Homan Walsh loves to fly his kite. And when a contest is announced to see whose kite string can span Niagara Falls, Homan is set on winning, despite the cold and the wind—and even when his kite is lost and broken. Homan's determination is beautifully captured in this soaring, poetic picture book that features Terry Widener's stunning acrylic paintings. Both author and illustrator worked with experts on both sides of the falls to accurately present Homan Walsh's story. The book also includes an extensive author's note, timeline, bibliography, and further resources.
"O'Neill's spare text communicates both grandeur and dignity and manages to cover a good amount of territory. . . Widener's full-page acrylic paintings closely follow the narrative, emphasizing the harsh winter landscape and giving a clear sense of the odds against spanning the gorge. An extensive author's note spells out what is known and not known about the story and supplies additional facts abou the building of the bridge." -- Booklist
"Widener's acrylic paintings capture the determination of the boy, the frozen, deeply chilly landscape, and the danger and power of the falls . . . memorable and dramatic." -- Kirkus Reviews
Homan Walsh loves to fly his kite. And when a contest is announced to see whose kite string can span Niagara Falls, Homan is set on winning, despite the cold and the wind—and even when his kite is lost and broken. Homan's determination is beautifully captured in this soaring, poetic picture book that features Terry Widener's stunning acrylic paintings. Both author and illustrator worked with experts on both sides of the falls to accurately present Homan Walsh's story. The book also includes an extensive author's note, timeline, bibliography, and further resources.
Praise
"O'Neill's spare text communicates both grandeur and dignity and manages to cover a good amount of territory. . . Widener's full-page acrylic paintings closely follow the narrative, emphasizing the harsh winter landscape and giving a clear sense of the odds against spanning the gorge. An extensive author's note spells out what is known and not known about the story and supplies additional facts abou the building of the bridge." -- Booklist
"Widener's acrylic paintings capture the determination of the boy, the frozen, deeply chilly landscape, and the danger and power of the falls . . . memorable and dramatic." -- Kirkus Reviews
