If you aren’t already familiar with the artwork of Mort Künstler, I can promise that if you see his work once, you will remember him.
This brief history book, targeted toward young readers will definitely … most definitely … captured a youngsters interest, first with the outstanding art by Künstler, and then by James Robertson’s narrative that does a remarkable job of encapsulating the time period.
Publisher Abbeville Kids has put together the perfect blend of art and writing to bring history alive and making it exciting for reader – whether young or old. I would gladly put these on my shelves, even though the history is rarely new information to me.
Künstler is meticulous in his work with an eye for detail and a talent for capturing action and bringing the viewer right in to the middle of something. Even those moments that appear a little more static on the surface (such as a Forty-Niner walking alongside his mule) suggest an active, dangerous story.
I believe this is part of a new series of books and if so, and if they will all be illustrated by Mort Künstler, I will be a fan and look to give these out as gifts. I am truly excited about this.
Looking for a good book? The Wild West: 1804-1890 is a perfect blend of narrative and art history book targeted to elementary school students by James Robertson and Mort Künstler.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
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The Wild West: 1804-1890
author: James I. Robertson, Jr.
artist: Mort Künstler
series: See American History
publisher: Abbeville Kids
ISBN: 0789212609
hardcover, 48 pages
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