Twelve tourist delights and architecturally interesting structures are featured in Munro's picture-book tour. By showing not...

READ REVIEW

THE INSIDE-OUTSIDE BOOK OF WASHINGTON, D.C.

Twelve tourist delights and architecturally interesting structures are featured in Munro's picture-book tour. By showing not only the facades and interiors of buildings but also the ambiance of the neighborhoods, she captures a deeper feeling for the city. The first pages show the Washington Monument and then the view from the top of it to the east and west, with cherry trees showing as little pink puffs around the Jefferson Memorial and tiny colorful people and care using the thoroughfares. Meanwhile, the author's style--heavy lines filled with color--makes the realism of the Washington Post's pressroom an abstract composition of pipes and flowing papers; the architectural detail of buildings is a strong part of each composition. The pictures are at times more national than local--e.g., the control room of a TV station, after we have seen a news announcer being taped in front of the White House, or a traffic jam on the way to R.F.K. Stadium shown from the interior of a car--but Munro's delight in the shapes and perspectives of Washington buildings should be a fine introduction to that city for any young person. There is a brief description of each landmark at the end of the book, with interesting additional information such as F.D.R. adding the wrought-iron fence to the White House Lawn. A perfect accompaniment for a visit to our capitol.

Pub Date: April 9, 1987

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: 48

Publisher: Dutton

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 1987

Close Quickview