My Washington, DC

More than 20 years after My New York, folk artist Jakobsen returns to explore the American capital as a girl named Becky recounts her whirlwind visit to Washington, D.C. Jakobsen depicts Washington attractions in intricately detailed oil paintings, including a cross-section of the White House, a look inside the National Museum of Natural History, and an especially striking foldout image of the Washington Monument, the sky above ablaze with fireworks. Crowded scenes invite close inspection (and readers are invited to locate particular items in the pictures), while ornate border artwork adds further visual dimension. Though Becky’s conversational narrative is primarily concerned with providing information about the city and its history, as opposed to a storyline, the rich illustrations provide a gratifying and grand tour of the nation’s capital. Ages 6–9. (Sept.)