Fireworks, Picnics, and Flags: The Story of the Fourth of July Symbols

Book Description:

James Cross Giblin does an excellent job of bringing the history of America’s Independence Day to life. Woven into his vivid descriptions of events surrounding the Declaration of Independence (down to the annoying flies and mosquitoes in Philadelphia’s State House) are amusing anecdotes--how the 1890s "Society for the Suppression of Unnecessary Noise" tried to outlaw Fourth of July firecrackers; what a Yankee Doodle really is; that Uncle Sam was a real person; and how Benjamin Franklin wanted America’s national bird to be ... a turkey. Fireworks, Picnics, and Flags concludes with chapters on the Centennial and the Bicentennial, a July 4 events timeline, and a helpful index. Ursula Arndt’s skillful pen-and-ink drawings enliven this already spirited treatment of the symbols and history of America’s most patriotic holiday.

Ages 9 and up.

This spirited look at our national birthday explores the stories behind the familiar symbols of the Fourth of July and tells how they have come to be associated with the holiday. It will make the Fourth of July more meaningful for readers young and old. James Cross Giblin is an editor of children’s books who also writes for children. He edited the Clarion holiday series started by the late Edna Barth. Ursula Arndt brings to this book the same delightful style she employed as illustrator of the six Barth holiday books. This title, along with all of Edna Barth’s classic holiday books, is now being reissued with a fresh, new jacket design and fun activities inside the paperback covers.