Horn Book (Mon Feb 06 00:00:00 CST 2023)

Folk artist Kimble provides pictorial accompaniment to the familiar patriotic song. Each arresting image is rendered in acrylics on distressed wood, and the surface's unique textural qualities lend depth and intensity to the scene or object depicted. The text's ridiculously large font size is the only misstep. Music, song notes, and flag facts are appended.

Kirkus Reviews

<p>The patriotic chestnut by George M. Cohan (first published and sung in 1906) is nicely paired (twice through) with iconic Norman Rockwell images of families, little boys, returning solders and lovelorn lasses. The span of Rockwell's career is made plain: The first line of the song, "You're a grand old flag," faces first an image of returning World War I Doughboys carrying their exultant children from 1919 and then, upon its repetition, the Look cover image of the moon landing. Humor leavens the nostalgia, as with the juxtaposition of "the home of the free and the brave" against a trio of nearly naked boys, their clothes strategically carried, running past a sign that says "No swimming." The undeniable appeal of Rockwell's work aside, with no clear visual narrative, there's not much for a kid to grab onto. Warren Kimble's charming 2007 picture-book version of the song holds much more child appeal. (illustration credits, introduction by John Rockwell) (Picture book. 5-9)</p>

School Library Journal (Fri Aug 01 00:00:00 CDT 2008)

K-Gr 4 It is difficult to think of a more patriotic combination than Cohan's lyrics and Rockwell's artwork, and this picture book introduces both to a new generation of children. In a short but interesting introduction, John Rockwell discusses his grandfather's long career and some of the common themes found in his pictures. This is followed by a series of spreads, each pairing a few lines from the famous song with a good-quality, full-color reproduction of a familiar Norman Rockwell illustration. The lyrics are then repeated, with a different painting for each phrase. The choice of images is thoughtful, in some places suggesting new and occasionally humorous meanings for the words. The text is artistically typeset in a large font reminiscent of printing during the mid-1900s. Matching borders tie the book together in a cohesive visual whole. Illustration credits are appended, with thumbnails of each picture and captions stating when and where it first appeared. This volume has great appeal for Rockwell's fans, but readers must be sensitive to the fact that it portrays an idealized, predominately white view of America. You're a Grand Old Flag (Walker, 2007), with Warren Kimble's attractive folk art, is a good alternative. Donna Cardon, Provo City Library, UT