The Bottom Line
The Kentucky Derby is the most famous race in America, if not the world. In her latest work, pop-up book specialist Pamela Pease designed this excellent coffee-table book for both adults and children to enjoy. With bright, colorful illustrations, skillfully designed popups, and a well-written text (children's text in red, further information for adults in black), this is is a great way to introduce young fans to the Kentucky Derby and the sport of Thoroughbred racing.
Pros
- Enjoyable for both adults and children alike
- Great way to introduce racing and the Derby to potential new fans at a young age
- Also would be a nice conversation piece at a Derby party or on a coffee table.
- Very skillfully-designed popups, appears to be quite durable
Cons
- We found no faults with this work.
Description
- The history of Thoroughbred racing in America and the founding of Churchill Downs.
- The breeding farm and the birth of new foals.
- The stables, and the many people involved in the breaking and training of the young horse.
- The owners with their racing silks, trainers and jockeys. Running motion of the horse.
- Louisville's Derby traditions: the Pegasus Parade, the Kentucky Derby Festival, the balloon race.
- The Churchill Downs paddock on Derby day. "Riders up!"
- The Churchill Downs track, depicting the grandstand, the infield, and the horses in the stretch.
- The Derby trophy and the Garland of Roses, with photos of winners from Aristides to Smarty Jones.
- A flip book showing the horse's running stride.
Guide Review - Review: Derby Day: A Pop-Up Celebration of the Kentucky Derby
Despite its title, this is not just a book meant for children. Pamela Pease, author of several acclaimed pop-up books in the past, worked her magic yet again applying the Kentucky Derby and the sport of racing into this format. Through eight two-page scenes (listed above), she illustrates the development of the horse and then the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. Young fans can use the various pop-ups to watch a horse run, meet the various people that help a horse through his or her development (trainers, veterinarians, farriers, etc), and see a three-dimensional depiction of the historic grandstand with the Twin Spires. Also among the illustrations are some famous racing silks, and photos of some notable Derby winners. Pease included two sets of text in her book. In red are short sentences meant to be read aloud to children while showing the pop-ups to them, then underneath in black is further information meant for older readers. This was an enjoyable book to read with accurate yet simple-to-read information to get new fans involved in the sport. Racing fans with children who want to spark their interest early should get them this book as a gift. As well, it makes for a unique addition to one's Kentucky Derby collection, a nice conversation piece on your coffee table, and an interesting item to show off at a Kentucky Derby party.
