Basher History: US Presidents: Oval Office All-Stars - Softcover

Green, Dan; Widmer, Edward

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0753469243 ISBN 13: 9780753469248

Publisher: Kingfisher, 2013

Synopsis

Basher History: US Presidents, Oval Office All-Stars created and illustrated by Simon Basher, written by Dan Green
Basher's US Presidents shows you the nation's leaders as you've never seen them before. Every president, from George Washington to the winner of the 2012 election, has his own entry and speaks directly to the reader. In Basher's humorous fashion, these lively and enlightening articles bring history to life. Meet James Monroe, known as the "Last Cocked Hat" because he pranced around in an outdated wig, hat, and breeches! Learn more about "Uncle Jumbo" (better known as Grover Cleveland): the only president to serve two non-consecutive terms. Find out how Ronald Reagan helped end the Cold War. Quirky facts add interest. Did you know that John Quincy Adams had a pet alligator? That Teddy Roosevelt (and his whole family) could walk on stilts? Or that Lyndon B. Johnson had worked as an elevator operator? Reading this book will put you on first-name terms with every single one of America's Head Honchoes!

About this title

About the Author

Simon Basher is the creator and illustrator of more than a dozen internationally best-selling books for children including the critically acclaimed Basher Science series (Physics, Chemistry, Astronomy, Algebra & Geometry and more), the Go! Go! Bobo books and Basher's ABC. Based in London, Basher specialises in "graphic surrealism" and his original artwork is regularly exhibited and sold in the UK, Europe, USA and Asia.

Dan Green is the voice of Basher, the author of numerous Basher titles including Physics, Biology, Astronomy, Rocks and Minerals and Human Body. He's a journalist and writer with a brilliant knack for communicating complicated information in a child-friendly way.

Dr. Edward L. Widmer is a historian, writer and librarian, currently based at Brown University.He served as a speechwriter for President Clinton, has written a book on Martin van Buren and has co-authored a book on presidential races.

From Booklist

Having previously covered several branches of science, Basher joins with coauthor Green to take on U.S. history in the former's unique, irreverent style. Profiles of the 44 “Oval Office All-Stars” each include a list of six facts, a two-paragraph first-person narrative, and a cartoon illustration with accompanying accoutrement that gives a clue to the president’s story (the odder the better) and what he achieved. Readers might already know a lot of this, but Basher and Green serve it up in a hip, imaginative style and throw in some lesser-known facts, too. For example, James Monroe brought “groovy vibes” to the nation, and who knew that Jimmy Carter reported seeing a UFO? As usual, Basher’s illustrations look like the same little round-headed doll accented with various facial hair, hairstyles, and period attire. (A portrait gallery with a painting or photograph does provide a faithful likeness of each.) Another fun entry, and a detachable poster is included. Grades 4-7. --Randall Enos

About this edition

• Publisher: Kingfisher
• Publication date: 2013
• ISBN 10: 0753469243
• ISBN 13: 9780753469248
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 112
• Illustrator: Basher Simon