Dear Mr. Washington - Hardcover

Cullen, Lynn

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0803730381 ISBN 13: 9780803730380

Publisher: Dial Books, 2015

Synopsis

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 Washington’s Rules of Good Behavior. If these whippersnappers want any dessert, they are going to have to learn some manners—and fast! What results is a hilarious chain of events, a giant mess...and a painting that will be remembered for centuries to come.

About this title

About the Author

Lynn Cullen started writing children’s books as her three daughters were growing up. She now lives in Atlanta with her husband, their dog, and their two cats.

Nancy Carpenter has won the Christopher Award and the Golden Kite Award for her picture book illustrations. A graduate of Parsons, she lives in Brooklyn, NY.

From School Library Journal

K-Gr 4—When President George Washington visits the home of the prominent painter Gilbert Stuart to have his portrait painted, Stuart's children, Charlotte, James, and baby John, try really hard to be good. But, try as they will, it's one disaster after another. President Washington is none too pleased and sends the children the Rules of Good Behavior for Boys and Girls. Young Charlotte feels badly about their misbehavior and writes a letter of apology to the president, imploring him to return to allow father to complete the portrait. She also urges him to smile, as it will greatly enhance the picture. Washington does indeed return, and the children are so good that they all fall asleep—including the president. Thanks to the rowdy children, this commission is difficult to complete, so their father tries to sneak future visits past them. However, the precocious youngsters always show up, full of shenanigans and good intentions. The work must be completed one way or another, but will the president ever smile? Crafted as a series of letters from Charlotte Stuart to George Washington, this picture book is funny, colorful, and full of calamitous situations. Children of all ages will find it a hoot. The artwork, created using a combination of pen on paper, acrylic paint on canvas, and digital media, is hilarious and bright, with clever attention to detail. A fabulous addition to picture book collections.—Amy Shepherd, St. Anne's Episcopal School, Middleton, DE

About this edition

• Publisher: Dial Books
• Publication date: 2015
• ISBN 10: 0803730381
• ISBN 13: 9780803730380
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 32
• Illustrator: Carpenter Nancy