Book Description
for Stringbean's Trip to the Shining Sea by Vera B. Williams and Jennifer Williams
From Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC)
"Stringbean" Cesar Joseph Coe and his older brother Fred camp one summer as they drive to and from the Pacific, writing a postcard a day to their family in Jeloway, Kansas. As Stringbean himself gradually gains pride in his family heritage, readers may notice that the brothers have a Hispanic background. The postcard greetings and the cards themselves bearing innovative postage become the book's pages, representing a variety of natural wonders, tourist stops and historic places. Superior characterization and plotting earmark the writing. A virtual showcase of art styles and humor distinguish the varied visual elements of a book which can be either randomly looked at and enjoyed or read from beginning to end and enjoyed. Subsequent reading and browsing reveals additional depths. Winner, 1988 CCBC Caldecott Discussion. (Ages 5-10)
CCBC Choices 1988. © Cooperative Children's Book Center, Univ. of Wisconsin - Madison, 1988. Used with permission.