Synopses & Reviews
A beautifully told story of young Abraham Lincolnand#8217;s coming-of-age
Drawn from the early chapters of Carl Sandburgand#8217;s Pulitzer Prize-winning biography, Abraham Lincoln: The Prairie Years, this is the story of Abraham Lincolnand#8217;s childhood. Growing up poor on the family farm, Abe did chores, helped his father cut down trees, and expertly skinned animals and cured hides. As a young man, he became an avid reader. When he witnessed a slave auction while on a flatboat trip down the Mississippi, he was forever changedand#151;and so was the future of America. This is the remarkable story of Lincolnand#8217;s youth, early America, and the pioneer life that shaped one of our countryand#8217;s greatest presidents.
Review
and#147;[A] readable, heroic biographyand#8221;and#151;The New York Times Book Reviewand#147;Admirers of Mr. Sandburgand#8217;s Abraham Lincoln: The Prairie Years, will be glad of an opportunity to share that uniquely interesting picture of pioneer life with their children . . . confidently commended.and#8221;and#151;Saturday Review
Review
andquot;The thin, swirling lines of Phelanandrsquo;s soft pencil-and-gouache illustrations enhance the stirring narrative, often depicting people against their natural environment; his powerful use of shadow and light emphasizes Washingtonandrsquo;s struggles and victories. Overall, a dynamic examination of one of Americaandrsquo;s first leaders.andquot; andmdash;Kirkus Reviews
andquot;Perhaps as balance to the bicentennial emphasis on Abraham Lincoln comes this welcome new picture book biography of George Washington. . . . This is an ideal introduction to the man for younger readers and listeners: nicely paced, admiring but not adulatory, and clear about his importance in history.andquot; andmdash;Horn Book
andquot;Rockwell gives us a whole man, from shy boy to country gentleman, reluctant battlefield hero to legendary leader, and Phelanandrsquo;s bold, dynamic paintings capture the nuances. In an afterword, the author considers the and#39;stain on the new nationandrsquo;s flag,and#39; approaching Washingtonandrsquo;s treatment of his slaves with candor and honesty. A fine biography that respects its audience as much as its subject.andquot; andmdash;Booklist
andquot;Rockwelland#39;s smooth storytelling and knack for economically rendered military episodes should connect well with elementary-grade children. . . . Phelanand#39;s rough line and gouache pictures . . . are sophisticated enough to draw and retain the attention of independent readers.andquot; andmdash;Bulletin
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Synopsis
A redesigned issue of the beautifully told story of young Abe Lincoln, drawn from the early chapters of Carl Sandburg's original biography,
Abraham Lincoln: The Prairie Years.Synopsis
This fascinating picture book biography on Georgeand#160;Washington revealsand#160;what madeand#160;the shy boy from Virginia oneand#160;become one of the greatest leaders America has ever known.
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Synopsis
A boy from Virginia becomes the first president
Before he was the face on the dollar bill, George Washington was a shy boy with a hot temper. But George had character and adaptability. He taught himself courage and self-control. At an early age, and without really realizing it, George Washington gathered the qualities heandrsquo;d need to become one of the greatest leaders America has ever known.
and#160;and#160;and#160;and#160; Anne Rockwellandrsquo;s prose is dignified, Matt Phelanandrsquo;s illustrations are striking, and the details they reveal about George Washingtonandrsquo;s early days are fascinating, sometimes tragic, and always moving.
Includes an authorandrsquo;s note.
About the Author
ANNE ROCKWELL is the author of hundreds of books for children, including the distinguished picture book biography
Only Passing Through: The Story of Sojourner Truth, an ALA Notable Childrenand#39;s Book. She lives in Greenwich, Connecticut.
www.AnneRockwell.com and#160;MATT PHELAN is an illustrator of both childrenand#39;s picture books and chapter books, such as The Higher Power of Lucky by Susan Patron, which won the John Newbery Medal. He lives in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.www.mattphelan.com
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