A tribute to the Hudson River’s strategic, economic, and cultural signi cance. Superb interplay of text and illustrations unfolds chronologically from the last Ice Age into the present.

"River of Dreams" is a book depicting the historical, economic, artistic, and environmental significance of the Hudson River. The story begins with undeveloped New World Hudson River. Hudson Talbott then describes the key role of European (Dutch) settlement, continues through the Revolutionary War, Industrial Revolution, and trade routes. The book touches on how art, culture, and economy impact this lush river environment during all these important times in history. He also touches on how the flora and fauna have changed through time.

The text and content are for older elementary readers. It would be a great book to use in conjunction with an art, science, or social studies class. The illustrations, done by the author, Hudson Talbott, appear to be watercolors. They have a Hudson River School of painting feel to them and add substance to the story.

I like this book. It is multidimensional in content. It includes the social, artistic, and natural history. It appeals to many different types of readers. I find the presentation of information to be varied, and interesting. By including the significance of art and environmental changes, it takes focus away from just facts and dates. It also gives a different perspective on the various times in history.

I enjoy the illustrations, as they tend to match the text. Stylistically, they are similar to The Hudson River School in detail and presenting the beauty of the land. Talbott includes details from the story, like Rip Van Winkle, and the Headless Horseman in the pictures as well.

I like his writing style. The main text on the pages included the major themes. Supporting facts and details were also typed into the illustration. He identifies boat types and other things the readers may not know. He also includes facts about certain things in the illustrations, like ferry sleighs, and ice-boating. Important dates and facts about the river are written and placed in the river as well. This technique makes reading the information different. ( )

This is an interesting text, covering the history of the Hudson River from the pre-colonial period all the way to now. It's beautifully illustrated, and the text is well constructed as well. The added facts that run through the river throughout the text are nice additions. This is a great text to add to any collection. ( )

A well written and illustrated book about the history of our planet with a focus on a local river, the great Hudson RIver. Upper elementary students will find this book fun to read as well as a great resource for scientific research. ( )

I must be honest. I was not really interested in finding and reading this book. What did I care about the Hudson River? I was wrong. This is a fascinating story of a river and the life it has supported over the years, Native Americans, the Dutch, those who used its link with the Erie Canal, the railroaders, writers, artists, and, now, environmentalists.The pictures are beautiful paintings. The author also includes diagrams and maps and timelines to help the reader better understand the story. ( )