Gr 2-5-The first person to survive going over Niagara Falls was a rather unlikely daredevil: a former charm school instructor, Annie Edison Taylor made history on her 63rd birthday, October 24, 1901, in a barrel of her own design. Van Allsburg's monochromatic illustrations deepen the emotional turmoil and excitement, and Angela Goethals's expression and pacing match the building tension as Taylor's incredible feat is carried out. Follow-up discussion may focus on the power of Niagara Falls-scores of videos can be found online to aid those having trouble visualizing-or on some of the amazing facts that can be found on the Niagara Falls State Park website (ow.ly/soi8l). (c) Copyright 2014. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(Informational picture book. 7-10)]] Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Annie Edson Taylor, widowed, out of work, and elderly, faces the beginning of the twentieth century with prospects of the poorhouse looming. Not unlike the swarms of contemporary individuals who compete on reality TV or stage publicity stunts (remember "Balloon Boy"?), Annie decides that celebrity is her only way to fame and fortune. "Suddenly, like a cork popping from a champagne bottle," an idea comes: she'll go over Niagara Falls in a barrel, a feat never before attempted. Although Annie's stunt may be as much a miracle as walking through Abdul Gasazi's garden, Van Allsburg's matter-of-fact narrative emphasizes her advance technical planning. The sepia-toned illustrations depict Annie as prim and proper but also convey her grit and determination. This illustrated biography climaxes beautifully with a double-page spread of the great falls, a tiny barrel bobbing in the current, and a powerful one-line text: "Oh, Lord,' she whispered, and then she was gone." Unfortunately, fortune eludes her: as Van Allsburg paints the picture, her age, frumpy appearance, and prissy nature work against her, and the expected dollars never materialize. Appended with an author's note and very brief bibliography. betty carter (c) Copyright 2011. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Any kid who has beheld Niagara Falls or even taken a good look at pictures of it will be suitably gobsmacked by the true story of charm-school teacher Annie Edson Taylor, who, at age 62, decided on a whim to fund her golden years by being the first person over the falls. At first, local barrel makers turned her away in horror, but her determination was convincing, and on October 24, 1901, the reinforced and padded 160-pound vessel was dropped into the water in front of thousands of nervous spectators. Van Allsburg's trademark framed illustrations have the unnerving stillness of old-timey photos, though they struggle for a while with settings unconducive to excitement. Once Taylor hits the water, though, Van Allsburg's restraint becomes a master class in tension, keeping his drawings of the barrel's interior small enough to communicate claustrophobia. Van Allsburg's telling of the rest of the tale Taylor's failure to parlay her adventure into cash is especially affecting, and readers will embrace her resolve.--Kraus, Daniel Copyright 2010 Booklist

In 1901, 62-year-old widow Annie Edson Taylor needs "a way to strike it rich" after closing her Michigan charm school. Spying an article about Niagara Falls as a tourist destination, she decides to become a popular attraction, too. She commissions a barrel "big enough to hold herself and a large number of pillows," hires a publicist, calls on reporters, and finds a boatman willing to tow her into the river. In his first book since 2006's Probuditi! Van Allsburg chronicles Taylor's determination along with public surprise (and disappointment) at such an unglamorous daredevil. In sepia-tinted portraits, Van Allsburg pictures her in a ruffled blouse, cameo brooch, and billowing skirt, her white hair swept under a dowdy hat. The book is impeccably designed; Van Allsburg's grainy, closely observed colored-pencil scenes mimic documentary photos and are beautifully balanced by blocks of text. There is one full-bleed spread: the falls after the barrel has disappeared. In this unromantic and bittersweet account, Van Allsburg presents the feat as born as much out of need as of courage, with Taylor portrayed as a hardheaded eccentric and an unlikely queen. Ages 6-9. (Apr.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.