America : A Patriotic Primer
Written by Lynne Cheney, author and wife of Vice President Richard  Cheney, to honor this "beautiful land made more beautiful still by our  commitment to freedom,"America: A Patriotic Primeris a proud  celebration of the individuals, milestones, and principles of this nation. Each  busy spread features elaborately decorated letters of the alphabet, with one or  two kids draped over its bars and loops, along with the highlighted concept or  person: "N is forNative Americans, who came here first," "T is forTolerance." Surrounding every letter is a veritable circus of  entertaining and useful related information, illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser  (Alexander, Who's Not (Do You  Hear Me? I Mean It!) Going to Move). "J is forJefferson," for  example, is bordered with biographical details and quotations from Thomas  Jefferson, while mini images depict the third president's famous home  (Monticello), some of his inventions, and a description of the Virginia Statute  for Religious Freedom. This compelling picture book will work best as a  supplement for children who are already immersed in basic American history at  school. Teachers and parents will enjoy exploring with their kids every inch of  the detailed, hand-drawn and illustrated U.S. map found in "U is forUnited  States," explaining and elaborating on the historical lessons as  appropriate. (All ages)--Emilie Coulter