Oh, say have you seen Lerner’s newest Cloverleaf subset titled Our American Symbols? As the designer for this series, I had the wonderful opportunity to work on these fun, fact filled books.Written by Martha E. H. Rustad and illustrated by Holli Conger and Kyle Poling, these books are an informative lesson for young children on how our great country was shaped on freedom and what the word freedom stands for today. This was a fun book building experience and served as a welcome reminder of what The American Flag stands for and why the Star Spangled Banner was written and is still proudly sung in America today. These books are a great introduction to Our American symbols. Here’s a sneak peek.
• Why Are There Stripes on the American Flag? The United States of America became a country in 1776. We learn that Old Glory is red, white and blue. Do you know what the colors represent? Red stands for courage, white stands for being pure and good, and blue stands for fairness. The thirteen red and white stripes stand for the first thirteen states. Find out what the stars represent and learn how Old Glory came to be.
• Can You Sing the Star Spangled Banner? Our National Anthem is sung to show respect for our country. It was written during a battle at Fort HcHenry in 1814, by Frances Scott Key. When he saw the American flag gallantly streaming o’er the ramparts, he knew the United States had won the battle against Great Britain.
• Can We Ring the Liberty Bell? Liberty is another word for freedom. The bell arrived in Pennsylvania in 1752. It cracked the first time it was rung! So how can we make the Liberty bell ring? Find out by reading this book!
• Why Is the Statue of Liberty Green? Lady Liberty was a gift from France in 1885 as a symbol of friendship. The green layer is called a patina. Made of copper like a penny, rain, wind, and the sun slowly changed the color to green. The Statue of Liberty stands tall in New York City and it’s flame can be seen from up to twelve miles away. Find out who she welcomed to their new home.
• What Is Inside the Lincoln Memorial? President Lincoln helped end slavery in 1865. The Lincoln Memorial was finished in 1922. What does the memorial stand for? In 1963, Martin Luther King recited his famous speech there. He talked about his dreams for fairness for everyone. Find out what is inside the Lincoln Memorial.
• Is a Bald Eagle Really Bald? An American symbol since 1782, the American Eagle came to represent peace, strength and unity. The bald part of its name comes from the word piebald, which means having white marks. An interesting fact is that Bald eagles live only in North America. Find out how big an eagles nest can be.
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave, Our American symbols is an enjoyable way to learn all this and more!
