From School Library Journal
Grade 3-6-This short but informative biography provides both the big picture and small details. It describes Washington's life primarily through his role in the American Revolution and his presidency, but it also gives a clear description of his active youth. Details such as his enjoyment of adventure and dancing, his longing to be an officer in the British army, and his attempts to avoid his bossy mother all help to dispel the image of an austere figure best known through statuary and formal portraits. Other facts tell a great deal about his bravery in the Revolution and his wisdom in his role as the nation's first leader. The full and double-page mixed-media illustrations are beautifully executed, though occasionally busy, and enhance the attractiveness of the volume. Hand-lettered notes, labels, captions, and maps are incorporated into the art and add to the text. A short fact sheet gives additional information about the president's life.
Edith Ching, St. Albans School, Mt. St. Alban, Washington, DC Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Harness, who has previously written and illustrated large-format biographies of Abraham Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt, now focuses on George Washington. With a similar combination of text and oversize pictures, this book looks at the youth, the military career, and the presidential years of Washington. Harness strives, with some success, to humanize this iconic historical figure by asking questions such as "Was George sure he could do the job? Not at all." Detailed paintings, full of action and rich with color, portray Washington as well as important moments in American history. Maps include information and miniature portraits as well as place names. Although too full of text for reading aloud to young children, this heavily illustrated biography serves as a good introduction to Washington, especially for visually oriented kids.
Carolyn Phelan
