The Life and Times of Corn

Good book on the life/history of corn.

Had seen the book before. This met our expectations

Great for children of all ages. Very interesting. We learned more about corn than we could have ever imagined! Loved it!

Great book for children living in the "corn belt!"

Extremely informative book. A class of kindergarteners LOVED it!

There were pages cut out of the book. I was very disappointed I cannot use it at school.

Columbus returned to Europe describing all the amazing land laden with treasures, but if he described maize to them they probably were unimpressed. People look for gold, diamonds and other treasures, but one of the most valuable we have is corn. Livestock feed for animals, "sweetener for soda, juice, cakes, cookies, and candy," on the cob, canned, frozen, creamed, cornmeal, corn syrup, margarine, mayonnaise, salad dressing, cooking oil, cereal, paint, ink, artificial silk, laundry starch, disposable diapers, baby powder, plastics, garbage bags, batteries, soap, maizolith ("rubber substitute"), paper . . . get the picture? Corn is a treasure of many uses.Corn was being grown widely in the Americas by the time Columbus showed up and was a "way of life" to the Native American. This book describes the parts of the corn plant, discusses the varieties, how they can thrive in different climates, tells us about the history of popcorn and how it is popped, you'll learn about its planting and growing cycle, how the plant reproduces, how it is harvested (by hand or by combine), the leading corn areas (around the world and in the states), how "improved farming techniques have increased corn harvests in the United States," its many uses (see paragraph one!), and much more!I never, ever have seen so much information about corn in any book, let alone a childrens' book. This was an amazingly detailed and, believe it or not, a fun book about this essential grain. I learned several things I didn't know about corn and now will have a new appreciation for it when I pass by corn fields in the summer. Armed with little bits of trivia I'm sure to wow my fellow passengers in the car. Do you know why dent corn is not harvested until the plant looks totally dead (or "straw colored)? I do!

I grew up on a sweetcorn farm; Dad grew 20 acres of my favorite summertime treat. We plant 100 acres of field corn to feed the dairy herd on the farm I own with my husband. I picked up this book to get an idea how much I could include in an educational project for 4th graders I am planning. Wow! As a farmer and as an educator, I am impressed. Micucci has covered history, varieties, uses, and so much more in this slim and engaging volume. His facts are correct as of publication date (American farmers are always improving yields, so check the latest NASS census for up to date information). The illustrations and short factoids keep one reading on... My farm family learned lots of new facts to use at this year's farm visit.