Friday, October 18, 2013

PPBF: Mr. Lincoln's Whiskers



Source






Author/Illustrator: Karen B. Winnick
Publisher: Boyd's Mills Press, Inc.
Date: 1996

Genre: Historic Fiction
Age Range: 6-10

Themes: Abraham Lincoln, U.S. Presidents





Inside cover: Abraham Lincoln was the first president of  the United States to wear a beard.  What gave him the idea to grow whiskers may have been a letter he received from an eleven-year-old girl named Grace Bedell.  Charmingly told by Karen B. Winnick and illustrated with rich oil paintings that capture the look and feel of nineteenth-century America, here is the true story of the girl whose letter helped to make Abraham Lincoln's face one of the most famous in American history.

First sentences: "Grace flew down the porch steps. "Papa, how was the fair?" she asked. "Did you meet Mr. Lincoln?" "No, Grace," Papa said. "Abraham Lincoln didn't come here to New York. He's remaining in Springfield, Illinois during the election."

Why I like this book: My teens and I were just reading the true account of Grace, and the letter which influenced Abraham Lincoln.  I love stories that shed light on little known events that include children.  The author has a reproduction of both Grace's letter and the response from Lincoln at the end of the story. At first, I couldn't appreciate the illustrations until I realized they reflected 19th century American art!


Here are some links to resources appropriate for children:



Teacher's activities, HERE


Author's page, HERE


Other activities and picture books about Abe Lincoln, HERE


Buy it HERE on Amazon.



Hope you enjoyed today's offering for Perfect Picture Book Fridays, when we review picture books which we deem worthy of mention.  This concept was created by Susanna Hill, and is a helpful resource for librarians, teachers and parents.  For a list of all books reviewed so far, along with activities to complement them, click here.


23 comments:

  1. My interest is piqued! I want to know the story of Lincoln's whiskers. Thanks for pointing this book out, Jarm.

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    1. You are welcome, Wendy. Enjoy the read when you get the chance!

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  2. This sounds super, Jarm. Coming from England, it's great to learn more about American. History.

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  3. Mine too. Love tidbits of history!

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  4. I Love historical fiction and love hearing true stories about the presidents. I will be looking this book up,,Jarm. Thanks for introducing it to us. :)

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  5. You were clever not to reveal the why, because you caused me to search your resources to discover more of the story! I really think this is a great book. And, to know that her letter is owned by a collector, with all it smudges, is fascinating. Great choice and activities.

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  6. This is a great slant for a PB about Lincoln.

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  7. What a great idea for a picture book about Lincoln! Thanks so much for sharing it, Jarm!

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    1. Yes, Susanna, one rarely hears of a story about a president which includes children. I was pleased to find it!

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  8. I'm so delighted to learn there's a picture book that tells this great story. Thank you for sharing it with us, Jarm!

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  9. Sounds like a cute book! I never heard about a letter to Mr. Lincoln about his whiskers!

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    1. In my book, it's a fun way to learn about history! Thanks for stopping by, Tina.

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  10. Oh, this looks really interesting. I love this new spin on Lincoln. There are so many books about him, but his whiskers seem like a unique approach. Thanks Jarm!

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    1. You are right, it is a unique approach. Lincoln is probably one of the most written about American presidents!

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  11. I was at Boyd's Mills this week and saw the wealth of historical children's books they publish. This book is a fine choice from their collection. Thanks, Jarm!

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  12. I love stories like this too. We'll have to see if it is at our library!

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I would love to have you comment...thanks!

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