Minn of the Mississippi [Hardcover]

Holling C. Holling (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 8 and up | Grade Level: 4 and up

The history of the Mississippi River Valley is told in text and pictures through the adventures of Minn, a snapping turtle, as she travels downstream.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Outstanding book with beautiful colored illustrations and marginal drawings similar to those in his previous books. Wide interest level including adults." School Library Journal, Starred

About the Author

Born in Jackson County, Michigan, in 1900, Holling Clancy Holling graduated from the Art Institute of Chicago in 1923. He then worked in a taxidermy department of the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago and spent time working in anthropology under Dr. Ralph Linton. During this period, he married Lucille Webster and within a year of their marriage accepted a position as art instructor on the first University World Cruise, sponsored by New York University. For many years, Holling C. Holling dedicated much of his time and interest to making books for children. Much of the material he used was known to him first hand, and his wife, Lucille, worked with him on many of the illustrations.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Hardcover: 96 pages
• Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children; 1st edition (March 15, 1951)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 039517578X
• ISBN-13: 978-0395175781
• Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 8.9 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #71,754 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Born in Jackson County, Michigan, in 1900, Holling Clancy Holling graduated from the Art Institute of Chicago in 1923. He then worked in a taxidermy department of the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago and spent time working in anthropology under Dr. Ralph Linton. During this period, he married Lucille Webster and within a year of their marriage accepted a position as art instructor on the first University World Cruise, sponsored by New York University. For many years, Holling C. Holling dedicated much of his time and interest to making books for children. Much of the material he used was known to him first hand, and his wife, Lucille, worked with him on many of the illustrations.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

41 of 42 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars This is a book that will grow with your child., November 2, 1998

By 

Diane P. Levine (Los Angeles Pierce College, Woodland Hills, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Minn of the Mississippi (Paperback)

Within moments of hatching in the headwaters of the Mississippi River, Minn, a female snapping turtle, loses a rear leg when a boy shoots her. She is rescued by a native American boy, who cares for her until she is well enough to go out on her own. She travels down the length of the river, avoiding turtle hunters, cruising over waterfalls and dams, laying eggs, and taking part in the life cycle of the river. The story follows Minn through her 25 year trip down to the Gulf of Mexico. It is told from the turtle's point-of-view and there are many charming full page color illustrations that the younger child will appreciate. Notes, pictures and maps in the margins of the text give details of the geography of the Mississippi, its animals, plants, cities, dams, bridges, that the older child and adult reader will find informative and meaningful.

26 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Every child deserves a chance to read this book., February 5, 2001

By 

Gerome G. Torribio (Pomona, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Minn of the Mississippi (Hardcover)

At age 52, I can vividly remember discovering this book in my local library as a boy in 4th grade, especially the luminous color illustrations and drawings Hollings used to tell the story of the journey of a snapping turtle from the Mississippi's trickling source in Minnesota, to its fullness in the Gulf of Mexico. In following the life of "Minn," from hatchling to a veteran survivor of many predators and adventures, I learned the history and lore of the river and the animals and people who live in it and along its banks. This is a book that does not talk down to its young readers. I am buying one now to read again, and to share with any grandchildren who may come along in our family.

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Still wonderful after all these years, September 12, 2002

By 

Paul Hagar "hagar" (New Jersey) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Minn of the Mississippi (Hardcover)

I read this book in elementary school and went looking for it again last year as a gift for a niece. Be warned that there's a scene that she found really sad (Minn gets hurt) -- and it made her cry. So maybe it's not for sensitive first-graders. Still, the story is wonderful and little Minn is a great character. There's also a lot of fascinating natural detail. And stunning illustrations. It's a children's book version of a top-notch Nature documentary. "Nova" in print, if you will. Also check out Holling Clancy Holling's other books. They're all great, even looking back at them after three decades.