This is San Francisco is the eighth book in Miroslav Sasek's amazing travelogue series. Published in 1962 and re-issued in 2003, it takes readers on a rollercoastering journey through the rolling hills of this breathtaking city, resplendant with the retro-charming illustrations the author became renowned for.
Like all in the This Is... series, I love this book. For kids who've never been to San Francisco, this is some kind of armchair adventure, and for those who have been fortunate enough to visit - what better memento? My son still peruses this book frequently, noting his favourite places as he goes along.
This is San Francisco quite naturally opens with a vista of that incredible harbour and Golden Gate Bridge. We quickly learn a little bit of history about San Fran before being taken straight to the crookedest street in the world - Lombard Street. And let me tell you, it hasn't changed much since that picture from 1962!
We go for a cable car ride on the California line, scale Telegraph Hill and see the Babylonian Coit Tower, visit Fisherman's Wharf, Golden Gate Park, Presidio Terrace, and even visit a ball game. We meet the world-famous seals on the rocks at Cliff House, stroll through Chinatown and glimpse Alcatraz through the many rollicking street vistas that make this city so extraordinary.
Packed with the everyday and must luscious detail that make Sasek's books so incredible, this is simply another must-have book for the collection. There's really not much more I can say.
Title: This is San Francisco
Author/Illustrator: M Sasek
Publisher: Universe Publishing, A$34.95RRP
Publication Date: 1962, 2003
Format: Hardcover with dustjacket
ISBN: 9780789309624
For ages: 6+
Type: Picture Book
You can buy this book online
