Peter Spier - Poem- Wide And Long Deep And Strong [2025-2026]

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.

A nostalgic, detailed celebration of the building and daily life of the Erie Canal. Peter Spier, Reissued - Redeemed Reader Peter spier - poem- wide and long deep and strong

: 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 Spier’s adaptation is widely considered a masterpiece of

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 Fast Facts Published: 1970 Awards: Christopher Award winner

: Spier captures the energy and "realistic murk" of the canal era. His vision is described as optimistic and cheerful, often featuring subtle humor—such as passengers ducking under low bridges—to communicate history through action rather than dry text.

: The book includes a historical appendix that explains how the canal was built using "American know-how" rather than trained engineers. This makes it an essential resource for students studying ancient history or early American infrastructure.

: True to Spier’s signature style, the book features intricate ink-and-watercolor drawings that are incredibly detailed. Reviewers from Redeemed Reader note that his pen "coaxes out a wealth of detail" that keeps readers searching the pages for hours, capturing everything from crowded barges to the dirt and dung of the mules on towpaths.