This book comes nowhere close to living up to the claim that "no volume will provide more compelling and inspiring answers to our children's questions" about what it means to be an American. It is important to remember that while we might be tempted to buy into the kind of simplistic view Bennett presents in The Children's Book of America, what America was and is and who the people are who have lived and are living here are far more complex than he seems capable of conceiving. His stereotypic images might resonate with some people who long for simplicity and the "good ol' days" that never really were, but telling a story the way one wants to does not make it so, ignoring things one doesn't understand doesn't make them go away, and buying into ignorance is never a good idea. His sanitized vision of America should offend our sensibilities in light of the reality many of us live, and represents the co-opting of our children's education and future for the perpetuation of a grossly unequal and unjust status quo. Rather than serving up the pablum offered to our children by Bennett, we need to help them understand and critique the society in which they live, and prepare them for the kind of participatory democracy that can bring about the kind of social justice and egalitarian society that will permit each of us to live a bit of the American dream. We need to develop more critical and democratic thought than that evidenced by a BarnesandNoble.com customer-reviewer whose attempt at critique concludes,
"The unintentional irony of juxtaposing Martin Luther King's 'dream' speech with blatantly racist folksongs is typical of Bennett's charmingly naive and confused view of morality and virtue. The inclusion of songs and stories promoting racial harmony appears to have been driven by a simple-minded sense of political correctness. But Bennett nonetheless succeeds in providing the children of America with a much needed lesson in patriotism and morality. God knows that the public has completely lost their sense of morality. Thank you, Mr. Bennett, for teaching my children what is good and virtuous." This is part of what is wrong with America.

I really liked this book, and so did my children.

Bennett has taken familiar vingettes (Pilgrims, Paul Bunyon, Johnny Apple Seed, Martin Luther King, Jr., moon walk, etc.) and presented them in a short form that is perfect for four to seven year olds and above.

Each story teaches lessons based on core values and can lead to good discussions with children in trying to explain the underlying values. The tales are also a wonderful introduction to the story of our country through our history and myths. They cover the range of the American Experience and are exactly the kind of tales that can serve as a launching pad to introduce youngsters to a wider exploration of our national heritage.

The stories themselves are well written and captivating (though my four year old's attention wandered with some -- it is for older than pre-school on the whole). The illustrations are first rate and help younger children understand the written story.

The format is perfect for bedtime stories -- good length for a one story a night reading. It is also one you'll want to return to again.

This is a wonderful book for children to become familiar with the people and events that helped shape this great nation. The stories are inspirational and guided by a moral purpose. Our children need to know what a special and great country they live in!

Australia and Australians are truely unique to the world. They see things differently, express them differently and seem as laid back as their accent. This book lets you share in the Australian lifestyle and through images produced with Tony Bennet's words you can see, touch and taste the Australian lifestyle. Everyone should experience a little of the Land Down Under and if you can't afford the plane ticket this book is the next best thing. Sit back in a comfortable chair, take the phone off your hook and get lost in Australia. Share a few hours with the regular Aussie and relax.

It is a beautiful book with very interesting informations. I liked to know the history of many plants, but the autor doesnt't know almost anything about South American flowers. All the flora of Atlantic forest was forgotten.There is almost nothing about the great family of blomeliads and orchids. It could be a great book. . There is a book written by Loerenzi de Souza who has a great knowledge about brasilian flora, Harri Lorenzi (plantarum@plantarum.com. br) that could help the next edition.

This is a great botanical history. I was impressed with the little vignettes of the great plant finders, many of whom lost their lives trying to find great new plants. I happened to be reading the book while driving through the Smokey Mountains and seeing the Lobelia cardinalis at the same time I was reading how the Queen of Spain named it because it was such a brilliant red it reminded her of a Cardinal's robe. If you love plants, you will love this book.

The book is orgainized roughly by plant family, which is fine. I was a bit annoyed that there were pictures of period gardens stuck everywhere throughout the book (in the middle of the plant family organization). Rather than being in the middle of the chapters, I think these wonderful pieces could have been between the chapters. Actually I was so interested in what I was reading, I didn't appreciate the also wonderful interuption.

By the way, I passed by a whole hillside of Tradescantia in the Smokey Mountains while reading about the Tradescants (father and son) who brought that great plant to Europe.

The only thing I would caution is that the book is great reading, but for history, not how to grow the plant in your garden, especially if you are in the US, since the author is from England and cultural requirements are not his strong point.

I think this is a very interesting book.