{"id":1510794049,"title":"The Flag We Love","handle":"the-flag-we-love","description":"\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR\/ILLUSTRATOR INFO BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy: \u003ca title=\"Author Pam Munoz Ryan\" href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/pages\/pam-munoz-ryan\"\u003ePam Munoz Ryan\u003c\/a\u003e \/ Illustrated by: \u003ca title=\"Illustrator Ralph Masiello\" href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/pages\/ralph-masiello\"\u003eRalph Masiello\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER HEADING BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eYou're a grand ol' flag!\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER DESCRIPTION BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis spirited tribute to Old Glory will inspire readers, young and old, to take a new look at the greatest emblem of the United States of America. With patriotic verse and historical facts, \u003ci\u003eThe Flag We Love\u003c\/i\u003e explores how our flag has become an enduring part of our nation's proud history and heritage. From its earliest designs to its role in peace-time and war, the Star-Spangled Banner will take on a whole new meaning for all readers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe bold, rich illustrations by Ralph Masiello highlight significant points in history, as well as common place moments of American life, when our flag symbolizes the people and ideals of the United States of America.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/charlesbridge-books.com\/previews\/flag-we-love\/flagwelove_preview1.html\" target=\"new\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eRead an excerpt!\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER RECOMMENDATIONS BELOW - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"recommended-books\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you like this book, you’ll enjoy these:\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/products\/unite-or-die\" title=\"Unite or Die\"\u003eUnite or Die\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - START OF TABS - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e [TABS]\n\u003ch5\u003eLook Inside\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg class=\"cvr-border-gray\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/flag-we-love-spread.jpg?15081088515493093296\"\u003e\u003c!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --\u003e\u003cscript src=\"\/\/assets.pinterest.com\/js\/pinit.js\" data-pin-hover=\"true\" data-pin-height=\"32\" data-pin-shape=\"round\" defer async=\"\" type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003e\u003c\/script\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor \u0026amp; Illustrator\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePam Muñoz Ryan, author\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePam Muñoz Ryan is an award-winning author and has written many picture books for young children and novels for young adults. Her books include \u003cem\u003eThe Flag We Love\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eHello Ocean\u003c\/em\u003e, and \u003cem\u003eOur California\u003c\/em\u003e. She often visits schools and conferences to speak about writing and literacy. Pam lives in Leucadia, California.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca title=\"Author Pam Munoz Ryan\" href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/pages\/pam-munoz-ryan\"\u003eRead more \u003c\/a\u003eabout Pam.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - ENTER ILLUSTRATOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRalph Masiello, illustrator\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRalph Masiello—affectionately known as 'The Icky Bug Man'—has illustrated several children's books including \u003cem\u003eThe Icky Bug Alphabet Book\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eThe Yucky Reptile Alphabet Book\u003c\/em\u003e, and \u003cem\u003eThe Flag We Love\u003c\/em\u003e. His oil paintings are remarkably rich and realistic and bring to life the subjects of his books—be they bugs, flags, dinosaurs, or well-hidden messages and secret drawings. Ralph lives in West Brookfield, Massachusetts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca title=\"Illustrator Ralph Masiello\" href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/pages\/ralph-masiello\"\u003eRead more\u003c\/a\u003e about Ralph.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - ENTER AWARDS \u0026 HONORS BELOW - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAwards \u0026amp; Honors\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNCSS\/CBC Notable Social Studies Trade Book\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEarly Childhood News Director's Choice Award\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eABA Kids' Pick of the Lists\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - ENTER REVIEWS BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEditorial Reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublishers Weekly\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStrike up the band and prepare to salute— this patriotic picture book unabashedly celebrates the Stars and Stripes. In a series of earnest verses, Ryan introduces young readers to our national symbol and the ideals for which it stands (\"Americans stand together\/ Before ceremonies start\/ And promise their allegiance\/ With their hands across thier hearts,\"), while prose inserts offer historical tidbits in a sidebar format. The book's clean, airy layout contrasts with Masiello's intense, sometimes murkily-hued oil paintings, which echo Ryan's text in their solemnity and fervor. Nonetheless, the result should delight Yankee Doodle dandies everywhere, and could help spark discussion on the basic elements of democracy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBook Links\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe right-hand page of spread in this useful picture book features a well-painted scene in which the flag figures prominently. Opposite, a four-line verse corresponds with the scene, while facts about the flag and how it is used in various ways are also included. The making of the first flag, pledging allegiance to the flag, Lincoln's funeral train, and flags at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. are all covered. The lack of much text makes this book best suited for younger children.