Moving at a brisk gallop, Krensky's (The Moon Robber) narrative recounts the eventful night of April 18, 1775, when Paul Revere rode from Boston to Concord to warn that British troops were on their way to seize the rebels' military supplies. The author's accessible account incorporates background information, elucidating the events leading up to Revere's escapade as well as its aftermath—ideal for pairing with Longfellow's The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere. Harlin's (Mississippi) painstakingly detailed watercolors evoke period artwork, successfully capturing the aura of colonial streets and the primness of British uniforms as well as the sense of movement and urgency in the hero's ride and the royal army's river crossing. Set against deep blue, teal or white backgrounds, the paintings balance closely focused portraits with animated panoramas and vividly re-create the drama of this historical episode. Visual highlights include Revere's boat passing next to a British warship under cover of darkness and the Minutemen and British troops exchanging gunfire from opposite ends of Concord's North Bridge. A memorable re-creation of a momentous mission. All ages. (Aug.)
