The Strongest Man in the World: The Legend of Louis Cyr

Gr 1–4—A serviceable profile of Louis Cyr (1863–1912), a Canadian weight lifter. Cyr went from lumberjack to factory worker in the industrial town of Lowell, MA, and gained notoriety for his feats of strength, which he parlayed into a circus act and a trip to Europe, where he defeated all challengers and became the "Strongest Man in the World." This picture book biography follows a traditional chronological format, and while there are glimpses into Cyr's remarkable personality, this title does little to bring his character to life. Although intended for a slightly older audience than Papineau's work, Nicolas Debon's The Strongest Man in the World is a more inventive, engaging selection. However, Hamel's cartoon illustrations complement the text and add a dose of energy with large-eyed characters and the reoccurring use of the color red.