Review by Booklist Review
Gr. 2-4. Putting a human face on one of the most famously wooden figures in American history, this picture book focuses on George Washington as a reluctant first president. Though other books note that Washington was disinclined to leave the relative peace of Mount Vernon for the presidency, Jurmain adds that he felt too tired and too old at 57, that he did not want to live in New York, and that he was nervous about taking on the job. The lively text follows Washington as friends such as Jefferson convince him to accept the challenge, as the election is carried out (he was the only candidate), and as he travels to the inauguration with multiple parties along the way. The text is studded with short quotes and memorable details, such as cash-poor Washington borrowing 100 pounds to pay for his journey and the presence of two orangutans on one of the boats celebrating his arrival in New York Harbor. Brightened with watercolor washes, Day's strong drawings illustrate the story with wit and finesse. Though the presence of a fox in many of the scenes (stowing away atop the coach, sleeping in Washington's bedchamber, carrying a flag while riding on his horse) may lead some to wonder whether other elements are factual, this thoroughly engaging book has a great deal to offer young students of American history. A selected bibliography is included. Pair this with Madeleine Comora and Deborah Chandra's George Washington's Teeth (2002), another glimpse at the man behind the myth.--Carolyn Phelan Copyright 2005 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
From the opening lines, Jurmain's (Freedom's Sons) lighthearted, anecdotal look at the war-weary general's reluctant agreement to run for election takes on a snappy tone: "In 1789, almost everyone in the country wanted George Washington to be the first president of the United States of America. Everyone-except George." The narrative flashes back to prior jobs Americans had asked the honest, dependable man to do-which he did-including leading the Colonial army to victory and helping to write the Constitution. But, the author explains (smoothly incorporating Washington's own words), "Nothing in his whole life... filled him with `greater anxiety' than the thought of being president." Pressured by friends and strangers, he acquiesced, yet after his election admitted, "he felt like a criminal who was `going to... his execution.' " Jurmain shares entertaining details of the subsequent weeks: Washington had to borrow money from a Virginia neighbor to fund his trip to New York for the inauguration; the inaugural ceremony was delayed because members of Congress forgot to bring a Bible; and the nervous president "quivered all over like a six-foot custard" while making his speech. Readers will likely find this candid revelation of Washington's apprehension and self-doubt both endearing and inspiring. Day's (Who Was Annie Oakley?) occasionally grainy, animated art captures the text's cheerfulness and helps to put an appealing, human face on this larger-than-life leader. Ages 5-up. (Dec.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 2-5-Complemented by witty cartoon drawings, a lively text explains why Americans wanted George Washington to be their first president and how reluctant the successful general felt about accepting the position. While the man is portrayed in a positive historical light, the book also shows his human side and his nervous, embarrassed, and anxious feelings. Surrounded by humorous caricatures of other founding fathers, Washington relates his reactions to the whirlwind activities of the eight days leading to his inauguration depicted through facial expressions and emotional actions. Color conveys a sense of patriotism and excitement for the new nation. Several pictures include a cleverly placed red fox that mimics the actions and responds to the events of the patriot's life. Although many books on Washington are available for this audience, few focus on a particular segment of his life while also providing bibliographical information. Based in part on recollections by George Washington Parke Custis, Washington's adopted son, this is a factual, focused, and entertaining account of the making of the nation's first president.-Julie R. Ranelli, Episcopal Center for Children, Washington, DC (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
Though lighthearted, this story conveys the idea that even when George Washington doubted his own abilities, he nevertheless accomplished such important goals as leading the Continental Army, helping to write the Constitution, and serving as the nation's first president--this book's major focus. Cartoon-style illustrations convey humor without sinking into silliness, though a fox's frequent presence seems gratuitous. Bib. (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. All rights reserved.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
Jurmain catches the Father of His Country wrestling with anxiety in this amusing historical anecdote. Having competently guided the Continental Army to victory and helped to shape the Constitution afterward, George longs for a well-earned retirement--but no, now he's under pressure to become the fledgling country's first president. Contemplating the job's daunting challenges, he accedes only with great reluctance. Feeling (he writes) like a criminal "going to . . . his execution," he borrows some money for travel expenses and undertakes the triumphal journey from Mount Vernon to the temporary capital in New York. There, after a few glitches (no one remembers to bring a Bible, for instance), he's sworn in, delivers a stumbling, mumbling speech, then quietly walks back to his office and rolls up his sleeves. Day captures George's nervousness, and the lighthearted tone of Jurmain's account, with informal but respectful scenes of the tall, beak-nosed dignitary looking every inch the great leader even when sweating in summer's heat or lifting up his diminutive wife for a farewell smooch. An unusually intimate point of view for this audience. (source list) (Picture book/biography. 7-9) Copyright ©Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
