Award-winning children's-book author/illustrator Peter Spier turns his attention to the creation of the American national anthem in this informative and engaging picture-book. Composed by Francis Scott Key in 1814, as he witnessed the British bombardment of Fort McHenry, during the War of 1812, the song celebrates the continued presence and waving of the American flag, indicating that the fort had not fallen to the enemy. Spier uses the first, second and fourth verses of the song as his main text, pairing the famous words with illustrations both historical and contemporary. His extensive afterword gives the story of the song's composition - it was originally a poem entitled "The Bombardment of Fort McHenry" - and of the War of 1812 and the Battle of Baltimore. The musical notation accompanying the lyrics is also presented at the rear, along with a history of the flag flown during that fateful twenty-four hours...

An excellent introduction to the eponymous song and to the War of 1812, The Star-Spangled Banner was originally published in 1973, and then in this new edition in 2014. The text (as could be expected) holds no surprises, and is beautifully matched to the artwork. I particularly liked the two-page spread depicting all the places of worship, although the illustrated end-papers, which show both the evolution of the American flag and the many other flags used by various governmental personnel and military branches, were also lovely. I think Spier's choice to leave out the third verse (which speaks of the defeat and death of the enemy) was well made, given that this is a children's book, and a celebratory one. One wonders how he would have illustrated a line like "Their blood has washed out their foul footsteps' pollution," if he had not made this choice. The full version is presented at the back, so no relevant information has been omitted, from a historical and informational perspective. Although not explicitly about the 4th of July, this would make an excellent selection for this time of year, and is one I would recommend to anyone seeking children's books addressing the American national anthem and its history. ( )

the star spangled banner song with illustrations
1 book

Summary: This is a fun book that gives meaning to the National Anthem. At the end of the book, the story of "The Star Spangled Banner" is told in 5 different sections.
Access: Most of the book will be easy to read for the group. The summary at the end will have to be read together, and talked about.

The Star-Spangled Banner features large, often double-spread paintings for each line in our national anthem. The illustrations depict the 1814 Battle of Baltimore which inspired the lyrics. The first two verses comprise the illustrated story, while the remaining two verses, along with the sheet music are included in the back matter. Also included is an image of the original hand-written poem, a receipt for the 30' x 40' flag that flew over Fort McHenry (made and sold by Mary Young Pickersgill for the sum $405.90), a photograph of the battered Fort McHenry flag when it arrived at the Smithsonian Museum in 1907, and of course, historical information regarding the flag and battle. The endpapers feature "A Collection of Flags of the American Revolution and Those of the United States of America, Its Government, and Its Armed Forces."

At 48 pages and a sizeable 12.5" x 9", this book offers young readers plenty of opportunity to peruse its many small characters and details. The Star-Spangled Banner should have a place in every school.

A sprightly illustrated, perusable picture book.

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Postcard book.