Arcadia Children's Books - New

Author and illustrator Martha Zschock was a third-grade teacher on Cape Cod. When taking her students on field trips on the Cape, she discovered what sites and stories excited them most. Drawing on that experience, she created what one Cape Cod bookseller calls the best Cape book we've ever had, and the first in a series of alphabet books that visit great American places. Journey Around Cape Cod and the Islands From A to Z is an alphabet book, but one that is equally enjoyable and interesting for children of all ages and for adults, as well. From Aptucxet to Zooplankton, it offers fascinating information about the Cape and its history, all of it illustrated with Zschock's beautiful watercolor work.

A fact-filled, alphabetical journey through the five boroughs of the city. A pigeon serves as a tour guide of sorts, appearing on every page in either the small inset illustration or in one of the smaller spot-art drawings located along the bottom of the pages. The format works well to introduce famous landmarks and neighborhoods with descriptive alliterative sentences, such as Dragons dance by dim sum diners as an introduction to Chinatown and Gorgeous gardens grace glass-houses for commentary on the New York Botanical Garden. Succinct paragraphs of historical information are located under each full-page, highly detailed colored-pencil-and-watercolor illustration. In a much smaller type size, a one-sentence, sometimes quirky, bit of information is imparted as well, as in Many skyscrapers don't have a 13th floor. No one wants to be on an unlucky floor! This up-to-date book includes a reference to and inset illustration of the former Twin Towers under the letter T: Tough times take teamwork. The book begins with a map and a listing of the 26 landmarks showcased. The endpapers offer a different sort of New York alphabet to readers, featuring small illustrations of interesting trademark items, such as a Nathan's hot dog, a blue box from Tiffany's, and a yellow cab. A wonderful testament to a diverse city and its equally diverse residents. -School Library Journal

This vivid, enchanting alphabet book for all ages is packed with fascinating information about historic sites in Boston, Cambridge, and environs. Colorful, detailed watercolor paintings from author and illustrator Martha Day Zschock enliven the pages, which include: Brahmins on Beacon Hill, Fans at Fenway, and Tea Taxes! Says the Fitchburg Sentinel, Her art and poetic, easy-to-follow text will warmly draw readers of all ages into the arms of the City Upon the Hill.

Washington, D.C. is hometown for every American. Martha Day Zschock is not only a brilliant artist, whose Journey Around books have captured readers of all ages in Boston, New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and more. She is also an educator, who designed her bestselling series to teach children about our great American places. This is far more than an alphabet book. Each page is headed by an alliterative sentence that evokes an important theme - the A page reads, America's anthem awakens awe - and each page also features a paragraph of history.

To celebrate the centennial of the national parks, children's author-illustrator Martha Day Zschock has created Journey Around Our National Parks. Discover the fascinating story of the preservation of over 400 special places in our country, including: Yellowstone, the Great Smoky Mountains, Mount Rushmore, the Florida Everglades, and the historic sites in our nation's capital. Designed to introduce kids to our national parks as if they are on a field trip, Zschock's whimsical, detailed illustrations and meticulously researched history--enhanced by quotes from prominent nature lovers--will captivate children of all ages, from the youngest lap-reader to the adults who read to them. The book has been aimed at the fourth grader, helping to support the Every Kid in a Park initiative, but is suitable for children ages six and up. Made in the USA.