America the Beautiful

AUTHOR: Wendell Minor
ILLUSTRATOR: Katharine Lee Bates

From the Publisher:

Classic Americana and patriotism meet in this picture book version of the beloved song “America the Beautiful.”

Katharine Lee Bates’s timeless and beloved poem alongside art by award-winning author and artist Wendell Minor, capturing the magnificent beauty of the United States. Celebrate America’s ideals of togetherness and marvel at classic illustrations of her natural and historical wonders: from Yosemite National Park and the Garden of the Gods, to Mount Rushmore and Plymouth Plantation. This reissued edition includes an updated introduction, information about the poet, the composer of the song, the sheet music, a map and brief information about all twenty-one American locations depicted in the book.

Leah’s Thoughts:

This one is simple in structure; it’s just the lyrics to the familiar song, but the illustrations are what make it shine. Each page highlights a different part of the country, and it’s a great way to introduce kids to the beauty and variety of America. A peaceful, patriotic read for summertime.