P.J. Lynch, one of the most accomplished children’s book creators working today, has won the Kate Greenaway Medal twice and the Christopher Medal three times. His meticulous research brings impeccable detail to the twenty books he has illustrated, including The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey by Susan Wojciechowski, When Jessie Came Across the Sea by Amy Hest, A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, and Mysterious Traveler by Mal Peet and Elspeth Graham. P.J. Lynch lives in Dublin.
Based on historical fact, this feast of a book, the first
illustrator Lynch has authored as well, will captivate readers from
its opening double-page spread...What sets this book apart from
myriad Pilgrim stories is Howland's personal point of view, which
helps readers enter into the tenor of the time, when the settlers'
religious faith both motivated and sustained them, and the dramatic
illustrations with their expert play of expression, composition,
and light.Sweeping and grand, this personal take on a familiar
story is an engaging success.
—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
Lynch’s meticulous watercolor and gouache illustrations imbue the
pages with cinematic energy. The opening birds-eye view of bustling
1620s London allows careful readers to spot a tiny Howland running
through muddy streets on a clandestine errand; a later spread shows
the Native Americans’ vantage from shadowy woods as they secretly
watch the newly arrived Pilgrims. Short chapters with
straightforward titles chronologically segment a familiar story
that has been personalized through stunning artwork and insightful
storytelling.
—Publishers Weekly (starred review)
The clearly written, first- person account, told from John’s point
of view, combines history with adventure and a hint of romance.
Based on historical sources, the narrative is laced with
well-imagined characterizations and conversations. The book’s wide
format showcases Lynch’s dramatic and richly atmospheric watercolor
and gouache paintings, which include strong individual character
portrayals as well as beautifully composed scenes on land and at
sea. This handsome volume offers a dramatic personal story of the
Pilgrim’s voyage on the Mayflower and their early experiences in
America.
—Booklist (starred review)
Coupled with richly detailed and often dramatic watercolor and
gouache illustrations, Lynch’s fast-paced text brings a new
excitement to the Thanksgiving story. An excellent choice for
teachers seeking a new approach to the history of the Pilgrims.
—School Library Journal (starred review)
Mr. Lynch’s first few paintings in this superb picture book so
capture the squalor, overcrowding and political danger that the
Pilgrims faced in the Old World...
—The Wall Street Journal
Enhanced by a large format that showcases Lynch’s striking
watercolor and gouache illustrations, this fictionalized account of
Howland’s story will spark young readers’ interest in learning more
about the Wampanaog and English people who encountered one another
so long ago.
—BookPage
Howland’s voice is vibrant and convincing, and Lynch deftly
integrates information known about Howland’s future...Lynch’s wa-
tercolor paintings harken back to the dramatically composed and
illuminated work of N. C. Wyeth.
—Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
P. J. Lynch has written a compelling accounting of young John
Howland’s story and the larger story of the Mayflower. The writing
is crisp, and the facts are presented in captivating prose. The
rich, detailed paintings he uses to illustrate his story evoke
times past and steep the readers in Howland’s journey. This is one
of the finest middle-grade historical picture books available.
Don’t miss it.
—San Francisco Book Review
This handsomely illustrated volume breathes life into the familiar
Pilgrim story by narrating it from the point of view of John
Howland, a young man who was indentured to first Plymouth governor,
John Carver...Watercolor and gouache illustrations enhance the
storytelling.
—School Library Connection
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