Blue Sky White Stars

Naberhaus and Nelson give new life to Old Glory for the youngest of readers. (Picture book. 3-7)

Copyright 2017 Kirkus Reviews, LLC Used with permission

Evocative paintings portray the natural scenery as well as images from history, including civil rights marchers, long rows of pioneers in covered wagons, and men walking on the moon. A refreshingly unsentimental yet hopeful look at America.

Copyright 2017 The Horn Book Guide, LLC Used with permission

Nelson's (If You Plant a Seed) dazzling paintings bring life and power to Naberhaus's (Boom Boom) understated patriotic tribute. Several spreads place dramatic American scenery beside images of the nation's flag. The words "Blue sky/ White stars" accompany a view of the Statue of Liberty seen against a star-studded night sky. On the facing page, the words reappear, this time against the blue ground and white stars of the flag. Some lines use homophonic wordplay to striking effect: a portrait of a seamstress at work (Betsy Ross, perhaps?) appears with the words "Sew together/ Won nation." On the facing page, a quiltlike conglomeration of faces bears the words "So together/ One nation." Nelson's splendid images of the American experience--the Grand Canyon, triumphant civil rights protestors, astronauts on the surface of the moon, a proud African-American veteran, and more--stir real feeling. They include Americans of every age and ethnicity, and many readers will feel that this book looks like the America they know. Ages 4-8. Author's agent: Ammi-Joan Paquette, Erin Murphy Literary. Illustrator's agent: Steven Malk, Writers House. (June)

K-Gr 2—Naberhaus, an Indian American immigrant, and Nelson, an African American illustrator, collaborate on this timely homage to the relationship among America's majesty, its hopefulness and diversity, and its flag. Beginning with iconic images of the country (rows of autumn-burnished trees, a white trail of wagons moving west under the blue sky), the spreads feature descriptive phrases paired with illustrations that depict all types of Americans who enjoy the freedoms that the flag represents. The phrase "sew together won nation" is accompanied by an image of a white colonial woman stitching a flag, while the facing page displays an image portraying diverse faces ("so together one nation"). A baseball stadium is captioned "all American" and is juxtaposed with an African American man and grandson listening to the game on the radio—an American flag flying from their porch, a box of Cracker Jacks in hand, a cap emblazoned with "World War II veteran"; they are "all American," too. The raising of a flag and the launch of a rocket are paired with the phrase "rising up," followed by a determined eagle, the flag, and that same rocket "fly(ing) high." And when the rocket gets to the moon, the first thing planted there is a flag, which will be there "forever." History is written by the winners, and this title shows us that the symbols we value cross the barriers of race and ethnicity, making winners of us all. Naberhaus's short phrases are well chosen and evocative, but it is Nelson's paintings that bring power to this title—even the back cover holds a special treat. VERDICT A star-spangled entry, brilliantly illustrated by a national treasure. Highly recommended.—Lisa Lehmuller, Paul Cuffee Maritime Charter School, Providence