From: Ginny Moore Kruse <gmkruse>
Date: Sun, 08 Jul 2007 20:29:09 -0500

My all-time favorite "road" book for children continues to be
"Stringbean's Trip to the Shining Sea" written and illustrated by Vera B. Williams with additional artwork by Jennifer Williams. It was originally published by Greenwillow Books in 1988.
  An incomparable narrative form containing superior characterizations and plotting features Stringbean and his older brother Fred who camp together one summer while driving to and from the Pacific coast. They sightsee every day, and of course they bicker. Regardless, they regularly write postcards to their family in Jeloway, Kansas. As Stringbean himself gradually gains self confidence, he also becomes proud of his Latino heritage. Observant readers will notice that after one particularly telling "road" experience, he signs his given name
"Cesar" on the brothers' postcard.
  The postcards bear original art and innovative postage stamps designed by Vera Williams. Thus the book's pages represent a variety of natural wonders, tourist stops and historic sites. They also become an informal showcase of art styles and humor. The book can be randomly looked at, but it's best enjoyed from beginning to end and back again, just like Stringbean and Fred's road trip. Subsequent reading and browsing reveal additional depths within the text and artwork, as does the image of Planet Earth on the final page.
  This marvelous book should never be allowed to go out of print. It's one of Vera B. Williams' extraordinary, highly original, enormously creative and thoroughly delightful books for children.
  Happy travels, Ginny
Received on Sun 08 Jul 2007 08:29:09 PM CDT