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChildren's Literature\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn American flag, the familiar red, white and blue, ripples in a sky filled with fireworks--a reminder to all of the joy and pride we take in one of our more enduring national symbols. As Ryan tells readers, no one knows who designed or created the first flag or why the colors were chosen. Interestingly there were no guidelines initially regarding the size or placements of the stars (she doesn't tell us when it was standardized), but what she does tell us is fascinating. Six American flags \"fly\" on the moon, one for each Apollo landing. Flags fly over schools, at national monuments, and are a big part of celebrations such as those for the Fourth of July. Flags fly at half-mast to honor the dead and American flags fly at our ports to welcome all who arrive at this country. Her text and Masiello's wonderful illustrations will make us all remember that the American flag represents \"many of America's hopes and dreams.\" It is my hope that this book will find a place in school and public libraries and that children and adults will pause to think about our flag, this nation, and what we stand for.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DOWNLOADABLES BELOW - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDownloadables\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"The Flag We Love book cover\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/flag-we-love-10th-anniversary-cvr.jpg?9764023089970255382\" style=\"display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/flag-we-love-10th-anniversary-hires.zip?9764023089970255382\" class=\"product-btn\"\u003eDownload the Cover\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DETAILS BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDetails\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHardcover\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003eISBN: 978-1-57091-707-3\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePaperback\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eISBN: 978-0-88106-844-3\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eE-book PDF\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eISBN: 978-1-60734-063-8 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAges: 5-8\u003cbr\u003ePage count: 32\u003cbr\u003e9 x 11\u003c\/p\u003e\n[\/TABS]","published_at":"2015-07-13T10:11:00-04:00","created_at":"2015-07-12T12:04:38-04:00","vendor":"Charlesbridge","type":"Children's Book","tags":["Browse by Age_Ages 3-6","Browse by Age_Ages 6-10","Browse by Fiction\/Nonfiction_Nonfiction","Browse by Format_Picture Book","Browse by Language_English","Browse by Subject_History \u0026 Biography","Browse by Subject_Social Studies\/Cultures"],"price":799,"price_min":799,"price_max":1799,"available":true,"price_varies":true,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":4560633345,"title":"Hardcover","option1":"Hardcover","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"17073","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"The Flag We Love - Hardcover","public_title":"Hardcover","options":["Hardcover"],"price":1799,"weight":386,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_quantity":8,"inventory_management":"shopify","inventory_policy":"continue","barcode":"978-1-57091-707-3","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]},{"id":4562322753,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"68443","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"The Flag We Love - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":799,"weight":167,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_quantity":9,"inventory_management":"shopify","inventory_policy":"continue","barcode":"978-0-88106-844-3","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.imaginebooks.net\/cdn\/shop\/products\/flag-we-love-10th-anniversary-cover.jpg?v=1586804412"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.imaginebooks.net\/cdn\/shop\/products\/flag-we-love-10th-anniversary-cover.jpg?v=1586804412","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":"The Flag We Love book cover","id":5803710611535,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":1.22,"height":492,"width":600,"src":"\/\/www.imaginebooks.net\/cdn\/shop\/products\/flag-we-love-10th-anniversary-cover.jpg?v=1586804412"},"aspect_ratio":1.22,"height":492,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.imaginebooks.net\/cdn\/shop\/products\/flag-we-love-10th-anniversary-cover.jpg?v=1586804412","width":600}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR\/ILLUSTRATOR INFO BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy: \u003ca title=\"Author Pam Munoz Ryan\" href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/pages\/pam-munoz-ryan\"\u003ePam Munoz Ryan\u003c\/a\u003e \/ Illustrated by: \u003ca title=\"Illustrator Ralph Masiello\" href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/pages\/ralph-masiello\"\u003eRalph Masiello\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER HEADING BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eYou're a grand ol' flag!\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER DESCRIPTION BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis spirited tribute to Old Glory will inspire readers, young and old, to take a new look at the greatest emblem of the United States of America. With patriotic verse and historical facts, \u003ci\u003eThe Flag We Love\u003c\/i\u003e explores how our flag has become an enduring part of our nation's proud history and heritage. From its earliest designs to its role in peace-time and war, the Star-Spangled Banner will take on a whole new meaning for all readers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe bold, rich illustrations by Ralph Masiello highlight significant points in history, as well as common place moments of American life, when our flag symbolizes the people and ideals of the United States of America.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/charlesbridge-books.com\/previews\/flag-we-love\/flagwelove_preview1.html\" target=\"new\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eRead an excerpt!\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER RECOMMENDATIONS BELOW - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"recommended-books\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you like this book, you’ll enjoy these:\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/products\/unite-or-die\" title=\"Unite or Die\"\u003eUnite or Die\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - START OF TABS - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e [TABS]\n\u003ch5\u003eLook Inside\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg class=\"cvr-border-gray\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/flag-we-love-spread.jpg?15081088515493093296\"\u003e\u003c!