Synopses & Reviews
Renowned artist Maira Kalman sheds light on the fascinating life and interests of the Renaissance man who was our third president.
Thomas Jefferson is perhaps best known for writing the Declaration of Independencebut theres so much more to discover. This energetic man was interested in everything. He played violin, spoke seven languages and was a scientist, naturalist, botanist, mathematician and architect. He designed his magnificent home, Monticello, which is full of objects he collected from around the world. Our first foodie, he grew over fifteen kinds of peas and advocated a mostly vegetarian diet. And oh yes, as our third president, he doubled the size of the United States and sent Lewis and Clark to explore it. He also started the Library of Congress and said, I cannot live without books.” But monumental figures can have monumental flaws, and Jefferson was no exception. Although he called slavery an abomination,” he owned about 150 slaves.
As she did in Looking at Lincoln, Maira Kalman shares a presidents remarkable, complicated life with young readers, making history come alive with her captivating text and stunning illustrations.
Review
"Kalman's fond and bittersweet account of our lanky 16th president evokes both a schoolgirl crush and a Yankee's steely, sorrowful perspective on the price of freedom. . . . Rather than pen a textbook profile, Kalman portrays heartfelt admiration through poignant imagery."
Review
"Profusion of bright gouache illustrations that are as colorful as springtime in Arles. . . . Encourages historical examination."
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"Appealingly childlike. . . . Kalman's artwork is the main attraction here, with appealing naive illustrations done in gouache. Each page offers visual treats in a Matisse-like palette."
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"Remarkable. . . . Questions that echo a child's curiosity. . . . This impressionistic biography is one that adults will want to share with children, and that children will pore over."
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"Embellished with circular, childlike wonderings. . . . Powerful emotional impact."
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* “Beautiful and a little sad: the complex, brilliant, flawed nature of the third U.S. president. . . . Rich, impressionist colors and lively lines. . . . Poetic presentation. . . . Conveys clearly [Jeffersons] contribution to the growing nation as founding father and president. . . . Kalmans intimate address to listeners and readers works well. . . . Impressive complexity put artfully and respectfully within the grasps of young readers.”
Review
* “Vibrant gouache paintings. . . . The voice is that of a curious child reporting fascinating research findings . . . allows Kalman to supply a wealth of information. . . . Playful but informative, as quick witted as Jefferson himself, this will inspire young readers to learn more.”
Review
“Kalman dwells in conflict and raises questions to the end, pronouncing Monticello a symbol of all that is ‘optimistic and complex and tragic and wrong and courageous about America.”
Review
“Striking picture book biography. . . . A colloquial, occasionally arch, and whimsical narrative, heavy with historical import and dotted with trivia. The vibrant imagery, frank content, and disarming language combine in a nuanced portrait that respects its subject and its audience in equal measure. At a time when the Founding Fathers are invoked frequently as heroes of lost, black-and-white propriety, a biography of such candor is welcome indeed. Direct, objective authors notes about the people and places involved round out this substantial offering.”
Review
"Arranged to pique childrens interest even as it covers salient textbook facts. Kalman reprises some elements of her marvelously innovative picture-book biography Looking at Lincoln, including an accessibly informal tone, a fruit bowl of vibrant colors, a frequent focus on a single telling artifact, and plenty of holes punched through the fourth wall to invite readers into the conversation. . . . Her candid discussion of Jeffersons contradictory views on slavery is particularly well handled, and a closing observation gives kids permission to be perplexed by this complicated guy."
Review
“A beautiful look inside the makings of a great American, with all of his achievements, quirks, and mistakes laid out for the reader. . . . Infused with interesting details. . . . The watercolor illustrations are striking, with bright colors and playfulness that appeals to younger readers. . . . A sensitive, thought-provoking book about one of our countrys greatest leaders that uniquely talks about his strengths and weaknesses.”
Synopsis
Abraham Lincoln is one of the first giants of history children are introduced to, and now Maira Kalman brings him to life with her trademark style and enthusiasm. Lincoln's legacy is everywhere - there he is on your penny and five-dollar bill. And we are still the United States because Lincoln helped hold them together.
But who was he, really? The little girl in this book wants to find out. Among the many other things, she discovers our sixteenth president was a man who believed in freedom for all, had a dog named Fido, loved Mozart, apples, and his wife's vanilla cake, and kept his notes in his hat. From his boyhood in a log cabin to his famous presidency and untimely death, Kalman shares Lincoln's remarkable life with young readers in a fresh and exciting way.
Synopsis
Maira Kalman’s joyous celebration of this dazzling landmark brilliantly captures the wonder, complexity and grandiosity of Grand Central and all the people who are part of it.
Kalman’s witty text and bright, detailed illustrations bring to life “the biggest, fastest, busiest place there is.”
This special hardcover edition is being published to coincide with Grand Central’s 2013 centennial celebration.
About the Author
Maira Kalman (www.mairakalman.com) is the author-illustrator of numerous picture books, including Looking at Lincoln, Fireboat, Next Stop Grand Central, and What Pete Ate from AZ, as well as adult hits such as And the Pursuit of Happiness and The Elements of Style Illustrated. She is also the illustrator of the Printz Honor Winning Book Why We Broke Up by Daniel Handler. Her artwork has appeared on a dozen New Yorker covers, and her watches, clocks, accessories and paperweights have been featured at the Museum of Modern Art store. She lives in New York City.