When Washington Crossed the Delaware: A Wintertime Story for Young Patriots

by Lynne Cheney

Book Overview

"This is the story that I tell my grandchildren at Christmas. I hope that this book will bring the tradition of sharing history to families all across America."
-- Lynne Cheney

Christmas night, 1776, was a troubled time for our young country. In the six months since the Declaration of Independence had been signed, General George Washington and his troops had suffered defeat after defeat at the hands of the British. It looked as...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0689870434
• ISBN13: 9780689870439
• Release Date: October 2004
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
• Length: 32 Pages
• Weight: 1.10 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 10.8" x 10.8"
• Age Range: 5 to 9 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 4

Customer Reviews

beautifully written and illustrated

"It was November 1776, a time of trouble for our young country"...so starts this lovely picture book, that is educational, inspiring, and has a marvelous layout to appreciate the paintings by Peter M. Fiore, a multi-award winning artist whose brushwork is bold, with a sense of movement and expressiveness in his impressionistic style. This is work that will be liked by all ages, and though most of the colors are in "winter hues", many of them, when lit by candlelight or a fire light, have a brilliance to them, with splashes of red. Mrs. Cheney has a talent for distilling history into small, memorable sections; her phrases are succinct and beautifully worded, and though much of this story is one of struggle and survival in harsh weather, the feeling is one of courage and determination, and an abiding patriotism. The square format has a painting that covers 1 ½ pages, and a quote from the Revolutionary War period and Mrs. Cheney's narration covering ½ a page. The paper is good quality with a nice shine to it, and there is a page of the sources for the information used in the story. The inside of the cover has a map for Washington's Crossing, the Battle of Trenton, and the Battle of Princeton. I would have loved this book as a child, having always had a "serious side"; it is an ideal gift for a youngster who is thoughtful and has an interest in history.

A Fun Learning Experience!

I think Mrs. Cheney did a really good job writing this book. When Washington Crossed the Delaware is a learning experience, but also fun to read. I HIGHLY recommend this book for kids. George Washington is one of my favorite Presidents, but until I read this book I didn't know that he crossed the Delaware during Christmastime. The pictures in the book look like paintings in a museum! My name is Haley and I'm a junior reader. Enjoy.

IMPORTANT STORY FOR KIDS

It's amazing how people insist on making their review of Mrs. Cheney's book into a political soapbox. What? are the message boards at Yahoo not working today? Anyway, this is an important story for kids of any age to read and learn. I've read several books on the American Revolution and I never cease to be amazed at the courage and resolve that George Washington and his men showed during that bitter winter. Washington's strict but caring command eventually earned him the full support and love of his men. Men who endured bitterly cold temperatures, living in wood shacks with clothing ill-suited to the extreme weather, and only trying to survive, let alone actually face the most powerful army on earth at the time. In an age where people are only toO ready to look towards their leaders for their next handouts, it's inspiring to read about people who sacrificed so much in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. I think that this small story is one that can be told to kids of any age. From the first time to youngsters as well as serving as a reminder to even kids at the high school level. It's important for them to know the great sacrifices that these men made for their country. What a joy to read! Thank you Mrs. Cheney!

Destined to become a treasure in our homes

Mrs. Cheney shows her impressive qualification to teach our children about the heroism of our past as she makes history come to life in this book destined to become a treasure in the homes of American families. Thank you, Mrs. Cheney, for the distinguished and "take the high road" modeling to our country (especially to our children) that is demonstrated in a project such as this. I encourage anyone looking for a Christmas gift with "real class" to consider giving every child you know a copy of "When Washington Crossed the Delaware."

A story that every child should know!

Lynne Cheney's story of George Washington and his troops crossing the Delaware River is a wonderful presentation of how liberty wove our country's fabric during the Revolutionary War. For children, this story brings to life the courage demonstrated by Washington and his troops, and the honor they earned by taking action in pursuit of liberty. It will not only inspire young patriots, but it will also teach them what was sacrificed to secure the life, liberty and happiness we now celebrate as Americans. Every school in America should share Cheney's wintertime story with its students, for every young child should know what a great struggle Washington and his troops endured and overcame, and how the troops stepped forward with trust in Washington's leadership and with unwavering patriotism to claim victory under the bright light of liberty.