Lady Liberty's Holiday

February 22, 2016
In this freewheeling tale, the Statue of Liberty steps off her pedestal to tour natural and man-made U.S. landmarks. Arena (Besos for Baby) and Hunt (Worm Weather) pool their talents and senses of humor to set Lady Liberty free after she complains that she’s bored of the same scenery, and has sore arms and a leg cramp that’s lasted “for a decade at least.” Sneaking off, the statue washes sand from the beaches of New Jersey and Cape Cod off her feet at Niagara Falls, sits atop the St. Louis Arch, hikes the Rockies, naps on the Golden Gate Bridge, and perches on a Grand Canyon ledge, where “for once in her life, Lady Liberty felt small.” The book’s visual comedy mostly derives from the statue’s gargantuan size—one particularly funny scene shows the statue photo-bombing the presidents at Mount Rushmore, perplexing tourists. Arena includes information about the statue’s history and statistics in a closing note, but leaves those details out of the story, keeping Lady Liberty’s journey lighthearted and fun. Ages 5–8. Author’s agent: Jill Corcoran, Jill Corcoran Literary Agency. Illustrator’s agency: Bright Literary Agency.

February 15, 2016
When the Statue of Liberty decides to leave her pedestal and travel around the country, her absence may result in the cancellation of the Fourth of July. America's symbol for freedom has stood still for over 100 years and is feeling the strain: "My neck is stiff. My arms are aching. I've had a cramp in my leg for a decade at least." Moreover, she's tired of the unchanging view. On a whim and with some encouragement from pigeon friend Moe, Lady Liberty leaves her tablet and torch behind to visit many of America's landmarks, keeping Moe posted on her travels with postcards. Like a green, robed Paul Bunyan looming large across the page, the smiling statue travels America, from the sandy shores of New Jersey and Cape Cod, then west to St. Louis' Gateway Arch and wheat fields in Kansas, and on to the Rocky Mountains and Golden Gate Bridge. Children are given a view of each stop with expansive scenes that maximize the absurdity of the situation (as when she photo-bombs Mount Rushmore). New Yorkers and tourists are greatly relieved when Lady Liberty returns from the Florida Keys just in time for the Fourth of July. A postscript provides historical information on the statue's creation and installation, but it's too bad there is no final quick review of each of the landmarks presented. An amusing commemoration. (bibliography) (Picture book. 5-7)

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June 1, 2016

PreS-Gr 2-The Statue of Liberty is bored. She tells her pigeon friend, "Moe, every day feels the same. I see the same skyscrapers, the same city." Moe encourages her to take a holiday. She begins with the Jersey Shore, Cape Cod, and Niagara Falls and continues west from there. The illustrations present famous landmarks and landscapes from across the country. Confused tourists look on as she peeks over the top of Mount Rushmore. Sitting on the edge of the Grand Canyon, "for once in her life, Lady Liberty [feels] small." She makes it to California and stops to doze at the Golden Gate Bridge. Meanwhile, New York City is concerned. The missing statue puts a damper on the Fourth of July preparations. Moe sets out to find his friend and bring her home. The statue is enjoying a leisurely stroll through a Southern swamp when Moe finds her. "Nobody feels like celebrating without you," he says. The statue replies, "But the Fourth of July isn't about me. It's about America! I've seen this country. The purple mountains, the shining seas, the bridges and buildings. Everyone should know how amazing it is and celebrate it!" She runs north and reaches New York City in time for the fireworks. "And Liberty [is] blue no longer." She tells Moe, "It was good to get away. But it's great to be home." The final pages explain how the statue came to America and include a page of short facts and further resources. VERDICT The book is not subtle, but it provides a bright, colorful opening for teachers and parents wanting to expose children to the variety of America's landscape through engaging mixed-media illustrations and a simple story. A fun and fabulous read for a Fourth of July storytime.-Amelia Jenkins, Juneau Public Library, AK

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