Spier’s adaptation is widely considered a masterpiece of children's historical literature, particularly for its ability to bring a bygone era of American engineering to life without heavy exposition.
: While the book functions as a picture book for younger children, its "slightly sophisticated" level of detail and historical context makes it suitable for elementary-aged children as well. Fast Facts Published: 1970 Awards: Christopher Award winner Peter spier - poem- wide and long deep and strong
The description "" refers to the classic American folk song and poem "The Erie Canal," which was famously illustrated by Peter Spier in 1970 . The phrase appears in the lyrics: "A mile and a half on the Erie Canal... It's wide and it's long, and it's deep and it's strong." Review of Peter Spier’s The Erie Canal Spier’s adaptation is widely considered a masterpiece of