This Is Texas: A Children's Classic

This is...

by Miroslav Sasek

Following the runaway bestsellers This is New York and This is Paris, Universe is pleased to reissue another title from M. Sasek's beloved and nostalgic children's travel series. Like the other Sasek classics, This is Texas is a facsimile edition of his original book that is still timely and current in every way. The stylish, charming illustrations, coupled with Sasek's witty, playful narrative, make the book a perfect souvenir that will delight both children and their parents, many of whom will remember it from their childhood. The brilliant, vibrant illustrations have been meticulously preserved, remaining true to his vision more than forty years later and, where applicable, facts have been updated for the twenty-first century, appearing on a "This is ... Today" page at the back of each book. In This is Texas, first published in 1967, M. Sasek rides high in the saddle, lassoing all the color and colossal span of Texas as he tours the state from Dallas, Houston, and Austin to the Alamo. From its cattle, coyotes, and cowboys to its oil wells, rodeo and rattlesnakes, everything in the biggest state is bigger than anywhere else.

Genres: Travel, Picture Books, Childrens, Nonfiction, History

64 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1967

About the author

Miroslav Sasek (born Miroslav Šašek) (1916-1980) was an author and illustrator from the Czech Republic. He is best known for a series of books for children titled This Is...

Reviews

[Lara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hys-freakin'-sterical.

Lots of actual information in there, but also a bit of a sense of humor too. My favorite page was talking about all the things that Texas is the biggest/most/other superlative in a whole range of things (corrected by a collection of footnotes with the actual biggest/most/other superlative). Like "Texas is the biggest state (footnote: except for Alaska)" and so on. Very Texan attitude!

Yes, some of the facts are out of date, especially population numbers, (was reading a copy published in 1967, after all) but there's still good information.

After having lived in TX for five years (but definitely not being a Texan myself) I really enjoyed it.

[Findlay Pennekamp · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book will tell you everything you need to know about Texas. The illustrations are fabulous, and some of the facts and the storytelling is great. However, some of the facts are really dry and out of date, and the transitions between sections are non-existent. However, as an honorary Texan, Texas and Texas history are very important to me, and I was proud to learn about my country. Hopefully I'll get to visit Texas soon!

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this with my son. I think every Texan ought to grab a copy to read to their little ones, that way they know about our great Lone Star State from an early age! This is a great introduction to Texas history and interesting facts and numbers about various cities and famous things in, around, and about Texas. I appreciated the updated notes so we have an accurate understanding of what's changed this the original publication of this fun little book.

[Mariah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sasek's artwork is so charming that even Texans will accept his tendency toward emphasizing the stereotypical aspects a bit more. There are still lots of interesting tidbits about Texas, although many footnotes on the last page reveal that many of those tidbits are about lost monuments 0f bygone days.

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series! With the European books not much has changed since it was first published...however it seems a lot of things have changed in Texas. I really like that they keep the original text and stars the content to let you know of current information (listed in the back). Now on to others in the series!

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is good for the cute illustrations, but the text is rather dry and a lot of it is outdated. Maybe just a regular travel brochure is a better deal!

[Donalyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

More an artifact of children's books from the 1960's than a useful informational book. Cool illustrations.

[Mia · Rating 5 out of 5]

The drawings and words in this book are brilliant! I learned o much about Texas....and, sadly, a lot of it has changed like the subway in Dallas.

[Rosie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read it while browsing a vintage shop in Austin, Texas!

[Roger · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned a little more about Texas. Also these reprints of old children's travel guides make me feel a little sad. Like I was born too late to see the world depicted here.

[Trish · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a travel book about Texas.

[Curtis Edmonds · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a delightful (if somewhat outdated) look at Texas for early readers. I read this at Child B's school and donated it to the classroom.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can someone please create an updated edition?

[J Chad · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a terrific re-publication of a book from 1967 filled with Texas facts and drawings