The Big Book of America

A complete guide to the fifty states highlights state capitals, flags, songs, birds, and flowers and is packed with interesting details and colorful picture maps that provide information on the agriculture, natural history, and tourism in each state.

Grade 3-5-This slim, oversized volume presents the symbols, a map, and sound bites of historical trivia for each of the 50 states. The straightforward and succinct single-page entries are arranged in the order in which the states joined the union. However, there is nothing here that cannot be found in any standard encyclopedia article. The historical approach is interesting, although most children will not read the book cover to cover. It is more helpful for providing quick and easy facts for those ever-present school assignments. The illustrations are clear and softly colored; the format is attractive. An additional purchase where needed.
Beth Tegart, Oneida City Schools, NY
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Originally published in Great Britain, this introduction to the U.S. states is intended for use by elementary-school children. Arranged chronologically by admission to the Union, each state is allotted one page containing a two- to four-paragraph thumbnail sketch of its history and present-day characteristics. Included for each state is its motto, nickname, and flag as well as a pictorial map. Other information, varying by state, includes a drawing of a historic site or an important person, farm crops, the state flower, tree, bird, insect, mineral, and/or fossil. The drawings are colorful, and the names of the states bordering the targeted state are clear. There is a brief index and an introduction that provides general information along with a map of the U.S. Unfortunately, the labels "Texas" and "Kansas" are obscured by the stitching of the binding. The format of this large (10 inches by 13 inches) book is attractive. Although much of the information is available in juvenile encyclopedias, its inexpensive price makes it an excellent buy for classrooms, library media centers, and public libraries.