Happy Fourth of July! Check out one of these picture books to celebrate with the whole family.
Hats Off for the Fourth of July by Harriet Ziefert and illustrated by Gustaf Miller
This is one small town parade readers shouldn’t miss! It starts with music and drums. What will come next? Cowboys on horseback? The baseball team? The fire engine? Or Miss Eelgrass with the green hair? And when the parade’s over and the streets start to clear, another spectacle is waiting up in the sky.
America: A Patriotic Primer by Lynne Cheney and illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser
America: A Patriotic Primer is a succinct history of the United States, an ABC of the principles on which this country was founded, and a book for children and families to pore over, discuss, and cherish.
If You’re Going to a March by Martha Freeman and illustrated by Violet Kim
As more and more children attend the growing number of marches across the country, this cheerful guide serves as a great reference tool and conversation starter for youthful participants. Inspired by author Martha Freeman’s own experiences, this picture book addresses many of the questions kids might have: What should I wear? How will I get there? Where will I be able to go to the bathroom? Is it okay to dance? (Yes, it is!). All the while the text stays focused on the fact that the right to assemble is a Constitutional part of our life as Americans . . . whatever our political point of view.
Liberty’s Journey by Kelly DiPucchio and illustrated by Richard Egielski
Lady Liberty has welcomed immigrants to New York for more than one hundred years-but she’s never traveled beyond her island. She’s curious to see the country that has become home to the millions who have passed beneath her torch. She wants to go on an old-fashioned road trip! So one foggy morning, the giant Lady tiptoes off her pedestal and begins her journey. Down alleyways, along railroad tracks, through cities and small towns, across deserts, and over mountains, she greets surprised and delighted Americans. The country is as captivating, as Lady Liberty knew it would be, but New Yorkers miss her terribly. How can they persuade her to come home, where she belongs?
Fourth of July Mice by Bethany Roberts and illustrated by Doug Cushman
It’s the most patriotic of all holidays—Independence Day! The Holiday Mice take part in all the activities that make the Fourth of July fun: a parade, a picnic, a baseball game and sack race, and a refreshing dip in the stream. Even Mr. Mouse, the littlest mouse’s special toy, joins in the festivities. The best part of all comes at the end of the day: a spectacular fireworks show!
Scrambled States of America by Laurie Keller
At the first annual “states party,” Virginia and Idaho hatch a plan to swap spots so each can see another part of the country. Before the party is over, all the states decide to switch places. In the beginning, every state is happy in its new location. But soon things start to go wrong. Will the states ever unscramble themselves and return to their proper places?
What Does It Mean to Be American? by Rana DiOrio & Elad Yoran and illustrated by Nina Mata
What does it mean to be American? Does it mean you like apple pie or fireworks? Not exactly. This patriotic picture book is perfect for Independence Day. But the Fourth of July isn’t the only time to celebrate what makes America special. While politics seem to divide our country into the two opposing teams of red and blue, one truth remains: we are all Americans. But what does that mean?
Uncle Sam by Anastasia Suen and illustrated by Matthew Skeens
He has become one of the country’s most well-known characters. Tall and firm, Uncle Sam stands for a strong U.S. government. Join meatpacker Sam Wilson in Uncle Sam as he shares the wild story of how he, a clown, and countless artists shaped this American symbol.
All book descriptions were borrowed from Goodreads.com.
Agnes Robinson Waterloo Public Library 