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ljrinaldi's review
4.0
This is an amazing picture book about an amazing tighrope walker who was known as the Great Blondin.
Blondin walked across the Niagara falls, not just once, but as many of 15 times.
But, not only did he do the walk, he had to set up the rope to do the walk. He had to calculate how much rope to use, and how taunt to make it.
So, the amazing thing about this picture book is that it also explains how he figured it all out, how he prepared for this feat.
Bloudin was French, and the author throws in little French words here and there in context.
Great book, if to only teach children how much is involved in planning such a stunt.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book avialble for an honest review.
Blondin walked across the Niagara falls, not just once, but as many of 15 times.
But, not only did he do the walk, he had to set up the rope to do the walk. He had to calculate how much rope to use, and how taunt to make it.
So, the amazing thing about this picture book is that it also explains how he figured it all out, how he prepared for this feat.
Bloudin was French, and the author throws in little French words here and there in context.
Great book, if to only teach children how much is involved in planning such a stunt.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book avialble for an honest review.
libraryrobin's review
3.0
Excellent story of a fascinating tightrope walk over Niagara Falls. The illustrations capture the nature of this famous spot very well!
rainbowbookworm's review
4.0
Cute picture book that tells the story of Jean-François Gravelet, known as The Great Blondin, the funambulist who walked a tightrope across Niagara Falls. We learn about his gift, his innovations, and other daring feats he performed before coming up with the idea for the stunt that cemented his fame.
He came up with the idea in 1858. He announced and began raising money for it in 1859. After a crazy stunt walking the Railroad Suspension Bridge, he found the sponsors he needed. My favorite part of the book is when readers get to witness the logistics that took place before he stepped onto the rope on that fateful day, June 30, 1859.
He came up with the idea in 1858. He announced and began raising money for it in 1859. After a crazy stunt walking the Railroad Suspension Bridge, he found the sponsors he needed. My favorite part of the book is when readers get to witness the logistics that took place before he stepped onto the rope on that fateful day, June 30, 1859.
chewdigestbooks's review
5.0
This was adorable for so many reasons. There was the history of the falls and the Great Blondin, which harkened back to Houdini for me for some reason. (similar era, daring?) It wasn't the old story of the yahoo going over in a barrel and he took everything seriously, especially his safety. There was the great buildup of Blondin's story and how trapeze artists learn their craft and then how he surpassed them.
Now, before you go thinking, is this going to make my kid going to run over to the falls and think he or she can do it too? No, The book makes it pretty obvious that not only was this an innate talent from birth, he trained, took safety precautions and got permissions from both sides of the falls for his feet.
It was wonderful and I wish I could have seen it.
Now, before you go thinking, is this going to make my kid going to run over to the falls and think he or she can do it too? No, The book makes it pretty obvious that not only was this an innate talent from birth, he trained, took safety precautions and got permissions from both sides of the falls for his feet.
It was wonderful and I wish I could have seen it.
thereadingraccoon's review
4.0
Thank you Edelweiss and the publisher for this review copy of King of the Tightrope: When the Great Blondin Ruled Niagara.
This is an adorable picture book style biography of performer Jean-François Gravelet (aka The Great Blondin) and his triumphant walk across Niagara Falls. The author mixes French phrases, facts, illustrations and timelines to fill in the reader about The Great Blondin’s life and times.
My only criticism would be the descriptions of the actual ropes and system surrounding the Niagara Falls feat. Both of us were having a hard time with the terminology used and picturing all of the components.
Overall, my daughter and I found the entire story fun and informative. I recommend it to families with kids of all ages!
This is an adorable picture book style biography of performer Jean-François Gravelet (aka The Great Blondin) and his triumphant walk across Niagara Falls. The author mixes French phrases, facts, illustrations and timelines to fill in the reader about The Great Blondin’s life and times.
My only criticism would be the descriptions of the actual ropes and system surrounding the Niagara Falls feat. Both of us were having a hard time with the terminology used and picturing all of the components.
Overall, my daughter and I found the entire story fun and informative. I recommend it to families with kids of all ages!
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