Product Description

A historically accurate narrative and majestic oil-painting illustrations chronicle the story of how Francis Scott Key came to write the United States' national anthem.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #644122 in Books
• Published on: 2000-07-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 40 pages

From Publishers Weekly
PW said that this dramatization of a critical moment in the War of 1812 "energetically conveys careful research and patriotic thrummings. Oil paintings hinting of Turner portray the excitement." Ages 5-9. (June)
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal
Grade 4-6-After providing brief background on the War of 1812, Kroll tells the story of how Francis Scott Key came to write the famous song. The narrative is appropriate for youngsters without being oversimplified. Andreasen's oversized, realistic oil paintings face text pages or go across double-page spreads. Backgrounds simulate vellum or parchment to add to the period atmosphere. A photograph of the original manuscript, music and verses of the song, and maps of Washington and the Battle of Baltimore are included, while an author's note adds details on the history of the song and the war. Stephanie St. Pierre's Our National Anthem (Millbrook, 1992) is a much more detailed survey, in more simplified language, illustrated with photographs and reproductions. Kroll and Andreasen's account is more exciting and more visually appealing.
Sylvia S. Marantz, formerly with Worthington Schools, Columbus, OH
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist
Gr. 2-4. The story of how Francis Scott Key wrote "The Star-Spangled Banner" is a familiar one, but seldom has it been so handsomely presented. Kroll relates numerous details of Key's mission, rounding out a sometimes sketchy historical legend with actual names, facts, and dates. An author's note gives some additional details, including the name of the woman who made the flag that Key saw "in the dawn's early light." A photograph of Key's original manuscript, the music and lyrics to the anthem, a map of the Battle of Baltimore, and a bibliography are also provided. The full-page oil paintings enhancing each double-page spread are reminiscent of the work of such American illustrators as N. C. Wyeth. They help make the book a fine addition to both school and public library collections. Janice Del Negro

Customer Reviews

A superb telling of the story of the Star-Spangled Banner
I think the vast majorities of stories I have heard about how Francis Scott Key came to write the words of "The Star Spangled Banner" begin with Key being held as a prisoner on a British ship during the attack on Ft. McHenry. In "By the Dawn's Early Light: The Story of The Star Spangled Banner," author Steven Kroll begins with Key, a well-known Washington lawyer, being informed that Dr. William Beanes had been arrested by the British. It seems the doctor had been treating British wounded after the attack on Washington, D.C., and had some unruly stragglers arrested. Key gets permission from President Madison to try and affect the doctor's release.

Kroll's narrative follows the events from August 13, 1814, when Key was informed of Beanes's plight, to when Key's poem, originally called "The Defense of Fort McHenry," was published in the "Baltimore American." I like the way Kroll weaves all sort of historical details into his narrative, making this the most memorable account of the writing of the national anthem that I have come across. The story being told is complimented by the oil paintings of Dan Andreasen, which are done in a style reminiscent of what you found in classic children's books during the Fifties. There is also a photographic reproduction of the original manuscript of Key's poem that her wrote in a hotel after the battle.

In his Author's Note Kroll explains that it was the fort's storm flag, measuring 25 by 17 feet, that was flying overhead during the battle. The flag that was raised in celebration, as Key sailed back into Baltimore, was the larger, garrison flag for Ft. McHenry (both flags were made by Mary Pickersgill). When I last visited the Smithsonian Institute I was memorably surprised by the display of the Ft. McHenry flag, which, I assume, was the aforementioned storm flag. At least, that is how I would interpret what I have read; I might be wrong.

Rich, vivid, outstanding
I love a book that brings a historical event to life with rich illustrations and vivid storytelling, captivating the reader in such a way that he absorbs the details of the event without even realizing it. Yet a truly outstanding historical book must do this without either sacrificing or embellishing the facts. By the Dawn's Early Light fits the bill on every count. What a pleasure it was to read it with my children. At 9 & 12, they do not "need" to learn from picture books, but when the book is this good, why not? The marvelous watercolors drew us into the story, the engaging narrative kept us there and, with the accompanying notes, told us all we needed to know about this event in our country's history. It is worthy of a place on my shelf and is a book I wish I'd bought long ago.

Informative with Great Illustrations
A little wordy at times to keep the attention of a 5 and 8-year old but an interesting read with great illustrations that helped keep or get us back on track. The copy of the original poem at the back of the book was of immense interest to our children. A nice way for adults and kids alike to learn about american history together.