This Is America: A National Treasury

Gr 1–5—Five of the late Šašek's most popular U.S. state books have been combined into one volume to create a guide to the United States. The landscape of the nation is well represented in this charming though nostalgic reprint, from the skyline of New York City; the memorials of Washington, DC; and the rockets of Cape Canaveral, FL, to the longhorns of Texas and the hilly streets of San Francisco. Šašek's art style is folksy, with illustrations that are a mix of two-dimensional cartoonlike people and precise drawings of buildings and other structures. The people often have exaggerated noses and large eyes, which helps define their expressions. The buildings, however, are meticulously rendered, revealing Šašek's early training as an architect. The palette retains a vintage quality. The visuals are saturated but muted. Monochrome buildings are contrasted with a rainbowlike arrangement of cars and people on the street. The text is brief but pithy, covering the most essential information as succinctly as possible. The author periodically weaves in alliteration and witty comments that reveal a deep understanding of U.S. culture. This blends with the delightful artwork to make this selection amusing and fun for children and adults alike.