(4) 4-6 Each spread in this attractive volume highlights a proverb written--or reprinted--by Ben Franklin in his Poor Richard's Almanack. Extra-large type and ample white space make sayings like "Speak little, do much" pop right off the page. Unfortunately, the paragraphs that explain each aphorism and provide biographical details are in teeny-tiny fine print. Facing pages feature textured, woodcut-like drawings.

Reviewer: Tanya D. Auger

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Michael McCurdy. The classic Steve Goodman song is illustrated with McCurdy's distinctive scratchboard and watercolor paintings. The heavy, linear art conveys the weight of the steel locomotive and the length of the journey. The text is also paced thoughtfully so the page turns help those familiar with the music maintain the rhythm of the song. The book will work well for both young train buffs and older folk music fans.

Reviewer: Maeve Visser Knoth

(2) 4-6 Illustrated by Michael McCurdy. Quietly dignified, with stately black-and-white illustrations, the format of this impressive volume reflects its subject. A brief essay introduces each state, followed by short presentations on the state's delegates, each featuring a cameo-like portrait and an interpretive vignette. A reproduction of the original document and a printed version are included in this thoughtfully conceived and well-executed book. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Mary M. Burns | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2003

(4) 1-3 Illustrated by Michael McCurdy. Formatted as a multi-part letter written while he was a prisoner of the British in the War of 1812, this account of the early career of David Farragut compels attention. Initially a little confusing because of numerous flashbacks, the imagined letter offers anecdotes and woodcut illustrations showing the assumption of command by the twelve-year-old American captain and future admiral. Bib., glos.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(3) 1-3 Illustrated by Michael McCurdy. Adapted from Edgar Rice Burroughs's 1914 novel Tarzan of the Apes, this picture book faithfully re-creates the original book's thrilling, albeit unrealistic, jungle environment, in which a boy raised by apes gradually discovers his humanity. Scratchboard illustrations lend dignity to Tarzan's often violent adventures, while an author's note gives a thoroughly and engagingly personal account of Tarzan lore.

Reviewer: Christine M. Heppermann

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Michael McCurdy. Huffing, puffing, smoking railroad engines appear majestically in McCurdy's fine scratchboard and watercolor illustrations of the building of the transcontinental railroad. Kay's history lesson is set out in spare lines of verse, which move events briskly along. The book provides a strong, memorable taste that will surely enliven many a social studies lesson.

Reviewer: Margaret A. Bush | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 1999

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Michael McCurdy. Anti-war sentiment pervades this anthology that, while paying tribute to the courage of those in conflict, more often laments the horror and futility of war. Well-known poets include Yeats and Sandburg; many others, such as those from ancient Greece and China, are obscure. The verses, which cover battles from the fifth century to Vietnam, are not organized chronologically. Scratchboard drawings contain a somberness and gravity befitting their subject matter. Ind.

Reviewer: Carolyn Shute

(3) K-3 'The Sailor's Alphabet' is a sea chantey sung by early American sailors to pass the time as they worked. While showing a view of life at sea for these men, the song also describes the ship and its equipment, providing a history lesson along with the poetry. The scratchboard and watercolor illustrations seem a bit stiff, but the overall effect is authentic.

Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc.

(2) 4-6 Illustrated by Michael McCurdy. This sumptuous new gift edition is illustrated with vigorous woodcuts.

Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc. | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 1943