George Washington : A Picture Book Biography [Unknown Binding]

James Cross Giblin (Author)

Book Description

A biography of the first President of the United States discusses Washington's childhood, his rise to political prominence, his role as General during the American Revolution, and more.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Giblin's ( Chimney Sweeps: Yesterday and Today ; The Truth About Santa Claus ) simplified yet well-rounded portrait of Washington offers considerable insight into the private man. During his early years on a Virginia farm, Washington was devoted to his half-brother, Lawrence, who went on to own Mount Vernon. After Lawrence's death, Washington married Martha Custis and farmed the Mount Vernon land until he was appointed Commander in Chiefstet of the country's armed forces. Giblin describes Washington's triumphs and hardships during the Revolutionary War, and the many crucial decisions made during his two terms as the country's first President. The appealingly informal text is laced with engaging details: Washington had a hard time with spelling as a child; he refused to accept pay for his military services; and the reason he looks so serious in his celebrated portrait by Gilbert Stuart is that his dentures--made from hippopotamus teeth--were hurting that day. Sharing the credit for the book's success are Dooling's vivid, beautifully textured oil paintings, which add drama to the story of this modest, fair and ultimately devoted man. Ages 5-8.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

Grade 1-3-- A clearly written, dramatically illustrated book about the important events in and achievements of our first president's life. Mentioned are some of the issues with which Washington grappled (states' rights as opposed to a strong federal government; the role of the United States in France's war with Britain). Giblin is fair and objective. He does not neglect the fact that Washington kept slaves at Mount Vernon, nor that his will set them free after his wife's death. Dooling's full-page oil paintings effectively evoke both the legendary aspects of his subject's character and life and the lesser-known parts, as a gentleman farmer and family man. In an appendix, Giblin debunks the story of the cherry tree, describes the monument, and gives a history of Mount Vernon following Washington's death. Adler's George Washington (Holiday, 1989) focuses more on the hero's early life and is not so well illustrated, so libraries needn't fear duplication. An excellent look at an ever-popular subject that deserves a place in all collections serving young children. --Jean H. Zimmerman, Willett School, South River, NJ
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Unknown Binding
• Publisher: Perfection Learning Prebound (August 31, 1998)
• ISBN-10: 0780782011
• ISBN-13: 978-0780782013
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #10,217,511 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Visual Classic, December 7, 1999

By 

Khris Devoto (Texas) - See all my reviews

This review is from: George Washington: A Picture Book Biography (Paperback)

This book is visually stunning and provides an excellent overview of the life of George Washington. The pictures engaged my children (and myself) to the text. As a homeschooler, I was very impressed with the quality of this inexpensive book - a true treasure!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My favorite book about George Washington., November 8, 1999

By 

Tamara Silver (Santa Monica, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: George Washington: A Picture Book Biography (Paperback)

Beautiful painting-like illustrations and just the right amount of text per page make this book a winner. Very interestingly written and even though it is for children, I learned a bit about Washington.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Story and Stunning Illustrations..., February 15, 2002

By 

Christine "loves to read" (Setauket, NY, United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: George Washington: A Picture Book Biography (Paperback)

Out of all the books we have read in honor of President's Day, this one stands head and shoulders above the pack. The story is superbly written and the illustrations by Michael Dooling are gorgeous. Giblin weaves from facts a story that is entertaining and educational. His writing personalizes the life of George Washington without getting too mushy for adults or too bogged down in language that children don't understand. He even debunks the myth of the cherry tree in a separate section entitled "More about George Washington". I originally borrowed this book from the library but purchased it here on Amazon to add to our personal collection. It's THAT good!

Enjoy,
Cris