Customer Reviews

Mr. Lincoln's Boys

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Tad and Willie were a couple of mischievous troublemakers and nobody could do anything about it because they were Abraham Lincoln's sons. He was very lenient with them and loved their naughty ways, much to the chagrin of others. For example, if he were consulting with an important general, the boys would jump in his lap, pinch their father's cheeks and pull his nose. "Mr. President, can't you do something about those rascals?" He would just laugh and say, "Let the children have a good time."

It wasn't an easy time for little boys to be growing up in 1861 soldiers were everywhere. The boys still were able to be boys and "loved to pull clever pranks." Willie was the oldest by two years, but Tad was the ringleader. Once they "rigged all the signal bells in the attic to ring at once." It must have been quite a sight to see all the servants running hither and thither! They played more serious games as well. They had a "soldier doll" named Jack. The doll was dressed up in a Zoauve uniform and that doll got into more trouble than those two boys ever thought of doing. Enough was enough and the doll soldier was destined to be executed (again). Would the president pardon him or would he shoo the boys away?

This is a very interesting story that reflects the personalities of not only Tad and Willie Lincoln, but also their indulgent, but loving father. The beautifully executed, slightly darkened art work gives the story that serious "period" feel of the Civil War. This story is based on factual material relayed by Julia Taft Bayne, a young girl who very close to the Lincoln family when the boys were mischievous pranksters. In the back of the book there is additional material about the characters, the history behind the story and additional recommended internet resources. This chipper story make history come alive for the young reader!