Customer Reviews

Sybil's Night Ride

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As a parent, nothing makes me happier than knowing my daughter is enjoying reading. And even better when the reading brings her inspiration. This is the case with Karen Winnick's Sybil's Night Rider. My daughter loves the book, fancying herself as Sybil. This is what a children's book should be - words that inspire upon graphics that ignite the imagination.

They are a delight to read. The illustrations charm me and all of the many children in my life (including a set of six-year-old triplets.) I love reading the books aloud and watching the chldren get excited by Ms. Winnick's heroic characters. Sybil's Night Ride is my favorite so far. Sybil is a brave and smart role model and the story is a wonderful adventure. Thank you, Karen Winnick. Keep writing and congratulations on another delicious read for kids (and me... their aunt.) Iris Rainer Dart

Karen Winnick's Sybil's Night Ride is the children's book every parent should obtain for the soul purpose of giving the best of children's literature and illustration to his or her child or pre-adolescent. Karen Winnick skillfully masters the historical story of Sybil Ludington and transcends it into a captivating 20 or so pages of beautiful words and detailed oil paints, the likes of which I have only seen in such genius as Van Gogh or Monet. This is a must, a bestseller, a joy. Also, look for Mr. Lincoln's Whiskers, the perfect complement.

I read Sybil's Night Ride tomy grandchildren and theywere totally captivated by this wonderful story and they loved the pictures which were so colorful and expressive. The greatest compliment--they want me to take them to follow Sybil's journey. Thank you,Ms. Winnick, for this treasure.

Our 2 1/2 year old daughter has lots of books; many of these are for older children, and are placed higher up on the bookshelf, waiting until she is ready for them. This book is the exception. She keeps pulling it down by herself, telling me her version of a story of a girl and her horse, an owl, a dog, her family, all details she gleans from the rich, evocative illustrations. It's already a favorite. Karen Winnick has created a masterpiece; her understated narrative strikes just the right tone without terrifying young readers, while providing rich, historical details of everyday life. The rendering of Sybil, her expressions, her hair, her clothes, all bring her immediately to life. Her tender relationships with her family, horse and community are the focus of the story, against the background of sheer bravery. A wonderful role model for my daughter. The archival map reproduced at the back of the book can actually be read to follow Sybil's route. Thank you Karen Winnick.

Certain children books have the magic that leaves lasting memories. The book paints a picture of a little known courageous girl that overcomes all odds to leave lasting historical mark. With vibrant art work the dark obstacles that she must surpass come alive. The book will set fire to a child's imagination. It is the perfect mix of a small simple story with a grand historical ladscape. I recommend to this anybody who wants to delight their child.

The message of empowerment that my daugter gleans from Karen Winnick's latest installment of what I hope will be a series of books from her on young women, is extremely important. However, the original artwork and thoughtfulness of the prose makes reading Sybil's Night Ride, for me, a pure pleasure.

After being tickled by the charming Mr. Lincoln's Whiskers, it's evident with the reading of Sybil's Night Ride that Ms. Winnick has a pattern of selecting a remarkable, but generally unknown, episode in American history. She then transforms this event into a magical tale, appealing to both historian and child.

Her protagonists are brave-hearted, young females making a difference in a very male-oriented world. She brings to light events that have escaped the attention of conventional chroniclers (because of their gender, one wonders?) and augments the telling with lush illustration and sweet report.

Her art is wonderfully engaging, if sometimes melancholy, and evocative of the period in the telling. I find so tactile as to be soul stirring.

A smart and interesting book, written for smart and interested readers.

With words and art, Karren Winnick captures the heroism of Sybil Ludington, a sixteen year old who desperately rides her horse to alert patriots that the British are burning Danbury and to rally forces to push them back. Winnick shows the courage of this young girl who braves the dangers of the night and the possiblility of being caught by British loyalists; she enhances the sense of peril and urgency with the dark colors of her illustrations. Young readers will relate to Sybil and will enjoy the suspense of this real-life tale from American history; more importantly, they will see that regardless of age, ordinary people can perform extraordinary acts of valor.

While reading this book to my 4-year old daughter, she was excited and amazed at the bravery of Sybil (as was I!). She poured over the illustrations and really paid attention to details, especially the facial expressions. What really made me happy was the fact that she asked questions afterwards - - the story seemed to inspire her and I'm sure we'll be reading it together many more times.