Awards
A Book Sense 2006 Summer Children's Pick
Synopses & Reviews
Based on the true story behind Gilbert Stuart's famous portraits of Washington, this funny historical read will leave rascals, ruffians, and troublemakers of all ages laughing. Charlotte, James, and baby John have promised to be on their very best behavior for when George Washington comes to have his portrait painted by their father, Gilbert Stuart. But, it seems like every time George Washington comes to visit, Charlotte has to write another apology letter, even when they try to follow George Washingtons Rules of Good Behavior. If these whippersnappers want any dessert, they are going to have to learn some mannersand fast! What results is a hilarious chain of events, a giant mess
and a painting that will be remembered for centuries to come.
Review
"Lane Smith makes history more fascinating than one can imagine....Smith's use of varied media creates an illusion of a crackled veneer associated with the time period. History should never be dull and, believe me, it is not here." Children's Literature
Review
"Deftly drawn, witty, and instantly appealing....The artwork and design are excellent and adults will chortle, but this book seems likely to confuse children unfamiliar with the period." Booklist
Review
"While children will love the off-the-wall humor, there is plenty for adult readers to enjoy." School Library Journal
Review
"[T]his may serve as an entry point for kids who think that history is dry as dust, and 'Ye Olde True or False Section' really is pretty funny." Kirkus Reviews
Review
"Humor, both broad...and sly reminds readers that books hold many discoveries, and quite a bit of ye olde fun." Horn Book
Review
"A history review with underwear jokes how can you beat that?" The Bulletin
Synopsis
As young lads, America's Founding Fathers were always getting into trouble: John's handwriting was too big, Paul's ear-splitting bell ringing made him talk too loudly, George was too honest for his own good, and Ben was always talking in proverbs. Readers young and old will love this new take on history.
Synopsis
Once there were four lads...
John Hancock],
Paul Revere],
George Washington],
and Ben Franklin].
Oh yes, there was also Tom Jefferson], but he was annoyingly independent and hardly ever around.
These lads were always getting into trouble for one reason or another. In other words, they took a few...liberties. And to be honest, they were not always appreciated.
This is the story of five little lads before they became five really big Founding Fathers.
Synopsis
Here is the story of five little lads before they became five really big Founding Fathers, from
New York Times bestselling creator and Caldecott Honor recipient Lane Smith
Once there were four lads . . .
John Hancock],
Paul Revere],
George Washington],
and Ben Franklin].
Oh yes, there was also Tom Jefferson], but he was annoyingly independent and hardly ever around. These lads were always getting into trouble for one reason or another. In other words, they took a few . . . liberties. And to be honest, they were not always appreciated. Until one day, they all played a part in securing America's freedom.
"Deftly drawn, witty, and instantly appealing, the illustrations creatively blend period elements such as wood-grain and crackle-glaze texturing, woodcut lines, and formal compositions typical of the era, with gaping mouths and stylized, spiraling eyes typical of modern cartoons," wrote Booklist, and School Library Journal declared, "Exercise your freedom to scoop up this one."
Synopsis
From New York Times bestselling creator and Caldecott Honor recipient Lane Smith comes a fun story of five little lads before they became five really big Founding Fathers--perfect for patriotic holidays and storytime year round Once there were four lads . . . John Hancock], Paul Revere], George Washington], and Ben Franklin]. Oh yes, there was also Tom Jefferson], but he was annoyingly independent and hardly ever around. These lads were always getting into trouble for one reason or another. In other words, they took a few . . . liberties. And to be honest, they were not always appreciated. Until one day, they all played a part in securing America's freedom.
"Deftly drawn, witty, and instantly appealing, the illustrations creatively blend period elements such as wood-grain and crackle-glaze texturing, woodcut lines, and formal compositions typical of the era, with gaping mouths and stylized, spiraling eyes typical of modern cartoons." --Booklist
"Exercise your freedom to scoop up this one." --School Library Journal
Don't miss these other books by Lane Smith: Madam President
The Big Elephant in the Room
Synopsis
Once there were four lads...
John [Hancock],
Paul [Revere],
George [Washington],
and Ben [Franklin].
Oh yes, there was also Tom [Jefferson], but he was annoyingly independent and hardly ever around.
These lads were always getting into trouble for one reason or another. In other words, they took a few...liberties. And to be honest, they were not always appreciated.
This is the story of five little lads before they became five really big Founding Fathers.
Synopsis
Find out just why this Yankee was so cranky in this hilarious take on a traditional nonsense song
every child learns in school but doesnand#8217;t understand.
Synopsis
and#8220;Yankee Doodle went to town / a-riding on a pony / stuck a feather in his hat / and called it macaroni.and#8221; Many know the song and#8220;Yankee Doodle Dandy,and#8221; but few understand it. This unapologetically silly picture book reveals that the legendary ride to town (and the whole macaroni thing) was all suggested by Mr. Doodleand#8217;s overeager pony. This just makes Mr. Doodle cranky: and#8220;I do not want macaroni. I do not want a feather. I do not want any other clothing, any other pasta, or any other parts of a bird. I do not want anything that they have in town!and#8221; A historical note ends this colorful, comical take on a nonsensical old song.
About the Author
Smith received a B.F.A. degree from Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, CA.
Kids Q&A
Read the Kids' Q&A with Lane Smith