Not only is this by far the best book about Audubon I've come across for kids, but also one of the best books of its genre--illustrated histories and biographies for kids. The artwork is high-quality and beautiful, just what one would hope for in a book about on artist. Many books about artists fail in that regard, but not this one; this one delivers. And the text is both easily understood and accessible AND very interesting material, even for adults. Not only do we learn about Audubon (indeed we feel as if we've met him by book's end), but we also learn about what Kentucky was like in the days when it was still a frontier area, including natural wonders which Audubon was there to see--the Great New Madrid Earthquake of 1812-1813 and the incredible appearances of the immense flocks of passenger pigeons which darkened the skies in those years (creatures which lived in Kentucky then but which are now extinct). We meet Native Americans, with whom Audubon had a good relationship, and we are even treated to a cameo appearance by Daniel Boone in his elder years. An excellent book, "Audubon, Painter of Birds in the Wild Frontier" belongs in the same category with "Boss of the Plains: the Hat That Won the West" and with the classic D'Aulaire histories and biographies.
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Audubon: Painter of Birds in the Wild Frontier Hardcover – March 1, 2003
by
Jennifer Armstrong
(Author),
Jos. A. Smith
(Author)
Briefly tells the story of this nineteenth-century painter and naturalist who is most famous for his detailed paintings of birds.
- Reading age5 - 9 years
- Print length40 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- Grade levelKindergarten - 4
- Lexile measure790L
- Dimensions9.5 x 0.5 x 12.5 inches
- PublisherHarry N. Abrams
- Publication dateMarch 1, 2003
- ISBN-109780810942387
- ISBN-13978-0810942387
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Editorial Reviews
From School Library Journal
Grade 2-5-This stunning picture book presents intriguing episodes from the life of the acclaimed American naturalist. The flowing narrative engages readers' interest and simply does not let go. Armstrong guides youngsters through the wilderness that Audubon traveled, relating the experiences that helped to shape his artistry. His meeting with frontiersman Daniel Boone, the evening he shared the inside of a tree with 9000 swifts, and his survival of an earthquake are retold in spellbinding detail. Smith's watercolor illustrations are so lifelike that one can virtually feel the beat of the swans' wings as the birds attack a pack of wolves. Several samples of Audubon's own artwork add to the artistic appeal of the book. The text is well documented, combining a mixture of primary and secondary source materials. While a smidgen of historical license has been taken in order to create drama, it does not detract from the overall usefulness of the work as nonfiction. It is far more engaging than Robert Burleigh's Into the Woods: John James Audubon Lives His Dream (Atheneum, 2003). A must-have for most collections.
Robyn Walker, Elgin Court Public School, St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Robyn Walker, Elgin Court Public School, St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Booklist
Gr. 2-4. This large-format book introduces nineteenth-century-painter John James Audubon by weaving together several incidents from his life on the American frontier. One involves an earthquake, another records a meeting with Daniel Boone, while the others chronicle amazing experiences as he observed flocks of passenger pigeons, swallows, and trumpeter swans. As these stories unfold, readers learn about Audubon's love of roaming the wilderness and painting birds. The narrative, which ends somewhat abruptly, is followed by an author's note and an artist's note that include information about Audubon's life and accomplishments as well as some background on the incidents in the book. The watercolor paintings take full advantage of the large, double-page spreads; their varied layouts create scenes that are pleasing in composition and color and often dramatic in content. Many picture-book biographies read like simplified encyclopedia entries. Taking a different approach and writing vividly, Armstrong creates a more memorable portrait of Audubon for young readers. A good read-aloud for units on the American frontier and a vivid introduction to the man. Carolyn Phelan
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
About the Author
Jennifer Armstrong has written more than two dozen books for young people, including several ALA Notable Books and ALA Best Books for Young Adults, as well as a Boston Globe/Horn Book Honor Book. She lives in New York. Jos. A. Smith has illustrated many books, including Abrams' Circus Train and The Yellow House. A Professor of Fine Arts at Pratt Institute, he has exhibited his work throughout the country. He lives in Pennsylvania.
Product details
- ASIN : 0810942380
- Publisher : Harry N. Abrams; First Edition (March 1, 2003)
- Language : English
- Hardcover : 40 pages
- ISBN-10 : 9780810942387
- ISBN-13 : 978-0810942387
- Reading age : 5 - 9 years
- Lexile measure : 790L
- Grade level : Kindergarten - 4
- Item Weight : 1.28 pounds
- Dimensions : 9.5 x 0.5 x 12.5 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #344,476 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #131 in Children's Art Biographies (Books)
- #467 in Children's Historical Biographies (Books)
- #946 in Children's Bird Books (Books)
- Customer Reviews:
Customer reviews
4.8 out of 5 stars
4.8 out of 5
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- Reviewed in the United States on October 21, 2012
- Reviewed in the United States on November 16, 2007This is a wonderful book for introducing young children to Audubon. It is filled with a collection of different stories of Audubons adventures. This book keeps the attention very well of young children. I always know if the book is a "hit" in our house because my children will act out in their free time what we read about. Not only has my six year old acted out the book, but he's also started carring around paper and pencils to draw birds like John Audubon. It is a great living book.
- Reviewed in the United States on March 15, 2018Book arrived in great condition it’s just what I was looking for
- Reviewed in the United States on April 1, 2013This book was perfect for my children, ages 7 and 11, to learn about Audubon. It contains very interesting highlights from his explorations and has gorgeous illustrations. In the back there is more biographical information as well as an example of his work. We checked out an adult biography from the library to go with it so they could get a better sampling of his art.
- Reviewed in the United States on December 19, 2010Large, 9x 12 inch fully illustrated story of John James Audubon's life for the young reader. Many authors notes.