The Star-Spangled Banner

by Peter Spier

Overview

Due to careful research, Spier's artwork depicts "the dawn's early light" and "the rocket's red glare" with remarkable authenticity and detail in this celebratory book. Among the highlights: a brief history of the anthem, a reproduction of Francis Scott Key's original manuscript, music for guitar and piano chords and many photographs.

A Child Study Children's Book Committee: Children's Book of the Year, An American Bookseller Pick of the Lists.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780385376181
Publisher:	Random House Children's Books
Publication date:	05/27/2014
Edition description:	Updated
Pages:	56
Product dimensions:	8.70(w) x 12.30(h) x 0.50(d)
Age Range:	5 - 8 Years

About the Author

PETER SPIER was one of America's most popular and renowned children's illustrators. His books, acclaimed by critics and readers alike, won numerous awards and honors: Noah's Ark won the Caldecott Medal and The Fox Went Out on a Chilly Night is a Caldecott Honor Book. His book People was awarded the Christopher medal, was nominated for an American Book Award, and received the National Mass Media Award from the National Conference of Christians and Jews for "outstanding contributions to better human relations and the cause of brotherhood."

Spier was born and educated in Amsterdam. Before coming to the United States he served in the Royal Dutch Navy. He illustrated more than 100 books and was also an avid and celebrated builder of model ships. Peter Spier died in 2017 at the age of 89.

Editorial Reviews

Spier brings the words of the national anthem to life, from the battle that inspired Key's composition, to modern day American monuments and marching bands. PW found the anthem ``beautifully illustrated by the award-winning artist. His faithfulness to authentic detail enlivens the familiar text.'' (All ages)

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly

K-Gr 5-Peter Spier's detailed watercolor-and-ink illustrations (Random, 1973) and Aretha Franklin's musical rendition breathe life into the words of our anthem. In Part II, a narrator provides information about the War of 1812 supported by drawings and black-and-white photos and maps. Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.

School Library Journal

★ A Bank Street Book of the Year
★ An American Bookseller Pick of the Lists

"Spier . . . is one of our finest creators of children's books alive."—The New York Times Book Review

"Beautifully illustrated by the award-winning artist."—Publishers Weekly

From the Publisher