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- biographical story with a focus on books and learning
- convo points: the letters young Abe wrote “cast a magic spell” (inspired learning), slavery is briefly mentioned and illustrated (an auction), death mentioned
- soft and lovely illustrations (oil paint on canvas)
Type: picture book
Ages: 4-8
Author: Kay Winters
Illustrator: Nancy Carpenter
If I were looking for a general biography for kids on our 16th president, this wouldn’t be my first choice; however, the spotlight on his love of reading makes it a unique and attractive book.
A couple small cons:
- the author inserted a page (entirely unnecessary and irrelevant, so it appears purposeful) on how Lincoln took a vow never to “take a breath from living things” again after he shot a turkey
- she also emphasizes her opinion that the only place a child can learn is “formal school” (aka run by the government–an institution she has always been a part of)
Besides that, it is an engaging tale that brings to life a part of the famous man’s past–one that is very understandable by any child who loves reading!
