Review: Discover America: From Sea to Shining Sea

Title: “Discover America: From Sea to Shining Sea”

Authors: Katharine Lee Bates

Illustrations: Julie Olson

Page Count: 36

Published: May 2014, Shadow Mountain

Source: I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.

Summary: Follow the patriotic journey of a little red balloon as it makes its way from the West Coast to the East Coast of the United States.

Accompanied by the words of one of America’s most beloved anthems America the Beautiful, From Sea to Shining Sea shows the diversity and beauty of our great country through the eyes of our nation’s children. To add an interactive experience, kids all across the United States will be able to go online to send their own balloons on their own journey.

My Review: I love a good picture book. The pictures in this book really portrayed the diversity of America. The words to the book are famous lyrics to a popular patriotic anthem and really brought that feeling into my soul. The pictures start out on one side of the country and work their way to the other side, highlighting some very well known and beloved areas of our beautiful country. I loved seeing America through the eyes of a child. I thought it was really well done and my kids have enjoyed looking at it over and over again, too.

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About the Illustrator: Julie Olson

I was born in Maryland, the 6th of 9 (that's right, 9) kids. I had 6 brothers who loved to tease and 2 sisters who paved the way with good old mom and dad for us girls. But, I vowed to be different than the bunch. From my dad's nickname for me, Jujubee, to my love of the arts...I tried to stand out (as much as a short girl can do).

In 1994, I left my parents and 3 remaining siblings at home to attend Brigham Young University and to study illustration. In a family filled with doctors, lawyers, electrical engineers, teachers and statisticians...I was the odd man out. But I didn't care and neither did my family. They were brimming with support and encouragement. Even now they are some of my biggest fans (besides my wonderful husband).

In April 1998, I graduated from Brigham Young University with a BFA in Illustration and have been freelancing ever since. I'm enjoying it throughly and am glad to be realizing my dream of becoming a freelance illustrator. But I must admit to you my other passion...my kids. As crazy as it gets with 4 kids running around the studio, the kitchen, the yard, the grocery store (or wherever I happen to be), I love being a mom and love to share my life of art with them.

Now I am writing books as well as illustrating them. I couldn't ask for more. Share my love of books with me...check them out on Amazon.