This informational picture book is a unique celebration of a mode of transportation that served early America well. Built in Lancaster County, PA, between 1750 and 1850, Conestogas were a better class of covered wagon, being sturdily built in three different sizes and having brakes. Ammon explains how these "tractor-trailer trucks" of their time played an important role in both the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812.

Loaded with interesting facts on travel in the early days of westward expansion and comparisons to modern-day life, this fascinating title captures readers' imaginations. The massive, now extinct Conestoga horses used to pull the wagons are deftly described. Several unfamiliar terms, such as "lazy board" and "jerk line" are explained in the text. The full- and double-paged, soft-toned impressionistic paintings are supplemented by smaller monochrome sketches. This accessible tribute to an American icon will enrich any unit on pioneer times.