Customer Reviews

The Model Maker: A World War II Veteran's Story

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The Model Maker is an incredible synthesis of art and history. Weber's lucid writing is brought to life by Slifer's innovative and lifelike watercolor illustrations which establish a powerful mood on the first page that continues through the entire book.. The book gives a straight forward history of the Battle of the Bulge that is easily within the grasp of school age children.

The story is told from the perspective of a veteran looking back on the events that shaped his life and altered the course of history. Way beyond just history, the book is a personal, inviting the reader into the confidence into the home of the narrator.

The simple writing style and full page illustrations work together to create a book that is at once inspiring and informative.

When I finished reading The Model Maker I felt like Uncle Bill was now my Uncle Bill. Brett Webber's simple yet clear and engaging text drew me into Uncle Bill's WWII experiences as well as his present purpose in making the model airplanes. As a retired elementary school teacher and reading specialist I can see that Model Maker as a useful tool to help children understand a significant yet often ignored time in American history. The glossory also makes this a useful book for children learning how to do research and write reports. Eileen Slifer's illustrations and color choices bring Uncle Bill to life. The black and white images of the WWII flashbacks give young readers visual clues that these pages are a story within a story. My dad is also a WWII veteran and I intend to give him this book as a gift.

This is such a well written little book with lovely illustrations. I especially like the one of the Uncle telling of his experiences to the two young men. It is a thoughtful real life account of one man's experience; his story told to future generations. This would make a great addition to a children's library or as a gift to a special soldier in your life to show that their service to our country will not be forgotten.

As a homeschooling mom, I am always looking for beautifully illustrated picture books to use in our history class. They make history come alive for all ages. In this book, I've found a great one! "The Model Maker" is a wonderful book introducing you to a WWII throught the eyes of a veteran who makes model airplanes. I love the history here, but more than that I love the sweet simple story! Your whole family will love this book!

I strongly recommend this story for kids of all ages. The art work added life to the characters. I feel as if I know Bill and his family. This is the type of book that brings history to life and makes children want to read more.

This book reminded me of the very best of what one can be when one isn't trying to be their very best, but is in fact just trying to be genuine and honest, and true to themselves. To me, this is when the true power of one's soul emerges, as it does with Uncle Bill in this tender story of a lifetime of love, loss, and lost potentials. What secrets is Uncle Bill hiding? We may never know. But we'll always be haunted by the possibilities. To me, that is the true power - and tragedy - of Weber's fragile masterpiece, the Model Maker.

This book is both heartwarming and informative. A very personal story that relates well to children about the very real experience of a WWII vet who simply but clearly tells about the Battle of the Bulge. The illustrations are a beautiful and expressive part of the story. Highly recommend this book.

What a wonderful story to share with children.The illustrations by Eileen Slifer are so real and warm.A nice calm way through a veterns eyes about war,family and just being a good person.The pictures are perfect with the story and grasp you attention immediatley.
I was blown away with this little gem..A treasure for any home library.

This is a simple, grandfatherly narrative of a WWII veteran's experiences overseas, brought to life by sensitive and gifted artwork. By the time you turn the last page, you will want to hug this precious gentleman and his wife. Stories such as these MUST be remembered and taught to the children of our nation.

This is a heartwarming feel good story. What a wonderful account of turning something bad (war) into something good. I would encourage both adults and children to read this book. A MUST HAVE!!!!