This picture book details the accomplishments of Jean François Gravelet, also known as the Great Blondin, a renowned rope walker who crossed Niagara Falls by tightrope several times during the summers of 1859 and 1860. Despite predictions of certain death, Blondin was determined to do something previously thought impossible. His thrilling performances attracted huge crowds, and Blondin steadily incorporated more challenging aspects. After two years, Blondin decided he had proven his point and moved on. His career continued for another two decades, but he never returned to Niagara. The extra-large format and several full-page illustrations help young readers grasp the enormity of the Falls, especially when Blondin appears as a tiny figure over the great expanse. Dramatically illustrated scenes also allow readers to understand the difficulty of the task, including the careful preparations, en route maneuvers, and evident relief upon returning to solid ground. This would be an inspirational read-aloud for a unit on dreamers and adventurers ose daunting individuals who somehow make the impossible possible.

In 1859, Jean Frangois Gravelet--the Great Blondin--was the world's greatest tightrope walker; Niagara Falls called to him. Tavares's straightforward telling details all the drama of Blondin's multiple crossings, which drew huge crowds...at first, then the spectacle lost its appeal. Tavares's arresting illustrations movingly depict the Falls. An author's note rounds out this sure-footed offering. Bib.

Gr 2-4 This engagingly illustrated biography of famed tightrope walker the Great Blondin vividly evokes the anxiety and excitement of his awe-inspiring crossings of Niagara Falls. Jean François Gravelet began his career at just five years old and soon became the most famous tightrope walker in the world, earning the nickname the Great Blondin. After a visit to Niagara Falls with his circus troupe, Blondin was seized by the idea of spanning the great distance between the American and Canadian sides of the falls with his tightrope. His initial success in June 1859 inspired him to do it again and again, adding more elaborate tricks and techniques each time. Tavares focuses very specifically on Blondin's crossings. Although the lack of biographical details may frustrate older readers, it makes the story accessible to those who aren't yet ready to take on more in-depth biographies. This volume will draw inevitable comparisons to Mordicai Gerstein's The Man Who Walked Between the Towers (Roaring Brook, 2003) and makes for a great read-alike suggestion. As with his other titles, Tavares's strength lies in his inviting watercolor, pencil, and gouache illustrations, which convey here the majesty of the waterfall and Blondin's achievement, as well as the intensity of the hundreds of people who gathered to watch. Their alternately terrified and excited faces add depth to the story and draw the eye. VERDICT A simple but effective biography about a remarkable talent expressed through striking visuals. Kristy Pasquariello, Wellesley Free Library, Wellesley, MA