Synopses & Reviews
Bestselling author Mary Pope Osborne takes us through a lively celebration of the Fourth of July in small-town America. Three generations enjoy parades, popcorn, “Yankee Doodle Dandy,” and at the end of the day, lightning bugs and fireworks. “Then I blow out the stars, as if they were candles on a giant birthday cake”—a glorious image in Peter Catalanottos glowing illustrations.
Review
“This sparkling tribute to the Fourth of July depicts how a family of eight living in a small town celebrates this favorite holiday. . . . The day is made up of little things, while the celebration is about big ones—community, freedom, and pride. Catalanottos watercolor palette lends a candlelike glow to scenes as the expressive faces of kids and adults enjoy the occasion.”—
Booklist “A surprisingly emotional story. Catalanottos watercolors evoke summer.”—Kirkus Reviews “. . . a nostalgic recollection of a small-town Fourth of July celebration. Food, fun, and family fill the day . . . an agreeable slice of life.”—School Library Journal
Synopsis
Celebrate the most American of holidays with a warm family story.
Synopsis
Bestselling author Mary Pope Osborne takes us through a lively celebration of the Fourth of July in small-town America. Three generations enjoy parades, popcorn, “Yankee Doodle Dandy,” and at the end of the day, lightning bugs and fireworks. “Then I blow out the stars, as if they were candles on a giant birthday cake”a glorious image in Peter Catalanottos glowing illustrations.
About the Author
Mary Pope Osborne is the author of the multimillion-copy bestselling Magic Tree House series, as well as the “stirring” (Publishers Weekly, starred review), patriotic
New Yorks Bravest. She lives in northwestern Connecticut.
Peter Catalanottos recent book for Roaring Brook Press, We Wanted You, written by Liz Rosenberg, was praised by Publishers Weekly for its “radiant paintings” and by School Library Journal for “glowing illustrations.” He lives in southeastern Pennsylvania.