Customer Reviews

Abraham Lincoln and the Forest of Little Pigeon Creek (Ameritales) Mom's Choice Award Recipient

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As a history major in College and a parent, I know history does not have to be drab and boring. One example of a children's series that works really well is the Magic Tree House series and all of the related spin-offs. There two fictional children via a magic tree house are transported back in time to actual historic events and are able to experience them first hand. In this case, the first book in a planned series, the work is based on a fictional story built around a real historical character.

Set in 1818, Abraham Lincoln is nine and walking through the forest of Little Pigeon Creek with his best friend, Jack, who happens to be a turkey. The young Abraham Lincoln is desperately trying to convince himself that he isn't afraid despite the fact that the forest smells, has lots of scary noises and bugs, and all the rest of what one would expect in a forest. For Jack, everything is fine and as he chases a bug here and there, he can't understand why Abraham would be afraid because everything seems to be normal to him.

The only reason Abraham Lincoln is walking deep into the forest is because that is where Old Man Crawford lives in his house. He has a book that Abraham has been itching to read and probably will loan to him for a little while. The journey to his house and back as well as a follow-up journey to return the book provides the adventure and learning moments for the young Abraham Lincoln as well as readers.

The result is a charming children's book with colorful detailed illustrations and a powerful message regarding reading and the environment. Both are very important, as the book makes clear as it does the secondary theme of overcoming obstacles in life.

While marketed and aimed at four to nine year olds, the text itself may reside above their abilities despite a short glossary of terms used at the back of the book. The illustrations though, know no boundaries, and are sure to delight young and old alike. The overall result is a good children's book that parents and others can feel comfortable with young children reading and learning from. It starts the series well and one hopes that future planned editions featuring Amelia Earhart, Thomas Edison, Jackie Robinson and Sitting Bull will meet if not exceed this strong standard.

Kevin R. Tipple (copyright)2008

This book by T.D. Carter is easy to read and is superbly illustrated. Not only is it informative, it is action packed and a fun read. Please give us more!

Oak Grove Elementary has a reading program called DEAR (Drop Everything and Read). AmeriTales has been the book that students enjoy reading, over and over again. Thanks for providing a great way for children to learn about Abraham Lincoln.

M.Lambert C

AmeriTales Presents Abraham Lincoln and the Forest of Little Pigeon Creek, a children's picturebook loosely based on the childhood of one of America's greatest presidents. Abraham Lincoln and the Forest of Little Pigeon Creek follows young Abraham and his turkey friend Jack (based on a pet of the real-life Lincoln's son Tad) during their journey through a forest to borrow a book from old Mr. Crawford, widely known for having purplish-blue veins on his nose. In the course of his adventure Abe learns two powerful lessons that will serve him for life: that the forest is the home of wild animals, and needs to be respected same as any other home; and that books have incredible power and wisdom stored within. The bright, cartoony color illustrations add a vibrant and cheerful touch to this delightful "one to grow on" story.

What a wonderful book that teaches both history and character. My son truly loved the book and all that Abe went through to borrow a book. The illustrations are superb and the humor is ideal in making it interesting for children. My son wants more!!! We look forward to reading others in the AmeriTales series. Ilene Patrick, Atlanta, GA

Wow, this book taught me a little lesson on history!

I'm an aunt not a mother, but I can honestly say that I enjoyed the book from the time I looked at the cover to the time I turned the last page. I know that if I can be entertained from viewing the pictures, reading each page and re-reading certain pages, then certainly a kid in this age group will also be entertained.

I thought the author expressed the historical events in an informative, creative, yet exciting way. I'm certain most kids and parents will be very satisfied when sharing the story-telling and educational experience together.

I highly recommend this book to others and I can easily envision a movie and/or other books along this same line in the future. Thanks T.D Carter for giving us a book that is educational and exciting!

If you want a book that describes what great American leaders were like when they were children and the challenges they faced, then this one is for you. It makes Abraham Lincoln 3D.

It's American folk lore that Lincoln grew up in a log cabin. This book gives us a birds eye view of what life was really like on the prairie for young Abe. Learn about Abe, his family, neighbor and forest he had to trek thru; and what challenges the young Lincoln faced when he has to navigate the wilderness on his own in his endless quest for more books to read!

This book helps kids understand that 19th century prairie life was very harsh; and becoming educated was quite a feat for a poor kids like Abe who lived in rural Indiana with no public schools and libraries.

My 9 year old daughter enjoyed reading the book. We both loved the puched-up and high quality illustrations. It's a visual feast. There's a brief glossary in the back of the book which was helpful for archaic folksy 19th century words. Also in the end notes the author gives more details on the other little known true characters who are depicted in the book.

This book is definitely a good addition for a child's home and school library. I can't wait to read more books by Ameritales.

As I was reading this, I noticed how vivid the author portrayed Lincoln's personality and life through the storyline. This was recommended to me from a friend and I would certainly recommend it to anyone else.

Having just returned from Thailand teaching English, I feel this is a great book for children and adults who wish to learn about or simply 'refresh' a bit of American history with an enjoyable fictional twist. The book is a wonderful read and filled with entertaining and colorful images--the perfect way to introduce the former presidents of America!

This book is both entertaining and educational for grade school children! I hope to see many more of the same high quality in the near future.