Cross a Bridge

School Library Journal

PreS-Gr 2Done in picture-book format, this title provides simple explanations of beam bridges, pontoons, suspension bridges, etc. One or two sentences appear on each page. Miller's clean and uncluttered illustrations are similar stylistically to the work of Gail Gibbons and Donald Crews. Jason Cooper's Bridges (Rourke, 1991) has more content. However, libraries seeking appropriate and easier-to-read nonfiction material for the youngest of patrons will find this a suitable choice.Roxanne Burg, Thousand Oaks Library, CA

Kirkus Reviews

Young construction and transportation enthusiasts are inducted into the world of bridges with this boldly illustrated primer. Four blue rivers slice the green grassy plains of endpapers, punctuated by eight kinds of bridges, from suspension and trestle to pontoon and beam. Miller arranges clean-cut geometric shapes and flat, bright colors into arresting compositions: A lone beam bridge stretches diagonally across a wide blue lake, while suspension and arch bridges surround a city skyline. The text is exceedingly brief and oversimplified; at times it is perfunctory, with an emphasisþon the crossing of bridges rather than on static structuresþthat may confuse some children: "They carry cars full of people. They carry trucks, busses, and trains, too, full of people and all kinds of things that people need." The height and length of bridges in Colorado and New Orleans are mentioned but never named; there's a cursory reference to the more than 30 bridges of Paris. The text finally takes flight on the last page, reaching beyond the mechanical, with "Bridges are for sitting, and fishing, and wishing." (Picture book. 3-6)