About the Author:
Washington Irving, named for General George Washington, was born in New York City in 1783, just as Americans learned that a British ceasefire would end the Revolutionary War. Irving later honored his namesake by writing a five-volume biography of the first U.S. president. But before that, Irving was America’s first truly best-selling author, and possibly the first American man to make a living entirely with his writing. Some also consider him the first American master of the short story. Irving didn’t write specifically for children, but he told adventuresome, mystical yarns that were accessible to everyone, the young included.
From School Library Journal:
Grade 1–5—Washington Irving's classic tale of Rip Van Winkle, who fell asleep for 20 years and woke to find an unfamiliar world waiting, is presented here utilizing the vocal talents of Stephen McLaughlin. Following Rip's story, McLaughlin tells Irving's tale about Tom Walker, a man so miserly that he and his wife tried to cheat each other in an attempt to increase their wealth. Their greed eventually cost Tom's wife her life and placed Tom in debt to the devil. These stories are told in their entirety, which may make them better suited for upper elementary students. The narrator does a solid job of breathing new life into these often-told tales. His pacing and tone variation will keep older listeners engaged.—Jeanna Romriell, Salt Lake City Public Library, UT
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.