2001 Caldecott Medal Winner

That's a big job, and getting bigger. But why not? Presidents have come in just about every variety. They've been generals like George Washington and actors like Ronald Reagan; big like William Howard Taft and small like James Madison; handsome like Franklin Pierce and homely like Abraham Lincoln. They've been born in log cabins like Andrew Jackson and mansions like William Harrison.

From the embarrassment of skinny-dipping John Quincy Adams, to the escapades of Theodore Roosevelt's children, to the heroic recovery of John Kennedy's crew, Judith St. George shares the backroom facts, the spit-fire comments, and the comical anecdotes that have been part and parcel of America's White House.

Hilariously illustrated by Caldecott honor-winning artist David Small in the cherished tradition of political commentary, this rip-roaring celebration of forty-one Presidents shows us the foibles, the quirks, and -- most of all -- the humanity of those men who have risen to one of the most powerful positions in the world.

Cooperative Children's Book Center Review

This hilarious romp chronicles arcane characteristics of the men elected to office through the end of the 20th century. If you want to be president, Judith St. George comments, it might help if you name is James, because so far six presidents have had that name. However, the name John or William might be an advantage, too. She remarks that presidents have to dress up every day and be polite to everyone, but don't have to eat what they don't like. David Small's mischievous drawings show White House advantages, such as the bowling alley. In the picture, President Nixon raises both arms in a victory gesture after knocking down all the pins. St. George points out that so far all presidents have been white, male, and Christian, while Small paints characters resembling Geraldine Ferraro and Jesse Jackson waiting to be admitted to a president's party. A key in the back identifies the presidents in each picture, and a chronology provides biographical notes. This account is sure to entertain kids-and their grown-ups, too. Winner, CCBC 2001 Caldecott Award Discussion (Ages 7-12)

© 2001, All rights reserved, Cooperative Children's Book Center

Publisher Comments

Rosie is just a scrawny alley kitten, but she's braver than she looks -- and that's a good thing, because when a little girl brings her home, Rosie will meet the family dog, confront wild animals, be fooled by her reflection and find herself out on a limb. It will take some time for Rosie to get used to her new surroundings, but she eagerly laps it up, and her new family can't help loving her.

In this charming alphabet book, Niki Clark Leopold and Susan Jeffers join forces to introduce us to a most endearing kitten on her journey of discovery.