The United States of America are gleefully dissected in Gabrielle Balkan's fabulously stylish, oversized book that's aptly, even modestly, named The 50 States.
From Alabama to Wyoming, each state spans its own giant double-page spread, crisply designed but bursting with history, natural wonders, Native American Nations, cultural artifacts--from Alaska's Tlingit canoes to Arkansas quilts--unusual (and the usual) must-see sights, universities and museums, state-connected luminaries, animal descriptions, homegrown foods and festivals, inventions and much more. Each delicious tidbit is represented by one of Sol Linero's hip spot illustrations, reminiscent of artist Charley Harper in both style and palette. The colorful state maps all feature a brief introduction and a "Moments to Remember" box chronicling special dates in the state's history, from Alabama's 1965 Martin Luther King's civil rights march in Selma to the 1872 designation of Wyoming's Yellowstone as the first national park. A "Key Facts" box lists the capital, bird, flower, tree, etc. The factual nuggets are curated for a wide audience and age range; for example, the Pennsylvania-connected personalities are Andy Warhol, Billie Holiday, Roberto Clemente, Taylor Swift, Jerry Pinkney and "Nelly Bly." On the New Mexico map, browsers find that the "Spadefoot Toad smells like peanuts when it is handled," but also that Sadie Orchard was one of the few female stagecoach owners. The book closes with a Washington, D.C., spread, a "Presidents" gallery, including the names of the first ladies; an index; and, as the grand finale, the state flags.
Surprises abound in The 50 States, a splendid reference, coffee-table book and conversation starter for anyone, anywhere. --Karin Snelson, children's editor, Shelf Awareness