School Library Journal Review
Gr 3-5-Two heavily illustrated series entries that use a combination of full-color photographs, ``colorizations'' of reproductions, and some anachronistic cartoons. While few of the Customs and Traditions described here are practiced today, clear impressions of early American life styles do emerge. However, the settings jump from place to place and some of the practices included seem better suited to other titles in the series. Settler Sayings is more successful. The simple, conversational text explains the derivations of some common expressions. Its organization is logical; each chapter focuses on a kitchen or a farm, for example, and describes the routine activities that might have given rise to a particular saying. Unfortunately, a significant shortcoming in both titles is the constant use of the phrase ``early settlers.'' Whether this refers to the 18th-or 19th-century, or both, is never made clear. Older students can use the ``Colonial American'' series (Watts) to meet their needs.-Linda Greengrass, Bank Street College Library, New York City (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Horn Book Review
Five interesting books tell about what life was like in settler times. Readers will be fascinated to learn about discipline in a one-room school, what soldiers ate, popular toys, and where phrases came from. Unfortunately, the time and setting for the books are vague, and it is not always clear where the color photographs -- featuring historic sites, restored villages, and costumed actors -- were taken. But the layout is clear, and the illustrations are plentiful. Glos., ind. (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.