Product Description

"This is the story that I tell my grandchildren at Christmas. I hope that this book will bring the tradition of sharing history to families all across America." -- Lynne Cheney

Christmas night, 1776, was a troubled time for our young country. In the six months since the Declaration of Independence had been signed, General George Washington and his troops had suffered defeat after defeat at the hands of the British. It looked as though our struggle for independence might be doomed, when Washington made a bold decision. He would lead the main body of his army across the Delaware River and launch a surprise attack on enemy forces.

Washington and his men were going against the odds. It seemed impossible that the ragtag Americans could succeed against the mightiest power in the world. But the men who started across the icy Delaware loved their country and their leader. Under his command they would turn the tide of battle and change the course of history.

Best-selling author Lynne Cheney tells the dramatic story of the military campaign that began on Christmas night in 1776. When Washington Crossed the Delaware will teach the young about the heroism, persistence, and patriotism of those who came before them.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #126664 in Books
• Published on: 2004-10-12
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 40 pages

From School Library Journal
Grade 2-4–Cheney chronicles the general's courageous leadership in the Battles of Trenton and Princeton, including his famed crossing of the Delaware River on Christmas 1776. The story is clearly told, although the organization falls apart slightly in the second half. Primary quotes decorate each page, adding visual interest but occasionally disrupting the flow of the narrative. Done in oil paints on canvas, the large, dramatic illustrations create a sweeping feel that captures the mood of the text. While the picture-book format necessitates some simplification of the events, the account is accurate and interesting. A source page cites only the quotes used, and not the information presented, and the book's preface includes the recommendation that grandparents share this book with their grandchildren at Christmastime, which needlessly excludes those "young patriots" who do not celebrate Christmas. This title is more straightforward, but less comprehensive, than Louise Peacock's Crossing the Delaware: A History in Many Voices (Atheneum, 1998). Cheney's offering makes an adequate supplement to history collections, and will appeal to families wishing to read inspirational picture books about America's past.–Suzanne Myers Harold, Multnomah County Library System, Portland, OR
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist
Gr. 2-4, younger for reading aloud. Cheney delivers a stirring account of this pivotal event in the Revolutionary War, from Washington's Christmas crossing to the Battle of Trenton and the ensuing Battle of Princeton. Framing her narrative with very brief quotes from eyewitnesses, she describes how the retreating, ragtag Continental Army, first bucked up by Tom Paine's rhetoric, then inspired by Washington's example and leadership, turned to defeat "the greatest military power in the world" twice in nine days, thus allowing the Patriots to "imagine that their great struggle would have a glorious end." Fiore's carefully detailed, full-page oils capture the chill of that night on the icy river, as well as the heroism of the American troops (African Americans among them) as they march, gravely celebrate their victory over the Hessians, and, finally, pursue fleeing Redcoats. Young readers or listeners can't help but come away with a clearer understanding of the event's significance, as well as a greater appreciation for Washington's heroism. Source notes are included. John Peters
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

About the Author
Lynne Cheney's most recent book is the New York Times bestseller, We the People: The Story of Our Constitution, illustrated by Greg Harlin. She is also the author of the New York Times bestsellers America: A Patriotic Primer, A is for Abigail: An Almanac of Amazing American Women, When Washington Crossed the Delaware: A Wintertime Story for Young Patriots, A Time for Freedom: What Happened When in America, and Our 50 States: A Family Adventure Across America, and has written a memoir, Blue Skies, No Fences. Mrs. Cheney is a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and former chair of the National Endowment for the Humanities. She lives in Washington, D.C., with her husband, Vice President Richard B. Cheney.

Peter M. Fiore has illustrated many books for children, including Touching the Sky by Louise Borden and Henry David's House, edited by Steven Schnur. Mr. Fiore has been interested in art since he was a young boy, and in addition to his book work, Mr. Fiore is well known as a fine artist. Mr. Fiore has received many awards and citations for his editorial illustration, including a Silver Medal from the Society of Illustrators.

Mr. Fiore lives along the Delaware River in Pennsylvania with his family.

Customer Reviews

IMPORTANT STORY FOR KIDS
It's amazing how people insist on making their review of Mrs. Cheney's book into a political soapbox. What? are the message boards at Yahoo not working today?

Anyway, this is an important story for kids of any age to read and learn. I've read several books on the American Revolution and I never cease to be amazed at the courage and resolve that George Washington and his men showed during that bitter winter.

Washington's strict but caring command eventually earned him the full support and love of his men. Men who endured bitterly cold temperatures, living in wood shacks with clothing ill-suited to the extreme weather, and only trying to survive, let alone actually face the most powerful army on earth at the time.

In an age where people are only toO ready to look towards their leaders for their next handouts, it's inspiring to read about people who sacrificed so much in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.

I think that this small story is one that can be told to kids of any age. From the first time to youngsters as well as serving as a reminder to even kids at the high school level. It's important for them to know the great sacrifices that these men made for their country.

What a joy to read! Thank you Mrs. Cheney!

A story that every child should know!
Lynne Cheney's story of George Washington and his troops crossing the Delaware River is a wonderful presentation of how liberty wove our country's fabric during the Revolutionary War. For children, this story brings to life the courage demonstrated by Washington and his troops, and the honor they earned by taking action in pursuit of liberty. It will not only inspire young patriots, but it will also teach them what was sacrificed to secure the life, liberty and happiness we now celebrate as Americans. Every school in America should share Cheney's wintertime story with its students, for every young child should know what a great struggle Washington and his troops endured and overcame, and how the troops stepped forward with trust in Washington's leadership and with unwavering patriotism to claim victory under the bright light of liberty.

A Fun Learning Experience!
I think Mrs. Cheney did a really good job writing this book. When Washington Crossed the Delaware is a learning experience, but also fun to read. I HIGHLY recommend this book for kids. George Washington is one of my favorite Presidents, but until I read this book I didn't know that he crossed the Delaware during Christmastime. The pictures in the book look like paintings in a museum! My name is Haley and I'm a junior reader. Enjoy.