George: George Washington, Our Founding Father (Mount Rushmore Presidential Series) - Hardcover

Keating, Frank

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1416954821 ISBN 13: 9781416954828

Publisher: A Paula Wiseman Book/Beach Lane Books, 2012

Synopsis

Founding father George Washington’s boyhood defined our first president—see how in this picture book biography.

As a boy, with the help of his teachers, George Washington created a list of the values of civility that he wanted to live by:

1. When another speaks, be attentive yourself and disturb not the audience.
2. Associate yourself with men of good quality if you esteem your own reputation, for ’tis better to be alone than in bad company.

This richly illustrated picture book is based on that little-known historical document and chronicles George Washington’s life from boyhood to his extraordinary leadership position as the first President of the United States of America.

About this title

About the Author

Frank Keating has held many positions in public office, including Assistant Secretary of the Department of the Treasury and Associate Attorney General of the United States. He was elected Governor of Oklahoma in 1995 and completed his term in January of 2003. He lives in Oklahoma.

Mike Wimmer has illustrated many books for children, including Home Run: The Story of Babe Ruth by Robert Burleigh, which was named an ALA Notable Children’s Book and was called a “grand slam” in a starred review in Publishers Weekly. He also illustrated Flight: The Journey of Charles Lindbergh by Robert Burleigh, which received the Orbis Pictus Award for nonfiction. He lives in Georgia with his family.

Reviews

This biographical picture book juxtaposes full-page paintings of George Washington with a first-person account of his life, beginning “I am remembered as the Father of My Country.” With just a paragraph or two on each double-page spread, the clearly written, straightforward text is well suited to reading aloud. Aptly chosen selections from Washington’s “Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior in Company and Conversation,” the maxims that he transcribed during his school days and put into practice throughout his life, frequently appear below the text. The illustrations capture the tone as well as the content of the words. Though some of the scenes look as still as tableaux, others recreate motion very effectively. Strong composition and use of light heighten the drama of the scenes. The last page includes an author’s note, an artist’s note, historical notes on the art, and a bibliography. This handsomely designed book presents a traditional view of Washington, which is precisely what many parents and primary-grade teachers will be looking for come Presidents’ Day. Grades 2-4. --Carolyn Phelan

Edition details

• Publisher: A Paula Wiseman Book/Beach Lane Books
• Publication date: 2012
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1416954821
• ISBN 13: 9781416954828
• Binding: Hardcover
• Illustrator: Wimmer Mike
• Number of pages: 32