(1) 4-6 Byrd (Electric Ben) carefully details the whos, whats, wheres, whens, whys, and hows behind Liberty's inception and throughout its construction, installation, and beyond. The thorough text gives equal weight to technical details and the personalities of those involved. Byrd inserts telescopic circles that magnify details in his superbly detailed watercolor and ink illustrations. Concluding with a dramatic vertical, double-page portrait of the statue. An author's note is appended. Timeline, websites. Bib.

Reviewer: Betty Carter | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2019

(2) 4-6 A large format gives the epic story of the ancient Greek hero Jason plenty of room. Each double-page spread tells a discrete section of the story; imposing, energetic illustrations capture fearsome monsters, the great ship Argo, and characters both mortal and immortal. The complexity and richness of both tale and pictures offer lots to pore over and ponder. An author's note is appended. Bib.

Reviewer: Susan Dove Lempke | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2016

(1) 4-6 Byrd divides Franklin's life into seventeen whimsically labeled double-page spreads covering topics ranging from his fascination with electricity to his ideas for social progress to his diplomatic roles. Informative, exploratory, nonpandering text is set on attractive pages; spot art and larger illustrations provide information and present a visual record. This book shimmers with excitement, begging to be read. Reading list, timeline. Bib.

Reviewer: Betty Carter | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2012

(2) 4-6 An oversize volume crowded with Byrd's intricate art, a thoughtful text, and sidebars mimics the style of Leonardo's famous notebooks. The basic facts about his life are woven throughout, but the real emphasis is on his work--his paintings, his anatomy studies, his scientific inventions--making this less a complete biography than a celebration of his inquiring spirit and creative vision. A timeline is included. Bib.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2003

(2) K-3 Told as a story within a story, this loving and reverent tribute recounts Saint Francis's answer to a donkey's complaints about his lot as a beast of burden. The narration takes the form of an original pourquoi tale, detailing the arrogant and prideful donkey's fall from grace. But there is redemption, for the donkey then figures in several New Testament stories. The illustrations glow with the richness of illuminated manuscripts, making the book a visual delight. Bib.

Reviewer: Mary M. Burns | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2000

(3) K-3 Finn MacCoul, following the instructions of his brave and clever wife Oonagh, poses as his own baby son and bests his enemy the gullible giant Cucullin in a battle more of wits than of strength. Cartoonish figures almost burst out of the illustrations, playing up the humor in this tall tale. Detailed source notes and a pronunciation guide are appended.

Reviewer: Pamela McCuen