Our California

June 1, 2008
Gr 1-4-The art in this loving tribute to the state is so colorful, evocative, and eye-filling that it is tempting to review the title solely as a book of pictures. The text takes the form of brief, undistinguished four-line verses that highlight some interesting features in the 14 locales, or give reasons for their historical or current importance. Some of the places are well known (such as San Francisco and Los Angeles) and some will be less familiar to children outside California (such as the Channel Islands and Eureka). The illustrations, done in brilliant acrylics, fill each spread with a burst of folkloric color and energy. The Capistrano swallows, the Forty-Niners in Coloma, the whales and otters along the coastall are shown. The back matter includes an illustrated spread featuring the state flag, bird, insect, plant, and so on. Further information on all of the places shown is also appended. This book may not be adequate for reports, but it is a wonderful way to show children the spirit of California, and it could also be useful for families planning vacations."Marian Drabkin, formerly at Richmond Public Library, CA"

Copyright 2008 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

December 15, 2007
California is one of the most varied and beautiful states in the union, and this book, withamazing artwork, does it justice. Ryan, a California native, provides rhyming couplets that introduce locations on two-page spreads.Beginning in San Diego (in this coastal city, theres plenty to do. / Surf, swim, and sun, then visit the zoo), the trip makes stops in such places as Capistrano, L.A., Monterey, San Francisco, Eureka, and Coloma, finallyending inPalm Springs. The text, short and simple, doesnt alwaysscan well, butit gives a feel for the locale, which is amplifiedby pictures that demand a second look.Acrylics painted on grainywood (extra texture has been added by scraping and distressing the wood) makethe visuals seem almost three-dimensional.Some pictures have acertain steadiness: workers in the Great Central Valley, bringing usfruit. Othersare whimsical: aPony Express rider galloping through the sky to Sacramento.But always, the art is intriguingjust like California.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2007, American Library Association.)