The Children's Book of America

by William J. Bennett

Where did America come from? What does it mean to be an American? What makes America great? No volume will provide more compelling and inspiring answers to our children's questions than William Bennett's marvelous new treasury, The Children's Book of America. Filled with history and folktales, songs and poems, heroes and everyday Americans, this indispensable audiobook is a classic collection of great Americana.

This lasting testament to our beloved country features performances by:

Elayne Bennett

Hinton Battle

John McMartin

Phylicia Rashad

The Children's Book of America is a marvelous celebration of our nation's history and spirit for the youngest Americans.

Featuring an Introduction by the Author and an All-Star Cast

Genres: History, Childrens, Nonfiction, Picture Books, American History, Education, Anthologies

5 pages, Audio Cassette

First published January 1, 1998

About the author

William J. "Bill" Bennett is a politician and author who served in the Ronald Reagan and George H. W. Bush administrations, as chief of National Endowment for the Humanities and later Secretary of Education under Reagan, and Drug Czar under Bush. He is a nationally well-known figure of political and social conservatism and authored many books on politics, ethics, and international relations.

Reviews

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a collection of stories, poems and songs that are perfect for k-5. Some are legends, such as "The Legend of the Grand Canyon" and others are stories about historical figures such as "The Bravery of Abigail Adams." The stories span up to landing on the moon with "The Eagle has Landed." This book can be used to build lesson that cover language arts and social studies. The illustrations are also very appealing.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Children's Book of America (1998) by William J. Bennett

CTA: I love this book, especially the Legend of the Grand Canyon... A beautiful story of love...
Legends of the Grand Canyon from the Indians of the southwest. There once lived an indian chief.


"Democracy flourishes when its citizen cherishes these ideals and will not let them go: Love of liberty and equality; faith in the Almighty, attention to the cultivation of character, respect for truth and pride in good work. These are kinds principles that make America great. The spirit of America comes alive from stories of our past.

Abraham calls stories of our pasts the Mystic Chords of Memories. The stories of America is a hopeful story; it is a story of triumph; this is the land of the noble free, the place of the patriot dream that cease from the years; the story of heroes who more than country than self they love. "

The Legend of the Canyon
http://www.crystalinks.com/grandcanyo...

[Constance · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had mixed feelings on this eclectic mix of historic events, legends (Paul Bunyan), poetry and songs (Home on the Range).
The story of MLK, however, was five stars and because I had never heard of Margaret Haughery besides loving The Legend of the Grand Canyon and The Eagle Has Landed, another five stars from me for this children’s book. The Introduction was a nice palliative for this past week in this country.

[Kassandra Pacheco · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book tells stories that cover language arts and social studies, it tells all what is to know about the American history. The intended audience for this is students who are learning about the history of America or who wish to know more about the United States. Key theme of this book is history, social studies and children book. I chose this book because it is important to know the history of the land, we all love.

[Talea · Rating 5 out of 5]

An introduction to kids about the great people and legends of our country from the Native American to the landing on the moon. Stories of hard work, vision, and a love for freedom help inspire kids to reach within and glimpse the possible around them.

[Regena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read over the summer in prep for a Civics class and currently re-reading before each class....

[Kristiana · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful collection of illustrated stories about important people in American history.

[curiouskat_books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great collection of stories.

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought it would be a much longer book, like the Book of Virtues. I listened to it, so had the added benefit of the songs sung with the stories.

[Bridgid · Rating 3 out of 5]

Poems, songs and stories. A bit too much of the false patriotism of America for me (you know, leaving out the genocide, theft of land and slavery), but it does seem to try to be inclusive (a few stories of women and people of color).


The Legend of the Grand Canyon, a native American story

Johnny Appleseed!!! Love it

Margaret of New Orleans, an Irish immigrant woman who worked for children and charity

The New Colossus, Emma Lazarus; poet whose words are at the base of the Statue of Liberty

Martin Luther King, Jr.

[Tanner Mendelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This picture book is great because it answers a lot of children's questions regarding American history. The stories are short and can give students quick background knowledge with great illustrations before the topic is introduced in class. For example, topics include: the legend of the Grand Canyon, westward with Lewis and Clark, Abe Lincoln's school days, and Martin Luther King's dream. Students will enjoy reading the significant events and people in American history.

[Rachelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book at half price books and I've been reading a few stories to the kids each night. We are all loving it. It isn't to complex for children, but the stories are also interesting for adults. I've learned and enjoyed along with the kids. It has great pictures as well. It teaches values and traditions that are part of being an American.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book! I love all of the legends that are in it. There are some that I had never heard before. I also like how much history there is in it and how diverse it is, from the origins of the song "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot" to the legend of John Henry and Paul Bunyan. The artwork in the book is fantastic too.

[Jeniann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great collection of American stories such as the story of how the Star Spangled Banner was written, the Alamo, the first Thanksgiving, Yankee Doodle, Paul Bunyan, John Henry, and such things. The stories are great, as are the illustrations.

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is full of tall tales and legends, songs, poetry, and true stories, all of which speak to traditional United States values. Some of the stories I'd never read or heard of before; it was fun to revisit old favourites and be introduced to new ones. The illustrations are rich and beautiful.

[Najimy Family]

we own book, not the audio

[Marilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I prefer this book to the original Bennett Children's story collection book. Abraham Lincoln had less than one year of formal schooling. Wowzers.

[towner77 · Rating 4 out of 5]

More great Bedtime Stories curated by the former Secretary of Education.

[Erika · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a book to add in your library. It covers early American history, and even has some tall tales. I love this book because it tells history in a fun way that is engaging for children.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome bite-sized stories of American history for kids---was a great conversation starter for us on many topics including racism.

[Julie Surface · Rating 2 out of 5]

about how america came too, what everybody did to form it. it was pretty cool to read.