Illus. in full color.
"Winter's story begins with a peg-leg sailor who aids
slaves on their escape on the Underground Railroad. While working for
plantation owners, Peg Leg Joe teaches the slaves a song about the drinking
gourd (the Big Dipper). A couple, their son, and two others make their escape
by following the song's directions. Rich paintings interpret the strong story
in a clean, primitive style enhanced by bold colors. The rhythmic compositions
have an energetic presence that's compelling. A fine rendering of history in
picturebook format." --(starred) "Booklist."
"An extraordinary and inspiring tribute to a unique part of African-American
history."-Boston Globe
"The artist's hauntingly muted pictures propel the story forward and make
it memorable."-Washington Post Book World
Jeanette Winter has written and illustrated almost 50 books for children, including Diego, E mily Dickinson's Letters to the World, Th e Librarian of Basra, Georgia, and Mama. Her art with flat colors and perspectives in the folk art tradition have brought her many honors. She lives in New York City.