Review by Booklist Review
Gr. 3-5, younger for reading aloud. As an alternative to galloping through a picture-book edition of Longfellow's «Paul Revere's Ride,» teachers may want to read aloud this more accurate, prose version about the same subject. Krensky clearly relates the famous events around Boston on the night of April 18, 1775, from General Gage's plan to seize the weapons that the colonists were keeping at Concord and Paul Revere's adventures to the shots fired at Lexington and Concord. As in the poem, Revere provides the dramatic focus of the story, but Krensky places Revere's actions within the broader context of the military plans of the British and the colonists. A beautifully drawn and painted map sets the stage and gives readers a reference point for following the action. Painted with a dusky palette well suited to the many night scenes, the nicely composed, often dramatic pictures bring the story to life. At their best, Harlin's impressive illustrations belong in the tradition of American narrative painting going back to Howard Pyle and N. C. Wyeth. Carolyn Phelan.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Moving at a brisk gallop, Krensky's (The Moon Robber) narrative recounts the eventful night of April 18, 1775, when Paul Revere rode from Boston to Concord to warn that British troops were on their way to seize the rebels' military supplies. The author's accessible account incorporates background information, elucidating the events leading up to Revere's escapade as well as its aftermath ideal for pairing with Longfellow's The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere. Harlin's (Mississippi) painstakingly detailed watercolors evoke period artwork, successfully capturing the aura of colonial streets and the primness of British uniforms as well as the sense of movement and urgency in the hero's ride and the royal army's river crossing. Set against deep blue, teal or white backgrounds, the paintings balance closely focused portraits with animated panoramas and vividly re-create the drama of this historical episode. Visual highlights include Revere's boat passing next to a British warship under cover of darkness and the Minutemen and British troops exchanging gunfire from opposite ends of Concord's North Bridge. A memorable re-creation of a momentous mission. All ages. (Aug.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 2-4-Krensky uses short descriptive sentences to bring to life the famous incident. He details the movements of the British regulars in their march toward Concord to seize the colonists' military supplies, Revere's famous ride, and his capture (and release) by British troops. Several paragraphs of background information mention the issues that led to fighting and offer a brief overview of the Revolutionary War. Harlin's soft, realistic paintings display his dexterity with watercolor and his deft use of perspective. Double-page panoramas capture the span of a British warship, a line of red-coated soldiers, and Revere being chased on horseback at dusk by British soldiers. A map showing the area from Boston to Concord indicates Revere's route. Missing are source notes and/or a bibliography. Despite the picture-book format and brief text, this slice of history is not easy to understand without some background information about the period. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere (Handprint, 2001), illustrated by Christopher Bing, includes notes, letters written by General Gage and Paul Revere, detailed maps of the British march to Concord and Revere's ride, a bibliography, and a full page of acknowledgments. An edition of Longfellow's poem illustrated by Jeffrey Thompson (National Geographic, 2000) also includes background notes. Add Krensky's book to collections needing additional materials or as a companion to Longfellow's poem.-Susan Scheps, Shaker Heights Public Library, OH (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
This picture book retells the story of the American patriot's famous horseback ride. It is illustrated with dramatic, often panoramic paintings that are dark and foreboding, but also luminous, as befits such a symbolic moment for our country. Although the events are well known, Krensky's writing is clear and detailed and make this a good fit for the classroom. From HORN BOOK Spring 2003, (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
In a departure from other Paul Revere stories, Krensky (How Santa Lost His Job, 2001, etc.) tells the tale from the perspectives of Paul Revere, British General Gage, and his commander, Lord Percy. While Revere rushes to begin his ride to warn the patriots in Concord, the British troops form lines for a review that brings an end to months of inactivity. They wanted a fight, but did not really believe the colonists would go to battle over their ideals. Under the two lights shining from the Old North Church tower, both Paul and the Redcoats made their way across the Charles River by boat. With his fast horse, Paul escaped one set of soldiers waiting on the road, and spread the word to the patriots in Lexington. Paul's luck held even when the British soldiers captured him. They were so worried by his message that Concord had been warned that they took his horse, but set him free. The fighting at Lexington and the North Bridge are covered in two brief pages, and Revere's life during the war in one small paragraph, but for the reader, the ride of Paul Revere, and the actions of the British soldiers on that famous night are made real. Harlin's (Mississippi, not reviewed) watercolors marvelously illustrate colonial times, from the painstakingly detailed British uniforms and the dress of the American colonists, to the clapboard houses and the furnishings within. He uses close-ups to focus the reader's attention and complement the words of the text. As the author describes the Regulars' departure from the boats, the reader can see the water and mud they trudged through and easily imagine their discomfort. The front endpaper features a map showing the route of Paul Revere's ride, and an afterword gives more background to the conflict between the colonists and England, as well as the ultimate outcome. A good introduction to the start of the Revolutionary War. (Picture book/nonfiction. 7-12)
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
