CLCD Newsletter - Kristy Lyn Sutorius
Told through the person of Bill, the bird keeper, Pearl begins with an historic look at this national symbol, noting the Founding Fathers' desire for a bird which embodied the noble traits of the new nation, including "strength, courage, and freedom." After narrowly beating out Ben Franklin's nomination, the wild turkey, the men decided on the bald eagle. Since then, this bird has become a permanent fixture on American currency and other important government documents. Bill then touches on the bald eagle's eating and mating patterns, the efforts to protect it, and what kids can do in order to insure they will be around for others to enjoy. Initially protected under the Eagle Protection Act of 1940, the bald eagle population still declined. Not until the use of DDT was banned in the United States did the number of birds start to increase. Now after a long battle, this beautiful bird is making a comeback, and Pearl's work encourages kids to learn more with his list of library and web resources. When paired with lessons on preserving our national forests and the Endangered Species List, the work can be shared during Science or History lessons. Pearl and Skeens provide a versatile, crisp look at a usually dusty and overlooked subject, this "American Symbols" title is great for public and school libraries alike.
July 1, 2011School Library Journal - Jayne Damron
These attractively illustrated books introduce the history and significance of two of America's national symbols. In Liberty Bell, students will learn about the purchase of the bell, its Revolutionary War history, its symbolic use by abolitionists, and its famous fissure. Bald Eagle reviews the historical debate over the national bird, common traits associated with it, depictions of the bald eagle on currency and on the Great Seal, and facts about the species itself. Skeen's contemporary watercolors give a friendly and accessible cast to the symbols and events under consideration. With their large font, short sections, and clear writing, these titles will satisfy teachers looking for straightforward introductions to core democratic symbols for early primary-grade students or for elementary-aged new Americans.
May 1, 2007
