We, the People [Paperback]

Peter Spier (Author)

Book Description

Presented in easy-to-read language, We The People makes the Constitution fun and approachable for children. Spier gives the historical facts behind the writing of the document, while his colorful and realistic illustrations depict scenes of past and present American life. "...A joyful celebration of the people whose leaders created the Constitution..."--Booklist, starred review. Full-color throughout.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

With his characteristic attention to detail, Spier celebrates the Constitution by including the Declaration of Independence, the body of the document, amendments, a 1787 map of the U.S. and a photograph of each of the signers. He briefly outlines the history of the document and the events of its creation. The book covers similar ground as others published this anniversary year. Then, in 25-30 frames each spread, the artist tries to show what the words inspire. He depicts scenes of America in 1787 and 1987: one woman hangs clothes on a line in colonial days, a modern woman pulls clothes from her dryer; a prisoner sits in a stockade back then, another is seen inside today's prison cell. There are scenes of the U.S.'s roads and monuments, of national historic sites, of ordinary moments and day-to-day individual freedoms. Spier has created a tribute that can be appreciated in more than one sittingthe images are varied and exhaustive. All ages.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 48 pages
• Publisher: Doubleday Books for Young Readers (May 1, 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0385419031
• ISBN-13: 978-0385419031
• Product Dimensions: 12 x 8.4 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,690,960 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Information without overload, June 1, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: We the People (Hardcover)

I found this book a breath of fresh air for many reasons. I am a homeschooling mom of three children and have found that the topic of history in many books appears rather dry. This book is simply the Preamble of our Constitution with TONS of illustrations. These illustrations visually describe the Constitution much better than words ever could which makes this book appropriate for children of all ages. The pictures range from early to modern times, showing the evolution of our country and how the Constitution empowers and protects us even today. A short two page history of the Constitution as well as a copy of the original document are also included, only making this book all the more valuable to a family's library. ENJOY!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Classic American Education, October 11, 2005

By 

Tim Bauer (East Lansing, Michigan United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: We the People (Hardcover)

Artist and author Peter Spier, provides books that can inspire, entertain and educate both the mind of children and adults alike. His intricate drawings are full of detail and his choice of topics always serve to spark curiosity and focus youth on stories that will last with them their entire lives.

"We the People" is one of Mr.Spier's most historical and educational works, a definate classic, and I would encourage parents to seek his many other titles as well. "Noah's Ark", "People", "Bored Nothing to Do" etc.

Growing up in Shoreham, New York where Mr Spier resides, certainly was good fortune as I was able to be introduced to the works of this world class story teller and artist. Mr.Spier's works inspired me as a youngster and are books I will pass on to my own children. We could use more of such thoughtful and inspiring children's material. You cannot go wrong with any of Mr Spier's titles.

5.0 out of 5 stars A Patriotic Tribute to our Nation's Founding and Character, August 14, 2010

By 

Shanna A. Gonzalez "eyelevelbooks.com" (Gaithersburg, MD) - See all my reviews

This review is from: We, the People (Paperback)

Peter Spier's book presents the United States Constitution in a format that is particularly attractive to young people. Following a historical introduction to the document's inception and historical importance (supplemented with an 1787 map of the US), the book presents an illustrated version of the Preamble to the Constitution. In Spier's lavishly detailed style, he presents many scenes from Colonial America, juxtaposed against comparable scenes of America in 1987. Through these images the audience sees changes that have taken place in the intervening centuries: clothes washing-boards have traded in for washing machines, the pillory changed to an isolated jail cell. Men in Colonial dress lined up to cast their ballot have been joined by modern women, and a black and white child can reach across the modern grocery aisle to play with one another. The book includes a reproduction of the document's signatures (with images of the signatories) and the full text of the Constitution, both typed and in its original handwritten format.

In this book, the character of the American people (to whom the book is dedicated) are shown with a heartfelt affection that is made more significant when you realize that Spier immigrated to the United States in his mid-twenties, in 1952. His Dutch roots give him a uniquely perceptive insight into American culture, and they make this patriotic tribute to our nation's founding especially meaningful.

This excellent book is unfortunately out of print, but is available in public libraries and on the used book market.