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November 14, 2008 by Travis Jonker

Book Review: Abe Lincoln Crosses a Creek

November 14, 2008 by Travis Jonker   10 comments

abelincolncrosses

Abe Lincoln Crosses a Creek: A Tall, Thin Tale
By Deborah Hopkinson
Illustrated by John Hendrix
Schwartz & Wade Books
ISBN: 9780375837685
$16.99
Grades 1-3
In Stores

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*Best New Books*

Let me say off the bat that I’m biased. Abe Lincoln holds a special place in my stovepipe, which I have worn for the last few Halloweens impersonating the great man. I even grew up on a Lincoln Avenue. If you know that information, then you know I come to most books about our 16th president with more interest than the average reader. But I’d be lying if I said that “Abe Lincoln Crosses a Creek” is anything less than one of the most creative, well illustrated books about Honest Abe you’re likely to find.

The story, narrated by the author, centers on an event that, by all accounts, actually took place in Lincoln’s youth. The complete title of this book includes this: “(Introducing His Forgotten Frontier Friend)”, and with good reason – Benjamin Austin Gollaher is really the hero of this story. On a mission to find partridges, Austin and Abe head down to the fast moving Knob Creek. They run into a problem when the birds they seek are on the other side of the water. In crossing, Abe (the non-swimmer) falls into the water, to be heroically saved by Austin.

Sounds like a simple story, right? Well, the fun is in the details. The narrator breaks rules from the beginning, speaking directly to the reader, talking about the author, and explaining how the story is probably true. The scene where the young Lincoln falls into the water is given a second take when the narrator realizes that maybe the two boys would not have walked, but crawled over the log bridge. When Austin makes it over, the author suggests, “Let’s all clap together”. These elements help to draw in the reader and make the story interactive. A solid Lincoln read aloud? No question.

Then there are the illustrations. Watercolor greens, browns and blues dominate the book, adding life to the detailed pen and ink lines. There are creative flourishes, like the illustrator’s use of different fonts for sound effects, the use of arrows and signs, and the occasional illustration of his hand drawing the illustrations that give the artwork a personal quality. It looks like Mr. Hendrix was having fun, and that rubs off.

Although my above average interest in the subject matter is known, “Abe Lincoln Crosses a Creek” succeeds no matter how you look at it. Be sure to add this one to your collection. Although I’m still not sure I can make this endorsement – did I mention that I also have worked at an elementary school named Lincoln?

Find this book at your local library with WorldCat.

Panoramic shot of the cover:

abe_jacketf_72

“Abe Lincoln Crosses a Creek” Wikipedia entry.

Filed under: *Best New Books*, Reviews

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About Travis Jonker

Travis Jonker is an elementary school librarian in Michigan. He writes reviews (and the occasional article or two) for School Library Journal and is a member of the 2014 Caldecott committee. You can email Travis at scopenotes@gmail.com, or follow him on Twitter: @100scopenotes.

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Comments

  1. teacherninja says

    November 14, 2008 at 9:15 am

    Sounds great! Hadn’t heard of this one, thanks.

  2. Christine says

    November 14, 2008 at 5:06 pm

    This one looks great for my nine year old who has enjoyed “Just A Few Words, Mr. Lincoln” several times over.

  3. Bill says

    November 14, 2008 at 5:50 pm

    I loved this book. Especially the “dialog” between author and illustrator.

  4. Scope Notes says

    November 15, 2008 at 1:39 am

    The dialog between author and illustrator is a great element of this book. I think “Abe Lincoln Crosses…” goes to show that it isn’t just the story, but how you tell it. When the author and illustrator are having fun, so goes the reader.

  5. Lynn Rutan says

    November 16, 2008 at 3:10 pm

    What a great review! This book is going on my to read list right away. And…I think we need to see a picture of you in costume 😉

  6. Karen says

    November 16, 2008 at 3:41 pm

    Ok, after reading your and Bill’s comments, I’m curious about the dialog. I guess this is one I’ll have to read!! Thanks for the rec!

  7. Scope Notes says

    November 16, 2008 at 6:40 pm

    I wish I had a picture to show, Lynn! Somehow, even though photos have been taken, I have yet to get my hands on one. I’m going to have to start doing some investigating.

  8. Michele Kophs says

    January 11, 2009 at 12:45 am

    Deborah Hopkinson will be on blog tour Feb. 22-28, 2009. Please contact me if you are interested in interviewing her.

Trackbacks

  1. ALA Annual 2009: A Day in the Life (Part II) « 100 Scope Notes says:
    July 15, 2009 at 12:11 am

    […] – My wife is sitting at a table with Deborah Hopkinson, author of the *Best New Book* Abe Lincoln Crosses a Creek. I find myself wishing I had brought my hand-made stovepipe […]

  2. 100 Scope Notes 2009 Fall Preview « 100 Scope Notes says:
    August 28, 2009 at 5:40 pm

    […] a bit familiar? John Hendrix illustrated last year’s outstanding Abe Lincoln Crosses a Creek (100 Scope Notes review) and the man’s style has a way of jumping out at you. Looking forward to him taking on […]

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