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --\u003e\u003cscript src=\"\/\/assets.pinterest.com\/js\/pinit.js\" data-pin-hover=\"true\" data-pin-height=\"32\" data-pin-shape=\"round\" defer async=\"\" type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003e\u003c\/script\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor \u0026amp; Illustrator\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePam Muñoz Ryan, author\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePam Muñoz Ryan is an award-winning author and has written many picture books for young children and novels for young adults. Her books include \u003cem\u003eThe Flag We Love\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eHello Ocean\u003c\/em\u003e, and \u003cem\u003eOur California\u003c\/em\u003e. She often visits schools and conferences to speak about writing and literacy. Pam lives in Leucadia, California.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca title=\"Author Pam Munoz Ryan\" href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/pages\/pam-munoz-ryan\"\u003eRead more \u003c\/a\u003eabout Pam.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - ENTER ILLUSTRATOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRalph Masiello, illustrator\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRalph Masiello—affectionately known as 'The Icky Bug Man'—has illustrated several children's books including \u003cem\u003eThe Icky Bug Alphabet Book\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eThe Yucky Reptile Alphabet Book\u003c\/em\u003e, and \u003cem\u003eThe Flag We Love\u003c\/em\u003e. His oil paintings are remarkably rich and realistic and bring to life the subjects of his books—be they bugs, flags, dinosaurs, or well-hidden messages and secret drawings. Ralph lives in West Brookfield, Massachusetts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca title=\"Illustrator Ralph Masiello\" href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/pages\/ralph-masiello\"\u003eRead more\u003c\/a\u003e about Ralph.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - ENTER AWARDS \u0026 HONORS BELOW - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAwards \u0026amp; Honors\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNCSS\/CBC Notable Social Studies Trade Book\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEarly Childhood News Director's Choice Award\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eABA Kids' Pick of the Lists\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - ENTER REVIEWS BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEditorial Reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublishers Weekly\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStrike up the band and prepare to salute— this patriotic picture book unabashedly celebrates the Stars and Stripes. In a series of earnest verses, Ryan introduces young readers to our national symbol and the ideals for which it stands (\"Americans stand together\/ Before ceremonies start\/ And promise their allegiance\/ With their hands across thier hearts,\"), while prose inserts offer historical tidbits in a sidebar format. The book's clean, airy layout contrasts with Masiello's intense, sometimes murkily-hued oil paintings, which echo Ryan's text in their solemnity and fervor. Nonetheless, the result should delight Yankee Doodle dandies everywhere, and could help spark discussion on the basic elements of democracy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBook Links\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe right-hand page of spread in this useful picture book features a well-painted scene in which the flag figures prominently. Opposite, a four-line verse corresponds with the scene, while facts about the flag and how it is used in various ways are also included. The making of the first flag, pledging allegiance to the flag, Lincoln's funeral train, and flags at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. are all covered. The lack of much text makes this book best suited for younger children.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChildren's Literature\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn American flag, the familiar red, white and blue, ripples in a sky filled with fireworks--a reminder to all of the joy and pride we take in one of our more enduring national symbols. As Ryan tells readers, no one knows who designed or created the first flag or why the colors were chosen. Interestingly there were no guidelines initially regarding the size or placements of the stars (she doesn't tell us when it was standardized), but what she does tell us is fascinating. Six American flags \"fly\" on the moon, one for each Apollo landing. Flags fly over schools, at national monuments, and are a big part of celebrations such as those for the Fourth of July. Flags fly at half-mast to honor the dead and American flags fly at our ports to welcome all who arrive at this country. Her text and Masiello's wonderful illustrations will make us all remember that the American flag represents \"many of America's hopes and dreams.\" It is my hope that this book will find a place in school and public libraries and that children and adults will pause to think about our flag, this nation, and what we stand for.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DOWNLOADABLES BELOW - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDownloadables\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"The Flag We Love book cover\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/flag-we-love-10th-anniversary-cvr.jpg?9764023089970255382\" style=\"display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/flag-we-love-10th-anniversary-hires.zip?9764023089970255382\" class=\"product-btn\"\u003eDownload the Cover\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DETAILS BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDetails\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHardcover\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003eISBN: 978-1-57091-707-3\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePaperback\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eISBN: 978-0-88106-844-3\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eE-book PDF\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eISBN: 978-1-60734-063-8 \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAges: 5-8\u003cbr\u003ePage count: 32\u003cbr\u003e9 x 11\u003c\/p\u003e\n[\/TABS]"}

