Rhyming on Rushmore from A to Z

by

Here’s my selection for Perfect Picture Book Friday:

Rhyming on Rushmore from A to Z

Written by Jodi Holley Latza
Modern Photography by Greg Latza
Mount Rushmore History Association, 2005, second printing 2010
Suitable for: ages 4 to 8
Theme/Topic: History, Mount Rushmore
Opening:  “A is for America. Mount Rushmore embodies the hopeful foundation of an independent, fair, democratic nation. A home for all people, despite wealth or needs, America welcomes all colors and creeds.”
Brief Synopsis: Discover the history behind Mount Rushmore, the man who carved a mountain Gutzon Borglum and the presidents on Mount Rushmore in this book. The alphabet takes the reader through the history and “Did you know?” facts about the monument.
Link to resources: The National Park Service has a page with several activities on its site under For Kids. Mount Rushmore Teacher’s Guide from the American Experience at PBS. If you visit, it’s fun to find your state in the Avenue of Flags. I’ve never sat there and counted, but the book tells you how many are displayed. It’s 56 to be exact — 50 states plus districts, territories and commonwealths of the United States.
My guys at “The Faces”
Why I chose the book: Our family visited Mount Rushmore several weeks ago. I insist on a visit every time I go to the Black Hills of South Dakota. I found several picture books in the gift shop near the museum exhibit. The book incorporates historic photos with some modern ones to illustrate each letter of the alphabet. K is for Kids is my favorite letter. You’ll have to read it to find out why.
I’ve visited Mount Rushmore four times in the last five years. My first visit coincided with the annual Independence Day Fireworks display. It’s the I in the book. I’ve had my photo taken in front of my current state during each visit. I’m up to three states so far.
And, for those wondering, this is NOT the misplaced book from last week. That book remains missing.  One day, I’m sure it will appear. Thank goodness it wasn’t a library book. Have a great week.
For more Perfect Picture Books, visit Susanna Leonard Hill’s blog.

17 Comments

  1. Susanna Leonard Hill
    Susanna Leonard Hill on October 19, 2012 at 4:52 am

    This looks great, Stacy! American history and the alphabet rolled into one – I love it 🙂 I’m sure I could learn a lot about Rushmore from it! I hope Renee finds her way over here even though she doesn’t do PPBF anymore – she was looking for great alphabet books earlier in the week 🙂 Thanks for adding this one to our list!

  2. Karen S. Elliott
    Karen S. Elliott on October 19, 2012 at 5:10 am

    You were almost in my back yard! 🙂 This sounds like an interesting book. I love a book that can be educational and entertaining at the same time – especially about our United States.

  3. catherinemjohnson
    catherinemjohnson on October 19, 2012 at 5:33 am

    That sounds super, Stacy. My kids wouldn’t know at all about Mount Rushmore. Hope you find your book- been there lol.

  4. This Kid Reviews Books
    This Kid Reviews Books on October 19, 2012 at 5:33 am

    Cool! You got to go to Mount Rushmore! I want to go! Great pick!

  5. Susanne Drazic
    Susanne Drazic on October 19, 2012 at 7:25 am

    Sounds like a great book. Thanks for sharing about it.

  6. Cathy Mealey
    Cathy Mealey on October 19, 2012 at 9:05 am

    Mt R is a neat place to visit – I think I was 12 when I went and I still remember it well, especially those flags. The book sounds interesting Stacy!

  7. Patricia T.
    Patricia T. on October 19, 2012 at 9:43 am

    I visited Mt. Rushmore as a teen. It is impressive. Liked you choice of books to review, as I like children to learn history of the country. I’m sure I’d enjoy reading it.

  8. Julie Rowan-Zoch
    Julie Rowan-Zoch on October 19, 2012 at 11:52 am

    We thought of heading up there this summer and went to Steamboat instead – too bad! Next year!

  9. Carrie Finison
    Carrie Finison on October 19, 2012 at 1:28 pm

    This sounds fascinating. I know nothing about Mount Rushmore at all, but it sounds like a wonderful place to visit.

  10. readingwithrhythm
    readingwithrhythm on October 19, 2012 at 4:47 pm

    ABC books are my favorite! I don’t know anything about Mount Rushmore. It looks like a fun place. I’ll look for this book and find out more about it. Thanks!

  11. Lara Schiffbauer
    Lara Schiffbauer on October 19, 2012 at 9:45 pm

    I love Mount Rushmore. I would love to get to see the fireworks display, but we’re never there at that time. I bet it was amazing. 🙂

  12. Kirsten Larson
    Kirsten Larson on October 21, 2012 at 7:43 am

    What a fun book. Have you read HANGING OFF JEFFERSON’s NOSE? It’s been getting great reviews.

  13. Susan Oloier
    Susan Oloier on October 22, 2012 at 8:34 pm

    Each time we visit SD, we go to Mt. Rushmore, too. The book sounds like a wonderful complement.

  14. Debbie Maxwell Allen
    Debbie Maxwell Allen on October 23, 2012 at 10:41 am

    Can you believe I’ve lived here 17 years and I’ve never been there? I think it’s time for a trip.

    ~Debbie

  15. Stacy S. Jensen
    Stacy S. Jensen on October 24, 2012 at 12:18 am

    I’m glad to hear so many have visited and others hope to visit. It’s an inspiring place to visit.

  16. pennyklostermann.com
    pennyklostermann.com on October 24, 2012 at 8:46 am

    I would love to see Mount Rushmore. It is amazing in the pictures I see. I have added this book to my list so I can learn more about it. And I LOVE ABC books!

  17. Hannah
    Hannah on October 25, 2012 at 5:09 pm

    Great pick. Mount Rushmore is on my bucket list, but we haven’t made it there yet. We’ll have to check out the book in the mean time.