PAUL REVERE'S RIDE: THE LANDLORD'S TALE
By Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Illustrated by Charles Santore
HarperCollins
Unpaged

The first illustration in this version of the familiar poem sets us in the Wayside Inn of Longfellow's time where the landlord is telling this tale to guests in front of a fire. Santore tells in an artist's note about the research that led him to this setting. All of his illustrations fill the entire two-page spread with an inserted beige text box. Rich in realistic detail each picture cast a somber, dark mood fitting the text. Santore has exhibited at the Brandywine River Museum, and these illustrations clearly reflect the Brandywine style to these amateur eyes.

PAUL REVERE'S RIDE
By Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Illustrated by Monica Vachula
Historical note by Jayne E. Triber, Ph.D.
Boyds Mills
Unpaged

This book addresses the poem to the reader (in contrast to the above version). This Boyds Mills book also includes a one-page historical note about both Longfellow and the event to put things in perspective. The pages of Vachula's book have the appearance of tan linen that draws one's fingers to touch each one. Text is set on the "linen" while the illustrations are inserted in blue-bordered boxes usually opposite the text. These illustrations are not as dark as the Santore illustrations although it is clearly nighttime in several. While there is still urgency in her pictures, somehow they are somehow not are frentic as the Santore pictures.

These two books are wonderful examples of thoughtful illustrators who have done their homework regarding their topic to illustrate the period authentically. I love having both of them to share how differently we humans can visualize. What a wonderful opportunity for students to illustrate the poem prior to seeing the books - and then share these and earlier versions.

Biographies:
PAUL REVERE, PATRIOT by Carin T. Ford (Enslow)
PAUL REVERE by Jane Stucliffe (Lerner)