Washington Post Book Reviews
For You
Tuesday January 18, 2011
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THE CROSSING: How George Washington Saved the American Revolution
Jim Murphy
Scholastic
ISBN 978-0439691864
NA pages
$21.99
Reviewed by Abby McGanney Nolan
As in Murphy's previous books about war, the roles of luck, weather and leadership are well conveyed, along with the dramatic particulars of pivotal battles. (As when Washington rode among his retreating soldiers and called out, "Parade with us, my brave fellows!") Although the archival illustrations are less than vibrant, the book's cover reproduces Emanuel Leutze's celebrated painting "Washington Crossing the Delaware," and Murphy explains the significance of the attire and position of the 13 people in the boat. Despite the inaccuracy of its details, the painting is a stirring representation of "Victory or Death," the sentries' password Washington set down on the day of the crossing.
-- Abby McGanney Nolan
Copyright 2011 Washington Post Writers Group
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THE RABBIT PROBLEM
Emily Gravett
Simon & Schuster
ISBN 978-1442412552
NA pages
$17.99
Reviewed by Kristi Jemtegaard
In February, a single chilly pair of rabbits attempts to knit a sweater ("k. (equal sign) knit, p. (equal sign) purl, uw. (equal sign) untangle wool, gl. (equal sign) good luck!"); March finds the proud parents filling out a scrapbook entitled "Bunny's First Month," and celebrating the arrival of Alfalfa and Angora; by May, they're issuing ration books to cope with the carrot shortage; and by September, they're consulting cookbooks for Mock Carrot recipes. October brings slimming exercises as the rabbits all attempt to fit into the field; November brings fence-to-fence fur; and December ... well, prepare for a surprise when, at the end of the month, the little hoppers chew right through the page, leaving a bare white field of snow. Are they gone? Brace yourself for a bunny bonanza!
-- Kristi Jemtegaard
Copyright 2011 Washington Post Writers Group
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