| 9780375844997 |
| 0375844996 |
| 9780375944581 |
| (glb) |
| 0375944583 |
Available:*
Library | Material Type | Call Number | Shelf Location | Status | Item Holds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Searching... East Library | Children's Book | MCNA | Children's-J-Easy | Searching... Unknown | Searching... Unavailable |
Searching... High Prairie Library | Children's Book | MCNA | Children's-J-Easy | Searching... Unknown | Searching... Unavailable |
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Summary
Summary
A perfect picture book biography from award-winning author Margaret McNamara and New Yorker artist Barry Blitt comes this partly true and completely funny story of George Washington's 7th birthday. In this clever approach to history, readers will discover the truths and myths about George Washington. Did George Washington wear a wig? No. Did George Washington cut down a cherry tree? Probably not. Readers young and old who are used to seeing George Washington as an old man, will get a new look at the first president--as a kid. Perfect for classrooms, Presidents' Day, or as a birthday gift.
Author Notes
MARGARET MCNAMARA is the author of How Many Seeds in a Pumpkin?, called "illuminating" by FamilyFun Magazine and recommended as "a first-purchase consideration" by School Library Journal, and most recently of The Three Little Aliens and the Big Bad Robot, illustrated by Mark Fearing. She is also the author of the popular Robin Hill School early reader series which sold more than 1.5 million copies. She lives in New York City.
BARRY BLITT's illustrations have appeared on the cover of the New Yorker and have also graced the pages of the Chicago Tribune, the New York Times, Child Magazine, and Entertainment Weekly. He is the illustrator of the children's books The 39 Apartments of Ludwig Van Beethoven by Jonah Winter, as well as Once Upon a Time, the End: Asleep in 60 Seconds by Geoffrey Kloske.
Reviews (3)
School Library Journal Review
K-Gr 2-On his seventh birthday, young George waits for his family to remember his special day while working hard and displaying the characteristics for which he is famous (honesty, studiousness, etc.). The text is a mix of fictional narrative and factual sidebars. Oddly, the story itself reinforces some of the myths debunked by the fact boxes; for instance, George is shown in a wig despite the footnote that explains how he only powdered his hair. A final note in Washington's voice clarifies the true facts behind the story, including an intriguing but unexplained mention that the calendar was different in 1732, so that his birthday was actually February 11, not February 22. The loose, cartoony watercolors by New Yorker artist Blitt impart a wry humor, and the muted palette gives a colonial flavor. The tale is mildly amusing and certainly informational, but the tension between fact and fiction may prove confusing to young readers. Teachers seeking material for Washington's Birthday may find this book is good filler, but it is not a first purchase.-Heidi Estrin, Feldman Children's Library at Congregation B'nai Israel, Boca Raton, FL (c) Copyright 2012. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Publisher's Weekly Review
It's George Washington's seventh birthday, but he can't get anyone to acknowledge it. "Another cold day," he says, dropping a 10-ton hint on his harried mother. "But I guess there's nothing special about that." His stern father isn't cutting him any slack, either. "Now clean your face and hands and powder your wig and occupy yourself gainfully until dinnertime," says Mr. Washington after George has carried out some punitive chores (the consequences of taking out his frustrations on a cherry tree). As Blitt (The Adventures of Mark Twain by Huckleberry Finn) chronicles George's slow burn in his elegant, irreverent ink line, McNamara (The Three Little Aliens and the Big Bad Robot) serves up delicious ironies ("Someday I'll be the boss of you," George mumbles prophetically as he's being condescended to by his "tyrant" of an older brother). She also sets the record straight with asides labeled "Myth" (George did not throw a stone across the Rappa-hannock) and "Fact." This book should add at least a few giggles to any Presidents' Day festivities, while reminding readers that every great man starts out small. Ages 4-8. (Jan.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
Booklist Review
A young George Washington awakes on his seventh birthday with a hope familiar to seven-year-olds everywhere: that his birthday will be special. Instead, he has a day filled with events that will find their way into history books. He notes and records the weather. He throws a rock across the Rappahannock River. He chops down a cherry tree. And then, finally, there's a surprise party, and the promise that George's birthday will be remembered in perpetuity. McNamara peppers a colloquial narrative with factual asides set apart with decorated borders. Blitt matches the ebullient tone with spare, sketchy watercolors dressed with period accoutrements and peopled with bright, gangly caricatures. Young George is shown as a statesman in miniature, dressed in a founding father's garb, complete with powdered wig (which, we learn, he never really wore). In a first person afterword, George himself traces the line between fact and fiction, adding a meta-nod to the intentional, meaningful blur. This will not only entertain young readers, but also offer a beginning look at the many varieties of truth.--Barthelmess, Thom Copyright 2010 Booklist
