You're a Grand Old Flag

by George M. Cohan, Warren Kimble (Illustrator)

It's the emblem of the land that we love! Get ready to salute the flag as Warren Kimble pays tribute to one of his favorite subjects--America! George M. Cohan's classic patriotic anthem, beloved by young and old alike, provides the perfect backdrop for Kimble's playful portraits and stunning panoramas. From sea to shining sea, the stars and stripes appear somewhere on every spread for young readers to find. This American standard provides a rousing soundtrack for sporting events, picnics, and in classrooms around the country. Sing along with the sheet music in the back of the book as you learn important facts about our flag. Red, white, and hats off to you!

Genres: Picture Books, Art, Historical Fiction, Music, American, Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

First published July 1, 1986

About the author

George Michael Cohan was an American playwright, composer, lyricist, entertainer, actor, singer, dancer and producer. He is considered the father of American musical comedy.

Reviews

[Lauren Stoolfire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Norman Rockwell and You're a Grand Old Flag go together perfectly.

[K. Anna Kraft · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have arranged my takeaway thoughts, on finally having read these classic, patriotic lines, into a haiku:

"Odes to grand emblems--
Sparkling words of times passed--
How times have soured you."

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great look at Norman Rockwell’s art work which is used to illustrate George M. Cohan’s song “Your a Grand Old Flag”, written in 1909. Some may thing of it as nostalgia, but their is a great depth of feeling here. There is a two page introduction by John Rockwell, Norman Rockwell’s grandson. Also two pages showing the 14 works of art illustrating the song. I totally loved the illustration “Who’s Having More Fun”, depicting two children eating corn on the cob which occurred around our oval table for a number of years. Lots of memories in this one illustration.
Senior adults would love this one.

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This children’s picture book is a glorious celebration of our nation’s flag featuring the well-known song written by George M. Cohan in 1906. A unique illustration accompanies each line of the lyrics; the music is presented at the end of the book along with some notes detailing the writing of the song and some facts about the flag’s design and its changes through the years.

Highly recommended.

[Cindy Mitchell *Kiss the Book* · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cohan, George M. You're a Grand Old Flag, illustrations by Norman Rockwell. Atheneum (Simon), 2008. PICTURE BOOK.

The words to Cohan's song are illustrated with Rockwell's iconic illustrations. Any lesson on American symbols or patriotism could add this to their collection, otherwise it's interest is incidental, maybe for fans of Rockwell or as a gift.

EL - OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher.

[Logan Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is more a tribute to Norman Rockwell than a picture book, but Norman Rockwell is one of my favorite illustrators. I like his semi-realistic pictures, and being a boy scout myself I also love his work in the scouting community. I would likely use this book to teach a lesson on Norman Rockwell. I may use it to introduce a famous persons study project.

[Barbara Lovejoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently chose to memorize all the words to this song. Therefore, I was extremely excited when I saw there was a book with the lyrics of the song AND that was illustrated with paintings of one of my most favorite artists, Norman Rockwell. The book arrived today, and I read it immediately. BEAUTIFUL and now treasured book in my collection.

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this song, and the country-style illustrations are quite enjoyable, as well. I do wish there was a second verse here, but the kids and I all enjoy singing along, so I'm not complaining. Highly recommended.

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

You're a grand old flag
By George m. Cohan and norman Rockwell
A little history, some great art and a wonderful way to teach the song really helps students learn the lyrics. The art its self could cause many discussions that can help understanding of the American spirit.

[Joe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great Norman Rockwell illustrations with the classic lyrics of the song. Cool intro. I just wanted more connectivity.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have always loved the artwork of Norman Rockwell. This book had several favorites.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Patriotic US Culture song/book- beautiful illustrations. Will use for music with kids. Counter- melody for older students.

[Shaundell Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book focuses on the song "You're a Grand Old Flag" and paintings by Norman Rockwell. At the back of the book, it states the credits for Rockwell's paintings. A great book!

[K Morlando · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the Norman Rockwell photos!

[Emily Orton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is based off of a patriotic march song. This would be really good for students when teaching about America and our freedoms.

[Paige Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was pretty good but not one of my favorites. I like how a song was paired with images in a children’s book, but nothing to astounding stood out to me. It was still a very nice book but not in my particular interest.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a beautiful book. My only criticism is that the pages were not thick, and presentation matters. I love to turn pages on children's picture books when they are nice quality, and especially when the book contains special history or famous artwork.

The illustrations are Norman Rockwell's famous paintings and the text is lyrics to the song "You're a Grand Old Flag."

A great book to teach children this popular patriotic song and Norman Rockwell's art.

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up the hardcover edition of this book at the East Tennessee Historical Center's book shop. I love the Norman Rockwell paintings used to illustrate the phrases from the song. It will be a wonderful read-aloud to start a lesson on point-of-view, perceptions, cultural assumptions, change over time, etc.

[Heidi-Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This has the country look to it, which I'm not the biggest fan of. But it's nice. I liked the facts at the end--I didn't know some of them. Not quite sure if I'll read this in my America storytime--doesn't quite show what I would like. Though I could have the kids look for the flag in each picture....

[Michael Fitzgerald · Rating 4 out of 5]

Of the numerous songs-turned-into-picture-books, this is one of the best. There is no real story to be told, just a series of images. Some fit better with the words than others, but it is overall a success. A little disappointing that there aren't more verses (the book consists of the same thing twice through). The credits at the end are helpful for understanding context.

[Amy Edwards · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet collection of Norman Rockwell paintings accompanying the lyrics of "You're a Grand Old Flag." Nice way to look at Rockwell's work, especially some of his paintings of soldiers, and to sing the song with my daughter.

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The song lyrics are illustrated with actual Norman Rockwell paintings. Very patriotic and a wonderful slice of Americana!

[Hilary · Rating 2 out of 5]

Okay. It's patriotic and its a good song. But I cannot like the illustrations. Primitive doesn't appeal to me. It might be more fun to simply sing and wave a flag, instead.

[Melanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love the primitive-style illustrations in this book depicting the well-known patriotic song. I think this would make a perfect coffee table book!

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great coffee table book for July. Illustrations go with lyrics to the song.

[Jasmine Olivia · Rating 5 out of 5]

The girls really enjoyed reading this book. Well, SINGING! lol We learned a new song last night. :)