George Washington: A Picture Book Biography

A biography of the first President of the United States discusses Washington's childhood, his rise to political prominence, his role as General during the American Revolution, and more.

Grade 1-3-- A clearly written, dramatically illustrated book about the important events in and achievements of our first president's life. Mentioned are some of the issues with which Washington grappled (states' rights as opposed to a strong federal government; the role of the United States in France's war with Britain). Giblin is fair and objective. He does not neglect the fact that Washington kept slaves at Mount Vernon, nor that his will set them free after his wife's death. Dooling's full-page oil paintings effectively evoke both the legendary aspects of his subject's character and life and the lesser-known parts, as a gentleman farmer and family man. In an appendix, Giblin debunks the story of the cherry tree, describes the monument, and gives a history of Mount Vernon following Washington's death. Adler's George Washington (Holiday, 1989) focuses more on the hero's early life and is not so well illustrated, so libraries needn't fear duplication. An excellent look at an ever-popular subject that deserves a place in all collections serving young children. --Jean H. Zimmerman, Willett School, South River, NJ
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Giblin's ( Chimney Sweeps: Yesterday and Today ; The Truth About Santa Claus ) simplified yet well-rounded portrait of Washington offers considerable insight into the private man. During his early years on a Virginia farm, Washington was devoted to his half-brother, Lawrence, who went on to own Mount Vernon. After Lawrence's death, Washington married Martha Custis and farmed the Mount Vernon land until he was appointed Commander in Chiefstet of the country's armed forces. Giblin describes Washington's triumphs and hardships during the Revolutionary War, and the many crucial decisions made during his two terms as the country's first President. The appealingly informal text is laced with engaging details: Washington had a hard time with spelling as a child; he refused to accept pay for his military services; and the reason he looks so serious in his celebrated portrait by Gilbert Stuart is that his dentures--made from hippopotamus teeth--were hurting that day. Sharing the credit for the book's success are Dooling's vivid, beautifully textured oil paintings, which add drama to the story of this modest, fair and ultimately devoted man. Ages 5-8.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

An overview, emphasizing Washington's love of home and family, plus his sense of duty to his country, and touching on significant personal and public events of his youth, leadership during the Revolution, and presidency. Dooling's oil paintings in dignified earth tones, impressionistically rendered but with a traditional flavor, are a fine complement to the text's warm, conversational tone. The brevity here skirts close to oversimplification, but Giblin wisely holds political material to a minimum--though he does mention Washington's ownership of slaves. Supplementary concluding material (``More About George Washington'') includes a chronology (however, days were removed, not added, in the calendar adjustment of 1752); the cherry tree myth; some of Washington's rules for behavior; and information about monuments and Mount Vernon. Index. (Biography. 5-8) -- Copyright ©1992, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.