Linda J. Barth is a retired fourth-grade teacher who lives in Somerville, New Jersey. She is very active in the Canal Society of New Jersey, one of the largest historical societies in the state. Hazel Mitchell has illustrated over 12 children's books including All-Star Cheerleaders in the Tick Tock Taylor Series, Why am I Here?, and Sabu and Me which was awarded Creative Child Magazines's Picture Book of the Year in 2010. Hazel lives in Detrioit, Michigan.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Mackinac Island Press (February 1, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 193413323X
• ISBN-13: 978-1934133231
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 10.1 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,329,595 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Haze Mitchell lives and works from her studio in Maine. She has 2 horses, 2 dogs, a cat and several snow shovels. Originally from Scarborough in Yorkshire, UK, she served in the Royal Navy before following her dream to illustrate children's books.

She loves the sea, sailing, gardening and lobster. But she still misses fish, chips and mushy peas from Yorkshire.

Contact Hazel about any of her books at [e-mail] and see more of her work online at http://hazelmitchell.com or on her fan page on Facebook.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars A Garden of a State! February 27, 2012

By Donna

Format:Paperback

HIDDEN NEW JERSEY by Linda J. Barth, illustrated by Hazel Mitchell, is packed with fun facts about New Jersey. On each page you'll learn a dozen or so interesting things about the Garden State. Did you know that the first professional basketball game and first baseball game with modern rules were played in NJ? Or that it has a science facility where horses run on a treadmill for exercise? Or that lava from a prehistoric volcano formed the ridges of the Watchung Mountains? Learn which famous people are associated with NJ, why it's called "the garden state," the reason for the boardwalk, the wildlife abundant there, and much more!

Admittedly, the rhyming verse on each spread is a bit off and the rhythm is not consistent. The same stanza is used twice about the shore when I think a second could have been easily written, especially with so many marvelous details at hand. The facts, too, should have been verified. For example, one page states that NJ is home to seven lighthouses and another page claims eight. Still, I think it reveals a fascinating history overall.

What really brings this book to life are the illustrations. Colorful and eye-catching, they invite young (and old!) readers to explore the pages again and again. There is just the right blend of images and white space, so the reader has plenty to see and learn without the book seeming too "busy." An added bonus is the "search & seek" feature. Each spread shows an average of five objects to find-and don't forget to look for the bumblebee throughout!

5.0 out of 5 stars DELIGHTFUL AND INSPIRING WAY TO BRING HISTORY AND A STATE TO LIFE January 28, 2012

By M. Moran-Bishop

Format:Paperback

HIDDEN NEW JERSEY, written by Linda J. Barth and Illustrated by Hazel Mitchell. This beautifully illustrated book gives a look into the history and sites of New Jersey. It is a truly marvelous way to teach children about the state and get them enthralled in learning history.
Linda J. Barth not only knows her state but makes it a fun and magical experience for children to learn from. It also offers the game of finding the hidden objects on each page, thereby, holding the interest of any child.

Hazel Mitchell's glorious colored Illustrations can only be considered art. They are the true highlight of this book, one that makes the reader of any age want to turn the page. They help to hold the interest and enjoyment in anyone reading this book.

Hidden New Jersey cannot be considered just another picture book for children. It is a history lesson, a place to learn how great the state of New Jersey is and where to go. Holding the attention of both the young and the young of heart, each page is a delight in movement, beauty and knowledge. The little rhymes bring a song to the illustrations.

Hidden New Jersey will carry the child down the path to enjoyment in books, reading, art, and history. I would recommend this book to anyone whether they live in New Jersey or not.

4.0 out of 5 stars Hidden Delights! January 24, 2012

By B. Miller

Format:Paperback

Shades of "Where's Waldo"! Remember the fun you had in searching for, and finally finding, Wally's red and white striped shirt and bobble hat hiding somewhere in a detailed double-page spread illustration? In "Hidden New Jersey," author Linda J. Barth and illustrator Hazel Mitchell take young readers "paddling" through the history and landscape of our third state of this union. The book is presented in double-page spread detailed illustrations, featuring the people, places and inventions, the historical events and current sites of wonder that hail from New Jersey. And for each illustration, young readers are invited to find state specific hidden treasures.

Young readers are introduced to fascinating - and perhaps little known -- facts of New Jersey. They explore the spot where George Washington crossed the Delaware River in 1777. Where the first college football game was played in 1869. Where famed scientist Albert Einstein lived and taught for twenty years. Where the first commercial use of the wireless telegraph was demonstrated "down the shore." Each spread is introduced with one to two rhyming stanzas. At times the rhyming seems forced, even intrusive, as found in the line, "George Washington's superb, that sly old fox./ Winning our independence, he really truly rocks!" Much more interesting, Linda has expertly gathered tidbits of information that are peppered throughout the illustrations, each presenting the context of the scenes and other details.

And in fact, the illustrations are the true wonder of the book. Using pencil to draw the outlines, then digitally coloring the illustrations in photoshop, Hazel pieces the elements together like a jigsaw puzzle.... Historically accurate scenes sweep across the double spread, landscapes morphing into each other as new details emerge. Introduced on the first page, characters representing young readers romp through each scene, discovering not only facts about the state but enticing the young readers to find the hidden treasures. And young readers, and even us old turnips, will enjoy hunting down these treasures!

What a fun book to add to your collection! Teachers may find this book an excellent way to introduce geography and state history to young students. Read more ›