The Star-Spangled Banner (Reading Rainbow Books)

Many years ago, when this book was first released around 1973 to 1974, my mother bought it for me to read. I can still remember reading this book as a youngster, studying the pictures and text to learn what happened at that time in United States history. It inspired me in my quest to understand history better which has lasted a lifetime. Many years later, after seeing a special on The War of 1812, I recalled this book and reordered it, remembering how important it was in my development. What a delight! The artistry is phenomenal (albeit the images are small, they are almost panoramic in scope and achievement). I was really amazed at the use of light and colors. His images are very powerful and awe-inspiring. The perspectives are taken from inside the fort (Fort McHenry) during the battle/invasion as well as from the decks of the British warships. After the main story is told, there are images of this great country and all of her beauty including more than just those of Fort McHenry (which in and of itself had an incredible history if you ever decide to visit it in Baltimore, Maryland). The drawings/paintings include a broad sweep of America from Hawaii to Washington, D. C., from San Francisco to our naval ships on the high seas defending the United States shores, from the small town main street to the fields and valleys of our heartland. There are images of monuments like the Lincoln monument to the Capitol Building, and displays of our American potential and might as an aerospace giant and industrial powerhouse. Even somber tones of a cemetery with an American flag waving to relate that freedom is not free is next to images of our religious heritage. What patriotic glimpses that the author has crafted for the reader. (No wonder as a small child I was so inspired). Subsequently, are the musical notations of "The Star-Spangled Banner" followed by a very brief history of the War of 1812, followed by the history of the Star-Spangled Banner" and the flag's "journey" from its original owner to the Smithsonian Museum. This is all placed between the inside covers in which many of the flags of the United States, past and present, are adorned for the reader to peruse. Peter Spier, the author of this book, did something wonderful here. It stands, no it shines, as a labor of love and a gift for a wonderful country to be respected, loved and admired. His storytelling brings to life one of our founding moments and is done in a truly beautiful and amazing way. Thank you for the years of enjoyment. Simply incredible.

Beautiful illustrations to accompany a classic song. It's been a great one to teach my kids about Independence day. I found this one through Kinder Book Review. It's been a favorite.

The strains of America's National Anthem are no doubt familiar to most American children, but this patriotic tribute by Peter Spier provides compelling visual interpretations for the song. Alternating between well-researched historical vignettes and modern American scenes, Spier illustrates verses one, three, and four of our anthem, line by line. An afterword includes a historic description of the events leading up to our National Anthem's writing, with photo of the original manuscript penned by Francis Scott Key, a map of the Battle of Baltimore, and a musical score with all four verses. As in Spier's other books, attention to detail makes this an exceptional read, providing plenty of visual interest for readers and non-readers alike; and each scene is infused with a refreshing patriotic vigor. The fact that Spier himself became an American citizen later in life gives him a fresh perspective that those who grow up on its soil can learn from. By juxtaposing history with modern experience, he connects the reader's experience with the generations of citizens who laid the foundation for the modern American way of life. This book is an excellent companion to Spier's similar volume, We the People, which is a tribute to the American Constitution. It's best suited for elementary ages.

I purchased this book for my youngest grandson. Andrew was in first grade and had discovered the library! The problem was he loved this book so much that he didn't want to turn it back in. My daughter in law got notes from the librarian that it was late. She searched out the book, put it in Andrew's backpack and firmly told him that he had to return it. Sure enough, days later she would again hear from the librarian. He even cried when he was told that he had to turn it in. I went on this site to see if I could possibly find The Star-Spangled Banner in the exact form...it is an older book. Sure enough here it was. I talked to Andrew and told him I had ordered him his very own copy of the book and that he could now give the book back to the library. He did. I did. We all lived happily ever after. The book is great. The illustrations are wonderful. The words are timeless...the actual words to the song. Maybe your little ones would love to have this as much as Andrew does!

In 1814, Francis Scott Key looked on the USA 15-stripe flag (the only USA flag to have 15 stripes) and wrote the Star Spangled Banner. This book illustrates the battle he witnessed, the 15-stripe flag, and what lead to the writing of the USA's national anthem. It really is the best book out there if that is what you are looking for all or nearly all of the lyrics that Scott Key wrote since most of us only know the first part of the poem. We also own this illustrator's We the People and People books. He is a great illustrator, not not for large classroom use as the images are intricate and intended for close inspection.

I’m teaching my kids this song as part of our homeschool “morning basket” time. The illustrations are excellent. It really helps bring the song to life when you understand the context in which it was written. I highly recommend this book for any home library.

We love this book. It has the story of the Star Spangled Banner in the back. It is beautifully illustrated. My preschoolers love it, and can sing the first verse of the Anthem by showing them the pictures! I love the page that says "In God is our Trust." It shows all of God's children attending various churches of their choosing. It is inspiring and lovely, and reminds us why this great nation was founded.

at Ft. McHenry on my way from Washington, DC to Maine in a blinding snowstorm (it was closed). I wonder if anyone offers re-creations of Key's aboard the British ship from which he saw the dawns early light? Peter Spiers art is great except for his omnipresent inability to draw faces in more than two or three ways (despite his book "People" in which he demonstrates that he can draw the amazing variety of human features). Our son learned the words and melody at ~3 years old from having this read to him One Thousand Times and at 4 he still says, "play ball" at the end. It is an interesting snapshot of a small piece of American History and provoked more study: We learned about the more or less forgotten War of 1812 that even for historians seems to evoke a shrug and a "what was THAT all about?" And we learned -to our disappointment- that Mr. Key aggressively prosecuted abolitionists during his years as US District Attorney.

Beautiful illustrations of the national anthem! Plus all the verses that are most often not sung. My 5 year old loves it. We sing the Star Spangled Banner together quite a lot ( mostly because there are rockets involved)!