The Flag We Love

By: Pam Munoz Ryan / Illustrated by: Ralph Masiello

You're a grand ol' flag!

This spirited tribute to Old Glory will inspire readers, young and old, to take a new look at the greatest emblem of the United States of America. With patriotic verse and historical facts, The Flag We Love explores how our flag has become an enduring part of our nation's proud history and heritage. From its earliest designs to its role in peace-time and war, the Star-Spangled Banner will take on a whole new meaning for all readers.

The bold, rich illustrations by Ralph Masiello highlight significant points in history, as well as common place moments of American life, when our flag symbolizes the people and ideals of the United States of America.

Read an excerpt!

Maximum quantity available reached.

Pam Muñoz Ryan, author

Pam Muñoz Ryan is an award-winning author and has written many picture books for young children and novels for young adults. Her books include The Flag We Love, Hello Ocean, and Our California. She often visits schools and conferences to speak about writing and literacy. Pam lives in Leucadia, California.

Read more about Pam.


Ralph Masiello, illustrator

Ralph Masiello—affectionately known as 'The Icky Bug Man'—has illustrated several children's books including The Icky Bug Alphabet Book, The Yucky Reptile Alphabet Book, and The Flag We Love. His oil paintings are remarkably rich and realistic and bring to life the subjects of his books—be they bugs, flags, dinosaurs, or well-hidden messages and secret drawings. Ralph lives in West Brookfield, Massachusetts.

Read more about Ralph.

  • NCSS/CBC Notable Social Studies Trade Book
  • Early Childhood News Director's Choice Award
  • ABA Kids' Pick of the Lists

Publishers Weekly

Strike up the band and prepare to salute— this patriotic picture book unabashedly celebrates the Stars and Stripes. In a series of earnest verses, Ryan introduces young readers to our national symbol and the ideals for which it stands ("Americans stand together/ Before ceremonies start/ And promise their allegiance/ With their hands across thier hearts,"), while prose inserts offer historical tidbits in a sidebar format. The book's clean, airy layout contrasts with Masiello's intense, sometimes murkily-hued oil paintings, which echo Ryan's text in their solemnity and fervor. Nonetheless, the result should delight Yankee Doodle dandies everywhere, and could help spark discussion on the basic elements of democracy.

Book Links

The right-hand page of spread in this useful picture book features a well-painted scene in which the flag figures prominently. Opposite, a four-line verse corresponds with the scene, while facts about the flag and how it is used in various ways are also included. The making of the first flag, pledging allegiance to the flag, Lincoln's funeral train, and flags at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. are all covered. The lack of much text makes this book best suited for younger children.

Children's Literature

An American flag, the familiar red, white and blue, ripples in a sky filled with fireworks--a reminder to all of the joy and pride we take in one of our more enduring national symbols. As Ryan tells readers, no one knows who designed or created the first flag or why the colors were chosen. Interestingly there were no guidelines initially regarding the size or placements of the stars (she doesn't tell us when it was standardized), but what she does tell us is fascinating. Six American flags "fly" on the moon, one for each Apollo landing. Flags fly over schools, at national monuments, and are a big part of celebrations such as those for the Fourth of July. Flags fly at half-mast to honor the dead and American flags fly at our ports to welcome all who arrive at this country. Her text and Masiello's wonderful illustrations will make us all remember that the American flag represents "many of America's hopes and dreams." It is my hope that this book will find a place in school and public libraries and that children and adults will pause to think about our flag, this nation, and what we stand for.

Hardcover
ISBN: 978-1-57091-707-3

Paperback
ISBN: 978-0-88106-844-3

E-book PDF
ISBN: 978-1-60734-063-8

Ages: 5-8
Page count: 32
9 x 11