Fire and Ice

see full review at http://littleredreads.blogspot.com/2012/07/liberty-lees-tail-of-independence-blog.html

From the Inside Flap: Look, right over there—oh say can you see? It’s a Yankee Doodle mouse named Liberty Lee! On the 4th of July, Liberty Lee proudly tells how he and his friends helped the 13 American colonies win their freedom. For years the king of England had unfairly taxed them—he taxed their sugar, molasses, and teas. What would be next? Macaroni and cheese? Finally Liberty Lee and the other fearless colonists said enough is enough.

From the Boston Tea Party to the “shot heard ’round the world” at Lexington and Concord, Liberty Lee describes how he took part in the brave acts that won America’s independence. He lends Jefferson a hand (and a tail!) in writing the Declaration of Independence. And he is there for the final American victory at Yorktown. Follow Liberty Lee and his patriot friends as they fight for the unalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness—for people and mice everywhere!Look, right over there—oh say can you see?
It’s a Yankee Doodle mouse named Liberty Lee!

Heather's Review: This is one of the first non--fiction picture books my children have been exposed to. With its rhyming verse and rich illustrations it drew in my nine year old who loved finding the hidden eagle on each page and said she loved all the small details. Each page sets up a historical event and scene with a "Where's Waldo" like game of finding both Liberty Lee, a small mouse, and an eagle on each page for older children. American history is taught in a fun fashion,covering our journey to independence from England...taxation, the Boston Tea Party, and the signing of hte Declaration of Independence.

Liberty Lee's Tail of Independence is a wonderful resource for parents and teachers to tell our nation;s story in an interactive way and at the end of the book there is "The Tail End" with even more information to use in instruction. Overall, it was well accepted at our house and my oldest asked if she could keep the book. Well done to the Barnes for giving us a great way to instruct our little ones!