America the Beautiful

by Robert Sabuda (Illustrator)

Master paper engineer Robert Sabuda has interpreted the classic American anthem "America the Beautiful" in dazzling dimension. From the Golden Gate Bridge to Mount Rushmore to the Statue of Liberty, America has never looked more spectacular. This stunning keepsake masterpiece will be shared and admired by generations to come; indeed it is a national treasure in and of itself.

Genres: Picture Books, History, Art, Childrens, Nonfiction, Music, Juvenile

16 pages, Hardcover

First published October 19, 2004

About the author

Robert Sabuda is internationally acclaimed for his stunning pop-up books, including America the Beautiful and The 12 Days of Christmas. He is also the illustrator of Chanukah Lights by Michael J. Rosen. Robert Sabuda lives in New York City.

Reviews

[Lorraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully executed book! Definitely shows what America is!! A stunner!

[Colette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely beautiful!
Each phrase of the first verse of the titular song is illustrated with intricate pop-up artwork depicting familiar places around the country: the Golden Gate Bridge, the great plains, Mount Rushmore, Mesa Verde, the Mississippi River, scenes from DC, and finally the Statue of Liberty.
The last page layout includes a mini book with all the verses to the song, and each of those pages is decorated with a mini pop-up! What a fun surprise! My favorites of those ones are the Liberty Bell and the bald eagle.
This is a great book to add to any patriotic collection.

[Ray Chrobak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Picture Book - Engineered

Grades Pre K-4

Themes: song - "America The Beautiful;" patriotism

Ways to use with children: sing the song; research the Golden State Bridge or Statue of Liberty; Analyze the words

[Violeta Tistova · Rating 5 out of 5]

Genre: Concept

Copyright Date: 2004

Thoughts: This is the most beautiful/incredible book I have ever come across in my life. It's attention to detail and graphics are outstanding. The lyrics of America the beautiful are the words to this book and it just makes you feel so patriotic! America really is beautiful and this book shows that statement off well.

Classroom Use: I will definitley be purchasing this book for my future classroom. It can be used to talk about geography and what students know about different states and parts of America.

[Aurelia Grey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Whitewashed popups take away from the paper engineering. 5 stars for timeless content choice but 3 stars for overuse of white. This book -to me- looks unfinished, like they were waiting for the color to be applied but it was printed before they realized it was a draft. Hard to see the details when it is white on white on white.

[Margie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fold-out paper cutouts of various features of the United States are stunning. The words of all the verses of the song, America the Beautiful, are also included. The publisher advises this is not a book for children under 5; I it would be more prudent to keep children under 7 or 8 unless an adult is assisting would be best.

[Hayley Murray-Alvarado · Rating 4 out of 5]

Concept Book 2004
Such beautiful pop-ups and following along with the song is great. I would use this in my classroom in my library for a free-time read because of the pop-ups.

[Robyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful. I love turning every page, reading the song and admiring the Artists details in paper Art/engineering.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful example of pop-up art: Sabuda is a master of the form!

[Welles-Turner Memorial Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazingly beautiful pop-up book! We love looking at the different scenes depicting different parts of America. Mt. Rushmore is my favorite!

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely popups and a nice selection. but every popup is pure white and I love color.

[Angelica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Genre: Pop-Up Picture Book

Copyright Date: 2004

I absolutely loved this book! One of the most beautiful pop-up books that I have ever read. It shows some of the most remarkable sights in America and you can sing along to "America the Beautiful as you look at the pictures.

[Rita Salfetnikova · Rating 5 out of 5]

Concept/ Pop-up Book
Copyright 2004
This was a beautiful book about different areas of America. This would be interesting for all ages k-5 grade. I would allow students to look at this book during silent reading time.

[Alesha Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great pop up book. It teaches kids about America and its a great book to read aloud and sing in Social Studies. The pictures are great, icluding pictures of American cities and awesome landmarks.

[Janet]

Following the lyrics of the song, the book contains pop-up illustrations.
While teaching patriotic symbols and patriotism, read this book, looking for symbols of our country. Look for pages that explain some lyrics which cause confusion.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this one! Another Sabuda book that you can sing along as you read. He really brings this song & nation to life. It's beautiful.

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

This pop-up is AMAZING! I love it!

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love almost every Sabuda pop-up book but this one is my favorite. They once had a special exhibit downtown and I'm so glad I went. What amazing detail and thought.

[Sandee Mariner · Rating 5 out of 5]

AMAZING!!! this won the prize for the most amazing children's book i read. They had a mill in there and when i opened the page the fan on top spun - it's all paper!

[Kris Lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

What more can you say than this book is amazing. It is the ultimate pop-up book. One to keep out of reach of the little ones until you are ready to help them with it.

[Corinne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet another beautiful book from Robert Sabuda. This is not a book to have around to read - this is a book to have around to admire.

[Mike Violano · Rating 5 out of 5]

Robert Sabuda is an artist and of all his masterpieces this is my favorite. Each page is a wonderful experience for children of all ages.

[Maggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A visually appealing book for students who are learning about the United States. From social studies and map skills, this is a great attention-getter!

[ANIOTUS Marcus Longmuir · Rating 5 out of 5]

Children will destroy this fabulously crafted book because it just begs to be touched in all the delicate places.

[Lafcadio · Rating 5 out of 5]

These pop-ups are all plain white paper, and are unbelievably intricate.

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic pop-up book that can't belong on library shelves due to it's frailness, but perfect for the older kids and PJ story time.

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Found a copy in wonderful condition at the used book store, but it was too late to use for Veterans Day. I'll probably pull it out for Presidents Day.

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Robert Sabuda is one of the best pop-up artists out there. I especially love the Golden Gate Bridge. A perfect book for people who love America.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sabuda's paper constructions are simply amazing. This one illustrates the lyrics of America the Beautiful.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A true masterpiece of pop-up art. The subtlety of the white forms makes this all the more impressive.