PPBF: Camping With the President

Here is my second of two historical fiction PBs featuring one of my favorite US presidents: Theodore Roosevelt!

Author: Ginger Wadsworth

Illustrator: Karen Dugan

Publisher: Calkins Creek (imprint of Boyd's Mill Press)

Date: 2009

Ages: 7-12

Genre: Historic Fiction

Themes: National Parks, Teddy Roosevelt, John Muir, camping

First lines: "President Theodore Roosevelt mounted his favorite house and shook the reins. He and Renown shot out the White House stable door. They galloped straight for the woods on their daily ride. As always, hooves pounded behind them. The President made sure that the Secret Service had to ride hard to keep up with him."

Inside Jacket Cover: Imagine a U.S. president on a camping trip. It seems unlikely today, but in May 1903 President Theodore Roosevelt dismissed his Secret Service men and sent away reporters and dignitaries to go camping with John Muir, the world-famous naturalist. For three glorious nights and four days in California's Yosemite National Park, the two men talked about birds, giant sequoia trees, glaciers, as well as the importance of preserving wilderness for future generations. They slept under the stars, built blazing campfires, traveled on horseback, and enjoyed the beauty and the uniqueness of the area.

Why I like this book: Not only is it written in an engaging way with charmingly realistic illustrations, but Wadsworth's author's notes in back are priceless for those who are writing a PB on either of these men, but is a ready and very substantial list of resources for those just wanting more information on the topic. Another perfect example of how a non-fiction picture book should be organized and written. Almost a guide in itself!

RESOURCES:

Everything you've always wanted to know about John Muir HERE

All about Ginger Wadsworth and her books HERE

     Camping With the President BOOK TRAILER

Ten Cool Things about John Muir HERE

John Muir National Historic Site HERE

"Theodore Roosevelt for Kids" is a comprehensive resource for parents and teachers. Find it on Amazon HERE

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.

PPBF: You're on Your Way, Teddy Roosevelt

Since I am working on a historical fiction picture book relating to Teddy Roosevelt's life, I have been reading quite a few PBs on the topic. I will highlight two. . . one this week, and the other, next. Here is the first:

Author: Judith St. George

Illustrator: Matt Faulkner 

Publisher: Philomel Books/Penguin Young Readers Group

Date: 2004

Ages: 7-12

Genre: Historic Fiction

Themes: overcoming odds, Theodore Roosevelt, childhood of presidents

Inside Flap: "Before Teddy Roosevelt became famous as a statesman, naturalist, colonel in the Spanish/American War, and as the twenty-sixth president of the United States, he was a young boy named Teedie. Teedie had wonderful adventures with his brother and sister and even started a natural science museum in his attic.

But Teedie also struggled with asthma and other illnesses. Overcoming those illnesses was the major battle of his young life . . ." 

First Lines: "Teddie sat up in bed. He coughed and wheezed. He couldn't breathe. Papa ran into Teedie's room. Papa always knew what to do. He paced back and forth with Teedie in his arms. At last, Teedie could breathe."

Why I like this book: Not only are the illustrations "handsome" as the jacket flap describes them, but the author has found a problem needing a solution in young Teddy's life, thus making a perfect story line to link his life with other boys his (then) age. Another perfect example of a well-planned historic fiction picture book.

A list of six other picture books on President Theodore Roosevelt HERE.

Fun Facts about TR HERE.

Teddy Roosevelt's life in under five minutes HERE

After doing extensive research on this US President, it was clear that he was a family man, even 'tho many of the books do not mention it. He counted the relationship with his family as the best part of his life . . .time well spent!

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.