The Great Big Wagon That Rang

A vibrantly illustrated picture book provides an invaluable lesson in Colonial America's spirit and ingenuity when a patriotic farmer helps hide the Liberty Bell before British soldiers come to claim it.

Kindergarten-Grade 3-In rhythmic prose, Slate tells the dramatic story of how the Liberty Bell was saved from approaching British troops that intended to melt down the valuable metal for weaponry. The poetic text has a rhythm at times reminiscent of "The House That Jack Built": "It shaped the iron/that shod the wheels/that rolled the bed/of the great big wagon." The text rings out in bell-like tones: "The woodsman's ax rang-. The blacksmith's hammer clanged," making this a good choice for sharing aloud. Spearing's illustrations have a linear, printlike quality that gives them a historical feel, while their bright colors and dramatic perspectives appeal to the eye. An author's note details the Conestoga wagon and its unique part in American history, and also notes the differing historical accounts of how the Liberty Bell was saved. Some details, such as the lattenbells, are mentioned in text and shown in illustrations, but not explained. A great introduction to Revolutionary War studies for elementary-age children and a stirring piece of American history.
Robin L. Gibson, Perry County District Library, New Lexington, OH
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

PreS-Gr. 2. In 1777, a farmer uses his horse-drawn wagon to carry his produce to market in Philadelphia. Heading home after selling all but the hay, he stops to watch as a great bell is lowered toward the ground. Learning the bell must be hidden from the British soldiers, who will melt it down for ammunition, he takes it away in his wagon. He fools the Redcoat soldiers with fine nonchalance and saves the bell--the Liberty Bell. Rhythmic and rhyming without the rumpety-thump that characterizes too much of children's poetry, the natural-sounding verse conveys a good, pithy story within a specific historical context. Warm hues heighten the appeal of the attractive illustrations. The striped shading of colored shapes that form streets, buildings, pumpkins, clothing, and other objects suggests woodcut prints, and the parallel lines of black or gray give the pictures a look consistent with the early American setting. Spearing's imaginative endpapers show toy buildings, figures, and trees on a map of Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Based on both history and legend, the story takes on a life of its own. Carolyn Phelan
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