Washington's Birthday

Washington's Birthday is a United States federal holiday celebrated on the third Monday of February in honor of George Washington, the first President of the United States. Many Americans refer to the holiday as Presidents' Day as a way of honoring all past presidents. Contrary to popular belief, neither Congress nor any President has ever officially changed the name of the holiday to "Presidents' Day."

Another very important American President shares a February birthday with Washington, Abraham Lincoln. President's Day is a wonderful time to learn about America's past and celebrate the achievements and contributions made by Washington, Lincoln and other American Presidents. 

You can learn more about the history of Washington's Birthday at the National Archives website .  The History Channel has a webpage with facts about the holiday. 

To aide in your exploration of American Presidency, some stellar books are available to read and study. These books will entertain you with interesting facts, educate you with important historical bits and dazzle you with fun, expertly-rendered illustrations.

President's Day by Anne Rockwell (Harper Collins, 2007).  In this picture book perfectly suited for the preschool through first grade set, students put on a school play with American Presidents and then vote for their own class president. A great primer for young learners!

 

Abe Lincoln's Dream by Lane Smith (Roaring Book Press, 2012). Lane Smith, a Caldecott award-winning author and illustrator, provides a taste of American history complete with wonderful illustrations and some laughs in this picture book. Inspired by Abraham Lincoln's dream life, Abe Lincoln's Dream shows what happens after a little girl on a tour of the White House meets the troubled and restless ghost of the 16th president in the Lincoln bedroom.

Barack Obama : Son of Promise, Child of Hope by Nikki Grimes ( Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2008).  The moving story of our 44th President told by Coretta Scott King Award winner Nikki Grimes. This title is beautifully illustrated and a great choice for early school-age students interested in our current President. 

George Washington's Teeth by Deborah Chandra and Madeleine Comora (Farrar Straus Giroux, 2003). This story told in rhyme depicts George Washingtons's lifelong struggle with bad teeth using his own diary entries and other non-fiction sources to construct the book's timeline. A fun route to learning more about the nation's first President and his notoriously horrible teeth! 

First Mothers by Beverly Gherman (Clarion Books, 2012). In a celebration of the women behind the famous Presidents who have lived in the White House, author Beverly Gherman provides readers with plenty of fun facts about the famous first mothers and their sons. A good choice for school-age students interested in the family background of America's leaders.


Stop into the library and grab one of these awesome books to take home with you today!

Abe Lincoln's Dream

 

History and picture books don't always go hand in hand but thanks to Lane Smith, a Caldecott award-winning author and illustrator, a new picture book titled Abe Lincoln's Dream provides a taste of American history, wonderful illustrations and even some laughs. Inspired by Abraham Lincoln's dream life, Abe Lincoln's Dream shows what happens after a little girl on a tour of the White House meets the troubled and restless ghost of the 16th president in the Lincoln bedroom. Abe has plenty of questions about how America turned out, and the girl sets out to answer these for him as best she can.


Smith studied 19th century lithographs and political cartoons when writing this book and his illustrations are both reminiscent of lithographs and modern in style. Various American monuments are visited throughout the story while the girl discusses the progress made in the United States since his passing. This book is a not only a great way to have some fun while learning about the country's history, but also presents a wonderful opportunity to discuss the future of this country with young people.

 

To borrow a line from Abe when he sees the American flag on the moon, "Three cheers and ballyhoo!", for Abe Lincoln's Dream!

Abe Lincoln's Dream by Lane Smith. Published by Roaring Brook Press; 2012.