Sixty-two year old widow Annie Taylor runs a charm school, right by Niagara Falls. When this starts to fail, she resolves to find fame and fortune by being the first person ever to go over the thundering waters of Niagara Falls in a barrel.
Readers of all ages will warm to this inspiring story of bravery, as they take the roller coaster ride of a lifetime over the falls.

Creators

Chris van Allsburg lives in Providence, Rhode Island and lectures at the Rhode Island School of Design. He is a sculptor and artist, and twice winner of the Caldecott Medal, first for Jumanji, and then for The Polar Express. He has also received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Society of Illustrators in October 2009.

Reviews

Fascinating…artfully illustrated with intelligence and sophistication.

The School Librarian

A fabulous story, narrated through vivid prose and juxtaposed with Allsburg’s sepia art work, which is deeply evocative of early 20th-century America.

The Bookseller

An unusual, stunning and inspirational book.

The Bookseller

Van Allsburg adeptly turns an oddball historical footnote into an accessible adventure story . . . and Van Allsburg’s trademark sepia-toned pencil drawings are, as always, superb.

New York Times

Caldecott Medal winner Chris van Allsburg evokes the world of turn-of-the-century America with his soft sepia artworks. Surreal.

Books For Keeps

The story is simply and compellingly told with a strong moral message that has at the same time been artfully illustrated with intelligence and sophistication.

The School Librarian

Strange and Awesome

Armadillo Magazine

A book that’s worth buying as it won’t just be the children who return to it again and again

The Bookbag

A fascinating tale.

CORK EVENING ECHO

A fabulous story, narrated through vivid prose and juxtaposed with Allsburg’s sepia art work, which is deeply evocative of early 20th-century America.

The Bookseller

Van Allsburg adeptly turns an oddball historical footnote into an accessible adventure story . . . and Van Allsburg’s trademark sepia-toned pencil drawings are, as always, superb.

New York Times

A book that’s worth buying as it won’t just be the children who return to it again and again.

The Bookbag

Strange and awesome.

Armadillo Magazine

Caldecott Medal winner Chris van Allsburg evokes the world of turn-of-the-century America with his soft sepia artworks. Surreal.

Books for Keeps

The story is simply and compellingly told with a strong moral message that has at the same time been artfully illustrated with intelligence and sophistication.

The School Librarian

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