Children's Picture Books

Arizona: Way Out West & Wacky

By: Conrad J. Storad & Lynda Exley
Illustrated By: Michael Hagelberg
Publisher: Five Star Publications, Inc.
Publication Date: October 2011
ISBN: 978-1-58985-04-7
Reviewed by: Amy Lignor
Review Date: November 30, 2011

This is one of those ‘all-age’ gems that rarely are seen anymore in the literary world. Celebrating Arizona’s centennial, this project is filled with love - and children and students all over the country will enjoy this activity and history book ten-fold. Not to mention, adults will find absolute joy reading over the legends and myths to their children and learning a great deal of new information themselves.

This book is filled with activities that make learning absolutely fun! Arizona, as most know, is one state that is infused with history, made up of legends like Geronimo. The state boasts amazing topography that includes things like ‘organ pipes’ and ‘century plants.’ Their nature is one-of-a-kind with insects that sting, rattlers to be wary of, and the fastest bird called the roadrunner that the planet has ever seen.

Not only does this book offer all this information, but children will also learn what and how to make Frontier Foods, like EZ Cobbler and green-chile cornbread, as well as how to grow things out in the middle of the desert. Historical articles are offered on the tale of the Code Talkers, the creation of the Grand Canyon, and how Arizona came to achieve statehood. There are also activities that teach readers how to make a cornhusk doll, color amazing desert landscapes and have a face-to-face with the ultimate sheriff, Wyatt Earp.

Quill Says: A truly stunning book that shows the ultimate pride and spirit for the state of Arizona! This should be in every classroom!