Rereading: MR. REVERE AND I by Robert Lawson

Like “Ben and Me,” “I Discover Columbus,” and “Capt. Kidd’s Cat,” this is a historical tale told by an animal companion of a famous person, in this case the American Revolution’s Paul Revere. I think I like it the best of the four. Sherry, the horse, comes to Boston as part of the British forces sent to quell American revolutionaries, and through his narration we see his thinking evolve from staunchly pro-British to ardently pro-colonists, something that probably happened to many at the time under the harsh laws of the English king. Also, he paints Revere honestly but does not belittle him, as is true of the other animals in their stories. We readers are allowed to understand Paul as a good family man who believes in his cause, and is willing to put aside his silversmith trade to become a messenger for the revolution even though he never rode a horse before, and doesn’t enjoy it much. Despite that, he is a true hero, and Sherry’s help, while vital, doesn’t overshadow Revere’s own accomplishments. Well written and with wonderful illustrations. Recommended.

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