Full of facts, this colorful bookshould please young readers. --Ohioana Quarterly

One white star for each state would form a 'new constellation.' Alternating red and white stripes represented the states. These stripes multiplied as states were added, until Congress passed a law returning the number of stripes to the initial thirteen to stand for the original thirteen colonies. It has been said that George Washington believed the white stripes stood for liberty. The Veterans of Foreign Wars believe the red stripes stand for the courage and sacrifice of the men and women who defend the rights and liberties of the United States of America. The color blue reminds citizens of their loyalty to our nation. About the Author Laurie Lazzaro Knowlton is an Ohio native who taught elementary school for fifteen years. Her book, Why Cowboys Sleep with Their Boots On, currently has more than 30,000 copies in print.

She is also the author of Why Cowgirls Are Such Sweet Talkers, Why Cowboys Need a Brand, Why Cowboys Need a Pardner, and Nanais Rice Pie, all published by Pelican.