Stunning, detailed cut-paper designs illustrate an impressive celebration of bridges. In a straightforward text, Sturges (What's That Sound, Woolly Bear?, 1996, etc.) offers snippets of information about the architecture, function, and symbolism of bridges of the world, in structures ranging from a New Hampshire covered bridge to a Roman aqueduct to a Japanese wooden beam bridge; he includes dates and details of their construction in brief, dense, deftly simple sentences. LaRoche's creations are breathtaking, capturing not only every structure but the essence of the place it inhabits. Each girder, stone, and plank is meticulously rendered, as are surrounding buildings, waterways, and people enjoying the architectural gems. This book will open young eyes to the marvels of bridge-building, and carry readers to a whole wide world of wonder. (Picture book/nonfiction. 5-9)
