We the Kids

by David Catrow

Book Overview

We the People . . . in order to form a more perfect Union . . . do ordain and establish this Constitution . . . You probably read it, or had to memorize it-but did you really know what the Preamble meant? And did it ever make you laugh? Well, now it will! This upbeat and offbeat look at the Preamble to our Constitution brings kids into its ideas and ideals, showing them the role it plays in their present-day lives and futures. Perfect for inspiring...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0803725531
• ISBN13: 9780803725539
• Release Date: April 2002
• Publisher: Dial Books
• Length: 32 Pages
• Weight: 1.05 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 9.4" x 11.3"
• Age Range: 4 to 8 years
• Grade Range: Kindergarten to Grade 3

Customer Reviews

Not what I was hoping for.

I think that this is probably a good book for preschoolers, but it was lacking a little more substance for the elementary age.

Beautiful Book, Superb Illustrations

This book has some amazingly beautiful and vividly colorful illustrations. I collect children's picture books, and find this one to be special. It's simple to read to your child, and the message is wonderful. There is a lot going on in each picture. The message is simple.

FREEDOM RULES OR RULES FOR FREEDOM

As a librarian, I recommend this book for everyone from 5 to 105. All right, this is actually a picture book that depicts some wonderful insights into our freedom and basic tenets of this great nation from a child's viewpoint. The hilarious illustrations by David Catrow will delight readers of all ages and will be fun for those who are not even studying the Constitution. For those students who are studying the Constitution, this book would be a great visual aid to memorizing the Preamble. I have not met a teenager who didn't enjoy a quick read in a great children's picture book. Teachers: Why not reduce your stressed out students and let them begin their studies with this light-hearted look into some very serious words? Buy a couple of copies and circulate them through the class. Everyone will love them. For the younger reader, ESL or special ed student there is one page explaining the basic meaning of these words and another page and a half explaining why anyone bothered to write the Constitution of the United States. It's ALL GREAT!

Super discussion starter!

This fun book helped me to reach my fifth grade class in a way their social studies text never would have! Catrow finds a way to take the elegant (and sometimes difficult to translate into kid-talk) language of the Preamble and not only make it simeple to understand, but really helps put the kids right in there. He makes it clear that this is a document for all Americans, not only including kids, but maybe especially for kids.His buddy 'Bubbs', is pictured throughout so even the less than interested can be drawn in by finding the dog...So glad I found this!

What It All Means.....

As David Catrow tells us in his introduction, "...For me, the Constitution is a kind of how-to book, showing us ways to have happiness, safety, and comfort...", and he uses his immeasurable talents as an artist and cartoonist to teach an inspirational and unforgettable lesson that is sure to open interesting discussions at home and school. Following a glossary of what the actual words in the Preamble of the Constitution mean, (e.g. "IN ORDER TO FORM A MORE PERFECT UNION: To come together and make things better for everyone who lives in our country. INSURE DOMESTIC TRANQUILITY: To make sure we can all have a nice life and get along with one another. TO OURSELVES AND OUR POSTERITY: For kids, parents, other grown-ups, and all the people born in our country after we are."), Mr Catrow details the meaning of these important ideals, phrase by phrase, using his marvelously bold and busy cartoon illustrations. Each two page spread is a clever feast for the eyes, rich in engaging details, manic energy, and droll humor. Perfect for youngsters 8-12, We The Kids is a witty and memorable treasure, and one of the real winners of 2002 that shouldn't be missed.

A Great Book

I really love the book. The pictures and color are beautiful. The language is simple enough so a child with some adult help could understand the Preamble which includes words not common to the vocabulary of most children today. A great book.M. Preston