All About The Flag We Love

The Flag We Love is a picture book on the American flag. It is written in simple poetry with a short facts section on each page. Beginning with the stars and stripes, it depicts the emotions and symbolism associated with the flag. The research on this book was intense but interesting. I have fascinating research slides including every flag planting on the moon. I enjoy showing this book and the slides to teachers and children.

How Did The Illustrations Evolve?

I was more concerned with the words and the rhythm of the sentences. I don't interact with Ralph Masiello, the illustrator, on a painting-by-painting basis. I want his interpretation, and I couldn't even begin to presume to advise him. I am not an artist or a designer. Some writers have that sense about them, but I admit it, I don't. The illustrations were everything I never expected!

How Did The Idea Come To You For a Book On The American Flag?

Since I wrote The Flag We Love, many educators have asked me, "What prompted you to write this book? I sometimes think they expect me to tell them that I've always been patriotic and a flag-waving zealor, but the truth of the matter is that one incident triggered the inspiration for this book and sometimes inspiration comes from the most unlikely places.

It occurred in my own neighborhood during a time when the entire country was feeling patriotic. After Desert Storm, it seemed that everyone was flag-waving. On Memorial Day weekend I went into a local supermarket to do some shopping. The store was full of flags. They were at every cash register. The displays of canned goods at the end of the aisles were sprouting flags. At first it was almost humorous, but as I arrived at the back of the store, one display bothered me. Cases of beer had been stacked up two-cases high and six cases long. Draped over the top of this beer display was a casket size flag. There was something about the blatant disrespect of this display that bothered something deep inside of me.

I ended up writing a letter to the president of the grocery store chain. I was surprised that I never received a response, but three weeks later I was in the same store on July Fourth, and there wasn't one flag in their store.

At home, my own children wanted to know what the big deal was all about. I was shocked that they didn't KNOW. Determined to explain it to them, I went looking for a picture book on the flag. I was looking for something simple with beautiful illustrations. I wanted a book that evoked a feeling - that was sentimental, apolitical, and not Yankee Doodle Dandy-ish. I knew exactly what I was looking for, and when I couldn't find it, that revelation was enough to start the journey to The Flag We Love.

Congratulations to Pam Ryan . . . The Flag We Love has been honored by the following organizations:

• Notable Children's Trade Books in the Field of Social Studies for 1997 - by the National Council for the Social Studies and Children's Book Council
• 1997 Director's Choice Award Winner - Early Childhood News

For information contact:
Pam Ryan
P.O. Box 232444
Leucadia, CA 92023
Visit Pam's Website

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