Journey Around Washington D.C. from A to Z(Hardback) - 2004 Edition

by Martha Day Zschock

Washington, D.C., is "hometown" for every American. In the coming election year, against the background of recent international events, thoughts will turn to Washington as never before. Martha Day Zschock is not only a brilliant artist, whose "Journey Around" books have captured readers of all ages in Boston, New York, and San Francisco, and on Cape Cod; 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." Each page also features a paragraph of history. Again, the "A" page explains how "The Star Spangled Banner" was written and what has happened to the flag that flew over Fort McHenry. At the bottom of each page is a playful factoid; the "A" page explains the evolution of the American flag.

Genres: Picture Books

Unknown Binding

First published January 1, 2004

About the author

Martha Zschock is the author and illustrator of many children’s books and products. She is a former elementary school teacher and loves to continue taking children on field trips through her “Journey Around” and “Hello!” series of books. She lives on Cape Cod with her family.

Reviews

[Julie Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations in this celebration of Washington DC. I learned some new stuff, even! I am inspired and excited to visit the capitol, now, and I started here and am now moving to Fodor's guidebook written for actual adults.... :)
I would absolutely read this with my child before a trip to DC and have it in the car/on the train/plane on the way as well.

[Sydney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This informative book goes through the importance and history of our capital and country. It goes from A-Z on things you can see around Washington D.C. For example, M stands for Money machines manufacture millions and T stands for trumpets play taps in tribute. Under each one, the author explains what each topic is. This is a great story for children to learn about Washington D.C. and it's importance.

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

Picked this up for my ABC book collection on our trip to Washington DC!

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned so much about DC; what a treat!

[Bridget Cabbiness · Rating 2 out of 5]

"Journey around Washington,D.C from A to Z" by Martha Day Zschock in a Non-fiction book for children in the intermediate level, ranging from ages eight to twelve. Each page of the book is a letter of the alphabet and has either a word or topic that the letter begins with. The first for example is A for America’s anthem awakens awe, and then goes in to detail about how “The Star Spangled Banner” came about. This book has a lot of useful and interesting information, but I don’t like the set up of it, and don’t really see younger readers liking it either. Some of the illustrations are better then others in my opinion, and the ones I like make me want to read about whatever topic it’s illustrating where as the less exciting ones make me want to skip over that page. Although this is intended for the intermediate age group, I feel like some of the larger words in this book may discourage younger readers to continue. I would use this book alongside a history lesson, and get each of the children a letter, and the topic that goes with and have them do more research on that topic. This book is very informative and is good for the reader who enjoys history, but I feel like this would be a book that children would read willingly on their own.

[sarafem · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful children's book. It has gorgeous illustrations and simple prose that children will be attracted to.

The book is ideal for kids learning about our nation and our history, as well as about DC. itself as a city. DC is my favorite city, and I purchased this book for my daughter (who is far beyond this reading level but will love it for its depth and knowledge). We don't visit often enough because of the distance, but this way I feel like she is a little more familiar with it. I think this book would really foster a love of our nation's capital, and I love that Lily can look through it and pick out things she's seen, and what she wants to see next.

[Amanda L · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some conventional must-sees alongside some off-the-beaten path cultural sites (the jazz era influence on U St NW, for example). Good tool to get a kidlet (or even an adult!) excited about a trip to the US Capitol. Lots of historical lessons thrown in as well. Engaging illustrations and the "from A to Z" format will maintain a child's interest.