Washington, D.C., is "hometown" for every American. In the coming election year, against the background of recent international events, thoughts will turn to Washington as never before. Martha Day Zschock is not only a brilliant artist, whose "Journey Around" books have captured readers of all ages in Boston, New York, and San Francisco, and on Cape Cod; she is also an educator, who designed her bestselling series to teach children about our great American places. This is far more than an alphabet book. Each page is headed by an alliterative sentence that evokes an important theme. The "A" page reads, "America's anthem awakens awe." Each page also features a paragraph of history. Again, the "A" page explains how "The Star Spangled Banner" was written and what has happened to the flag that flew over Fort McHenry. At the bottom of each page is a playful factoid; the "A" page explains the evolution of the American flag.