Customer Reviews

The Star-Spangled Banner (Reading Rainbow Books)

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our four-year-old claims this is his FAVORITE book. Perhaps it is because his mother chokes up and tears drop to her cheeks as she reads this book. We have found that this is an excellent read-aloud and has stretched our four-year-old's language skills in many ways. As if The Star Spangled Banner weren't moving enough, the arrangement of pictures flows along with the words of the song to create an image of heroics and bravery. In addition, little incidentals like soldiers feeding their horses and wet clothes hanging to dry aboard ship cause us to remember that these were real people fighting. Peter Spier mixes history with the present as he causes us to remember what these men were fighting for. We see schools and businesses, Arlington Cemetery and the Statue of Liberty, cities and rural farms, synagogues and churches, Amish buggies and a Friends Meeting House all as evidence of our cultural diversity. We also see that the fight continues as we witness a renovation project and scientists working in a lab. The first, second and fourth verses are illustrated. The pictures help the capable parent define words such as "conceals" and "discloses." In addition, the artwork contains so much information and story that conversation just develops as the book is read. There is an oustanding collection of Flags of America and a thorough history of the War of 1812. The words to all four verses of the Star Spangled Banner and the music by J Stafford Smith follow. Peter Spier is becoming our hero as the author of our favorite children's books.

Peter Spier is one of my favorite illustrators of children's books. Here, his illustrations for three verses of Francis Scott Key's poem and song, "The Star-Spangled Banner," provide an excellent introduction for children to the meaning behind his famous lyrics.

I usually read this aloud to primary classes around a patriotic holidays. This year, because of our late school year, I read it for Flag Day. Since the words and historical setting are unfamiliar to most younger students, I have begun introducing this book with "The Story of 'The Star Spangled Banner,'" which can be found in "The Children's Book of America," edited by William J. Bennett. These two volumes make fine companions.

Even with this introduction, Key's text needs explaining, however with Spier's finely detailed illustrations, this task is much easier. Children love to examine the intricacies and they usually come up with some excellent comments and questions. On the page featuring Arlington National Cemetery, they ask about who died in battle, why some of the grave markers are stars instead of crosses, and why the flag is flying at half-mast.

Our copy of "The Star-Spangled Banner" is nearly worn out from heavy use. That should say something about the popularity of this excellent patriotic book.

I purchased this book for my youngest grandson. Andrew was in first grade and had discovered the library! The problem was he loved this book so much that he didn't want to turn it back in. My daughter in law got notes from the librarian that it was late. She searched out the book, put it in Andrew's backpack and firmly told him that he had to return it. Sure enough, days later she would again hear from the librarian. He even cried when he was told that he had to turn it in.

I went on this site to see if I could possibly find The Star-Spangled Banner in the exact form...it is an older book. Sure enough here it was. I talked to Andrew and told him I had ordered him his very own copy of the book and that he could now give the book back to the library. He did. I did.
We all lived happily ever after.

The book is great. The illustrations are wonderful. The words are timeless...the actual words to the song. Maybe your little ones would love to have this as much as Andrew does!

The strains of America's National Anthem are no doubt familiar to most American children, but this patriotic tribute by Peter Spier provides compelling visual interpretations for the song. Alternating between well-researched historical vignettes and modern American scenes, Spier illustrates verses one, three, and four of our anthem, line by line. An afterword includes a historic description of the events leading up to our National Anthem's writing, with photo of the original manuscript penned by Francis Scott Key, a map of the Battle of Baltimore, and a musical score with all four verses.

As in Spier's other books, attention to detail makes this an exceptional read, providing plenty of visual interest for readers and non-readers alike; and each scene is infused with a refreshing patriotic vigor. The fact that Spier himself became an American citizen later in life gives him a fresh perspective that those who grow up on its soil can learn from. By juxtaposing history with modern experience, he connects the reader's experience with the generations of citizens who laid the foundation for the modern American way of life.

This book is an excellent companion to Spier's similar volume, We the People, which is a tribute to the American Constitution. It's best suited for elementary ages.

I wouldn't teach children about the history of our national anthem without this book! The illustrations truly help young students picture the setting for the penning of the lyrics to the Star Spangled Banner. The additional information and illustrations in the back of the book are an excellent resource for any music or classroom teacher. This is the second time I have purchased this book... I loved using the first copy in my elementary music classroom for years but needed my own copy when I retired. There are many books illustrating the lyrics; I feel this is superior.

Thanks so much for this book! My girls are going to really enjoy it.

This book is great for young minds learning about the great history of America. It reminded my son and I of the opportunities we have here because of the freedom we enjoy and that is due to the many brave soldiers who have fought over the years for that very purpose. Also, wonderful illustrations!!!