Which state has oysters, aircraft factories, and a heritage whaling village? Report-writers can find answers in this volume of the "It's My State!" series, offering an overview of Connecticut's land, history, people, government, and economy. Researchers will learn that uplands bracket Connecticut east and west, while three major rivers have encouraged growth of manufacturing and cities (Hartford, the state capital, is noted for insurance companies). Lobster and black bass live in Connecticut waters; fields and forests shelter deer, wild turkeys, black bears, and maple trees turning gorgeous colors in autumn. In a brief history chapter, kids learn about settlement by English Puritans, deadly war with the Pequot tribe, and Connecticut's prominent part in the Revolutionary War. The state was an early leader in inventions such as Samuel Colt's revolver and Eli Whitney's cotton gin; Connecticut-manufactured goods were sold by Yankee peddlers all over the country. One of the original colonies, Connecticut quickly responded to the Industrial Revolution, attracting immigrants from many countries as workers—the economy profited especially from aircraft and submarine production in World War II. Interestingly, a Native-American population has recently revived, with several reservations, flourishing casinos, and a Mashantucket Pequot Museum to preserve and share Indian traditions. Among famous Connecticut residents mentioned are Noah Webster of dictionary fame, Harriet Beecher Stowe (author of Uncle Tom's Cabin), and actress Glenn Close. Connecticut is known for its many writers, Shakespeare-on-the Sound performances, and the P.T. Barnum Festival. Kids may enjoy a recipe for apple crisp using Connecticut's juicy Cortland apples. Illustrations are color photos while sidebars offer notable details (i.e. Yale University in New Haven has graduated five American presidents). Included are pages on the official bird, flag, seal, and song, a short bibliography and an index. Reviewer: Barbara L. Talcroft
