The Journey of the One and Only Declaration of Independence

I'm an armchair historian who's also interested in children's literature and so I'm always on the lookout for lively kids' books on the topics that interest me. Yesterday, just by chance, I came across this book at the library and after looking at just a couple of pages, I checked it out immediately. I knew I'd truly enjoy it, but I assumed it wouldn't interest my kids, who are focused on enjoying the last days of summer. They want to read manga, not history. Imagine my surprise then when once we were back in the car and headed for home my teenage son picked up this book, pointed out a funny picture to his sister (also teenaged) and then began to read its especially funny and interesting bits out loud. We all got so involved in it that he started to read it to us word for word. Now all five members of my family - we range in age from 9 to 47 - have read it. And so I give this book my heartiest recommendation. This is a very lively read, packed with facts and enlivened by very colorful illustrations, which are not just attractive but worth looking at very closely. (One of the things I like best about this book is that its words and pictures work hand in hand - you learn from both.) The author's writing style is very interesting. I love her use of interesting words like wingding. I'm impressed by her very clear description of some big ideas (she describes the process of engraving in just three or four sentences). I know that because this is a picture book it will most likely be read mostly not by but to small children. But I think it deserves a much broader audience. It would be a great place for any student writing a report about the Declaration to start. It would also make a great gift for anyone with a sense of humor who's especially interested in the Revolution, Thomas Jefferson, or the Declaration. Five stars from me.