Here I am with Rosie the Riveter, better known as my sweet friend, Dr. Karyn Tunks, and author of, “USS Alabama, Hooray for the Mighty A!” Karyn was signing books this weekend at Page and Palette Bookstore during the Downtown Holiday Open House in Fairhope.
This is the most awesome children’s book I’ve seen this year and I know teachers everywhere will want to have their own copy of this fun and educational story.
Even if you aren’t from this area, you’ll swell with American pride at the story of how the USS Alabama was rescued by school children and came to be on display in Mobile.
The charming book is expertly illustrated by Julie Dupre Buckner. Karyn and Julie may sound familiar to my long-time readers from their first book, Jubilee! (HERE).
After a successful career at sea during WWII, the USS Alabama sat unused for 15 years. Then, In 1962, officials announced The Mighty A would be dismantled and scrapped. The people of Alabama were heartbroken and launched a plan to raise money to save the ship.
Here I am aboard the USS Alabama this past spring when I was on my Harley Davidson trip. It’s such an awesome feeling to stand on deck of this 608.8′ long ship. Oh, how do I know it’s exactly 608.8 ft. long? Because the book is filled with a double page of illustrated facts and a map of the ship! It’s the kind of book my boys would have spent hours with, staring at each page, poring over every fascinating detail.
The entire state came together and raised the needed funds to save the battleship. Children worked especially hard and donated the change they earned from doing odd jobs.
The Mighty A was finally restored and serves today as a spectacular tourist attraction where Veterans hold reunions and Boy and Girl Scouts camp. Being a Professor of Early Childhood Education, Karyn has covered everything a child could possibly want to know. A complete glossary in the back of the book explains words and terms like “berthed” and “gedunk stand.”
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You can download a free coloring sheet of the USS Alabama on Karyn’s site HERE.
USS Alabama, Hooray for the Mighty A! is the perfect gift not only for a child, but even for adults who have served in the military or just love a good American story of pulling together and accomplishing something great. And don’t we all need a story like that right now?
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Find this beautiful book at Page and Palette Bookstore in Fairhope, or call 251-928-5295 to order. (Can you say , “perfect teacher gift?”)
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And let’s give one more hip-hip- Hooray for the Mighty A!
This just in: Dr. Tunks will be reading her new book at Page and Palette on Sunday, December 6th to all children, and especially invites the Boy and Girl Scouts of the area!