This post is part of Nonfiction Monday hosted today by Wendie's Wanderings
(pub. 9.12.2011) 32 pages
A True Tale with A Cherry On Top
A uthor: Becky White
and Illustrator: Megan Lloyd
C haracter: Betsy Ross
O verview from the jacket flap:
"Betsy ripped.
Rip, rip,
Seven rich,
Crimson strips.
Inch by inch, bit by bit, Betsy Ross clips, dips, and stitches.
What is she making?"
T antalizing taste: Rip, rip,
Seven rich,
Crimson strips.
Inch by inch, bit by bit, Betsy Ross clips, dips, and stitches.
What is she making?"
"Betsy snipped.
Snip, snip.
Thirteen stars.
Zip, zip.
Betsy dipped.
Dip, dip.
Indigo dye.
Drip, drip."
and something more: In Betsy Ross, Becky White's sparse text (64 words) and Megan Lloyd's "dyed, clipped, and stiched" illustrations perfectly convey the essence of Betsy Ross' creation of the American flag.
And the Author's Note includes a discussion of the stars that I hadn't heard before: "According to legend ... George Washington made a pencil sketch for the flag in 1776 ... each star having six points. However, Betsy Ross thought that five-pointed stars would look nicer. When George Washington said that this type was too difficult to cut, Betsy Ross showed him how to cut a five-pointed star with a single clip of her scissors." The back matter then gives step-by-step instructions of how to fold paper or fabric, and then with one snip of the scissors "Make Your Own Betsy Ross Star." I think I'll see if the second graders in the class in which I volunteer want to try it!
3 comments:
Hi Jeanne, this looks like a glorious picture book indeed. If the book cover is any indication, I'm sure it'd be a fun and colorful read. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Myra for your thoughts! Yes, the book is fun and colorful with an interesting approach to illustrations -- sewn picture. I actually love the "Indigo dye. Drip, drip" page too because it looks like modern art.
Becky White is an excellent writer and I can't wait to read her newest book.
Great going, Becky!
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