"Smith, who slyly recast U.S. history in John, Paul, George and Ben, introduces a zealous, freckled girl with presidential aspirations. Refreshingly, Katy skips the hand-wringing and never questions whether a girl could become commander-in-chief — instead, she behaves as if she is president already, fulfilling official duties at home and in school. Attired in a dark pantsuit, she brashly inserts herself in a Boy Scout 'photo op,' attends a pet frog's 'state funeral' and treats an oral report as a press conference: 'No comment. I'll get back to you on that.' In mixed-media sequences with emphatic type, Smith mingles earnest words with visual jokes, such as the trail of small American flags Katy leaves in her wake. He depicts the heroine wielding the veto (the cafeteria's tuna casserole gets a nay) and, in florid script, crafts unofficial 'Hail to the Chief' lyrics praising 'the most awesome one of all' and 'her rad administration.' At one point, Katy crows in capital letters, 'Why, the president is the most important person in the whole wide world!' (Tiny lowercase letters add, 'And the most humble.') Smith gazes into the national future and just as ably skewers the pitfalls of political office. Ages 4 — 8. (July)" Publishers Weekly (Starred Review) (Copyright Reed Business Information, Inc.)

"Madam President" is a clever picture book portrait of a little girl who fantasizes about what it would be like to be president. Attired in a navy pinstripe pantsuit, she blithely floats through her school day giving executive orders — "More waffles, please" — negotiating a treaty between a cat and dog, and naming her cabinet from an assortment of pets and playthings. The girl's deadpan declarations... Washington Post Book Review (read the entire Washington Post review) — "A president has special privileges. One word: Veto!" — perfectly balance Smith's animated cartoon art. The illustrations are packed with visual jokes, as when a tiny Secret Service kitty, complete with dark glasses, peers out from a double-page spread.

Lisa Von Drasek is the children's librarian of the Bank Street College of Education. She teaches children's literature in addition to reviewing children's books.

Reviewed by Lisa Von Drasek, Washington Post Book World (Copyright 2006 Washington Post Book World Service/Washington Post Writers Group)
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A little girl imagines what her day would be like if she were Madam President. There would be executive orders to give, babies to kiss, tuna casseroles to veto (or VETO ).and so much more Not to mention that recess would definitely require more security.

With deadpan wit and hilarious illustrations, best-selling picture book creator Lane Smith introduces readers to an unforgettable new character.