Synopses & Reviews
Review
The author and illustrator bring to life an incident right out of history in this droll picture book enhanced by lively, color-washed pen-and-ink drawings. . . . A humorous tale with a wide range of appeal and uses in and out of the classroom. (Kirkus Reviews)
Review
Schindler's detailed cartoonlike artwork integrates well with the witty text. . . . a great choice for classroom units on history, world records, cheese making, or even on succeeding at something that seems impossible. Its also a good bet for anyone looking to liven up historical fiction collections for the younger set. (School Library Journal)
Review
A satisfying, well-aged slice of American lore. (Publishers Weekly)
Review
The humorous tale is enhanced by S.D. Schindler's ink-and watercolor illustrations that document the process through the characters' expressive faces and erstwhile attitudes. (Reading Teacher)
Review
Schindler's illustrations, done in pen and watercolor are vibrant and humorous, striking just the right note. We look forward to more collaborations from this talented team. (Writerswrite.com)
Review
Sometimes, as this lively picture book proves, truth is stranger than fiction. At the time of Jefferson's presidency, the folks of Cheshire, Massachusetts, home of the best cheese in the United States, "heard news that threatened to sour their curds forever." Several Cheshire citizens reported that the townsfolk of Norton, Connecticut, were not only coloring their cheddar and flavoring it as well, they were also the favored suppliers the the nation's premier dwelling--the White House. Such an exigency demanded drastic action. Elder John Leland proposed a solution: a concerted effort to make a huge cheddar as a gift for President Jefferson--a cheese so large that he would serve it for years, thus eliminating the competition. Except for the dissenting voice of Phineas Dobbs, a curmudgeon if ever there was one, the citizens of Cheshire embarked on their historic project. How they solved problems from finding a cheese press large enough to squeeze the whey to transporting the huge object to Washington is a triumph of Yankee ingenuity documented in a reportorial, tongue-in-cheek style, extended in droll, elegantly limned pen, ink, and watercolor illustrations. the book is handsome--as pleasing to look at as it is delightful to read. (Horn Book)
Review
This book is so entertaining that children won't believe it is based on a real event. As parents will attest, any story that leads to an interest in history is a refreshing welcome addition to the bookshelves. A BIG CHEESE FOR THE WHITE HOUSE is a delectable triumph for Fleming. (BookPage)
About the Author
Candace Fleming is the author of several popular picture books, including Gabriella's Song, a Publishers Weekly Best Book of 1997, and The Hatmaker's Sign, praised by The Horn Book as "a fine piece of historical fiction for younger readers." She lives in Mount Prospect, Illinois. S.D. Schindler has illustrated many popular picture books, including Candace Fleming's Madame Lagrande and Her So High, to the Sky, Uproarious Pompadour, which Booklist praised, saying, "Schindler's fanciful illustrations match the delightful silliness of the text." He lives in Philadelphia.