Robert Fulton - Hardcover

Steven Kroll wrote his first story at the age of thirteen. He is now the author of many children's picture books, including Patches Lost and Found, Oh, Tucker!, The Biggest Pumpkin Ever, and Space Cats. He is also the author of John Quincy Adams: Letters from a Southern Planter's Son from Winslow Press's Dear Mr. President series. He and his wife, Kathleen Beckett, divide their time between New York City and Bucks County, Pennsylvania where he has written many of his books.

Grade 3-5-A disappointment on many fronts. In this picture book, Fulton's life is presented chronologically but little effort is made to explain the difficult challenges and concepts that were central to his major contributions. References to historical figures such as Charles Brownne and John Fitch lack sufficient context to provide understanding. On a single page, Kroll writes that Fulton may have contracted tuberculosis, "probably met James Rumsey," and might have seen the "first serious steamboat," leaving readers to wonder what he knows for certain about this period of the inventor's life. Terms and phrases such as "air gun" and "a square stern and tuck" are left undefined. After reading this confusing book, students will wonder why they should care about this man's life or contributions. Muted paintings, some with reference to Fulton's sketches and designs, illustrate the text. Stick with Andy R. Bowen's A Head Full of Notions (Carolrhoda, 1996).
Rosie Peasley, Empire Union School District, Modesto, CA
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.