Minn of the Mississippi [Paperback]

Holling C. Holling (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 11, 1978 | Age Range: 9 and up | Lexile Measure: 910L (What's this?)

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

• Age Range: 9 and up
  
• Paperback: 88 pages
• Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Company; illustrated edition (October 11, 1978)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0395273994
• ISBN-13: 978-0395273999
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 0.4 x 11.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (24 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #46,914 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #22 in Books > Children's Books > Science, Nature & How It Works > Nature > Water

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.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

49 of 50 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

Format: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.

30 of 30 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

Format: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.

26 of 26 people found the following review helpful

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

By Paul Hagar

Format: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.

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars This is my favorite book November 12, 1998

By [e-mail]

Format:Hardcover

I discovered this book when I was in fourth grade. I thought it was the best book ever written. I especially enjoyed the juxaposition of the biology of the snapping turtle with the history and geography of the Mississippi River

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Minn of the Mississippi May 9, 2007

By Fred T. Berry III

Format:Hardcover

Read this book as a child, and wanted it in my own personal library. Wonderful book!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing book for children August 5, 2007

By C. Jensen

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

I love this book because it teaches so much geography and history. The pictures are amazing.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great story for everyone,especially children January 20, 2011

By William A. Llano

Format:Paperback

I read this story in grade school,and I am glad that it is still available! A great introduction to turtles, and the history of America's greatest river, the Mississippi. Fascinating tale, great ending!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful book September 14, 2009

By RobRoy

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

Absolutely wonderful story and pictures of a turtle's century-long journey down the Mississippi River. It tells all about the great river by following the turtle through harrowing and exciting adventures. I remember reading this book in the second grade, then ordered myself a copy 50 years later!