World Make Way: New Poems Inspired by Art from The Metropolitan Museum edited by Lee Bennett Hopkins

                     During this unprecedented time in history it is easy to forget what day it is or in my case what month. I totally forgot that it is April, which means it is National Poetry Month.  At this point in time I am missing The Met Bookshop even more, it is my little corner of a great institution where I get to talk about things I love. While I enjoy talking about the museum itself, I love talking about books even more.  I especially love to talk about children's books.  I miss making book displays and introducing visitors and staff to all the wonderful titles we have to offer.  When visitors come into the store asking for a book that can introduce The Met to a child, it makes my day.  We have so many books to choose from that I take them to look at each and every one of them.

World Make Way: New Poems Inspired by Art from The Metropolitan Museum of Art   and edited by acclaimed poet Lee Bennett Hopkins is one of my favorite books to recommend.  It was one of the first books published after I started working at The Met which makes it very special in my memory.  More importantly, it is a wonderful book for the whole family.  It's the ideal gift for a family that has children of different ages.  Poetry is perfect....it is neither too young nor too old.

I also love this book because the poets involved really did write about actual art from The Met.  When the book was first released we celebrated by inviting a few poets to speak about the source of their inspiration.  Hearing the joy each poet had in writing their poetry was truly special.  Though Mr Hopkins has sadly passed away,  I am grateful that one of his last anthologies was for The Met. World Make Way is a beautiful legacy. 

Believe: A Pop Up Book of Possibilities by Robert Sabuda

It's spring or at least it is supposed to be spring----the weather seems to think it is still winter.  The only positive is that the trees are green, the birds are singing and it is light when I get up and come home from work.

Spring brings the dream of possibilities to fruition.  It is a time to feel that anything is possible.  It is an awakening of mind and spirit.   When I came into work after being out for a few days I found a new book on our shelves (an aside we moved the children's book section to right where my office door is centered.   It makes me happy to enter my office through a sea of children's books).  Anyway I saw on the shelf today's recommendation.   I loved it immediately....not just because I love everything Robert Sabuda creates but because of the message it sends.  It comes out at a time of year when graduations are prevalent. This means it is meant to be a gift book for graduates.  I do agree that the message it sends is perfect for the graduate but I also truly think it is meant for anyone who is struggling with thoughts of the future.

Believe: A Pop Up book of Possibilities written and illustrated by Robert Sabuda is simple and intricate at the same time.  Each spread evokes something that is possible: something from nothing.....an acorn becomes a tree etc.  I love how Robert Sabuda has gone back to simple white silhouette's of images....so calming and beautiful in their simplicity.  While this is perfect for a graduate because it helps them continue their journey it is also perfect for anyone who needs a reminder that every morning is a new possibility.  Every new experience whether good or bad can turn into something wonderful.  I would give this book to someone who is questioning their life.....if someone you know is having difficulty moving forward this might gently push them onward.   I love this because we all must continue to BELIEVE in a world of POSSIBILITIES....a must have book for everyone.

I Am Human: A Book of Empathy by Susan Verde illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds

Everyday I watch the news and sometimes get discouraged about the state of the world.  Then I see something uplifting on social media or hear a story from a friend.  I especially like to hear stories of a former coworkers children because they always say something meaningful with out realizing it.

How do we teach children to be kind and thoughtful towards others?  It is not an easy task but I find books can help start the conversation.  

A few years ago I wrote about a book called I Am Yoga by Susan Verde.  I loved it's simplicity and authentic ideas.  So I was so happy to come across her new book that teaches empathy.

I Am Human:A Book of Empathy by Susan Verde and art by Peter H. Reynolds is a wonderful book that sweetly and simply shows how we should all strive for empathy.  I have always been a fan of Peter Reynolds illustrations and he did not disappoint.  He truly captures Susan Verde's beautiful text.  What better way to teach about following ones dreams but at the same time teaching that in order to realize our dreams it is to be thoughtful, considerate and caring to those around us. This book teaches an important lesson to not just children but everyone.  I not only see reading this to children but giving as a gift to anyone embarking on any milestone such as birthdays or graduations.  It can also make a perfect new baby book....a book to grow with.....

Full Cicada Moon by Marilyn Hilton

The winner of the 2015 Cybils were announced yesterday.  The winner was the book Flutter and Hum: Aleteo Y Zumbido by Julie Paschkis which I blogged about last October.  It is a wonderful book with great potential.

Full Cicada Moon by Marilyn Hilton was one of the finalists for  Cybils 2015.  As with all the finalists we discussed this book at length.  This is a verse novel set in 1969.  A historical novel that at sometimes felt more prose than poetry.  Still it is very good read that has a lot going for it.  This is a book that makes for a great discussion about diversity.  It is the story of a girl with an African-American father and a Japanese mother who  has to deal with not only two different cultures at home but feeling different in her new school.  Not only are there race issues but gender issues as well.  The main character Mimi wants to be an astronaut but is basically scoffed at because she is a girl. The issues of not fitting in and being true to oneself is still very relevant in today's world.  Ms Hilton's words convey the inner feelings of her characters beautifully.  I enjoyed getting to know each and every one of them.  This is a great read for middle grade readers ages 9-12.  It should help to foster discussion at home and in the classroom.

Friday Barnes, Girl Detective by R.A Spratt illustrated by Phil Gosier

Friday Barnes, Girl Detective by R.A. Spratt and illustrated by Phil Gosier is the kind of book I would have loved to read when I was young.  I could just see myself reading this book in my backyard on a hot summers day.  I always loved a good mystery. 

What I love about this book is that the author R. A Spratt does not talk down to her audience. There is an understanding that the reader knows certain things about the world around them.  The writing is fast paced which is great for children who live in a fast paced world.  We learn about Friday quickly and succinctly so that we are able to get right into the crux of the story which is solving mysteries.  Friday Barnes, Girl Detective reminds me of Encyclopedia Brown, Boy Detective which is probably intentional.  I am hoping boys won't be turned off because it is about a girl detective.  Sadly that is still an issue in today's world. Hopefully this book will help with that situation.  I would not hesitate to give it to a boy because I know they will enjoy it. 

My first inclination is that this would be a great book for a child like I was, a voracious reader who loves to read mysteries. That being said I also think it perfect for the reluctant reader, boy or girl, who needs to expand their universe.  As I said it is a fast paced book that will not lead to boredom.  The mysteries are fun and while a bit outlandish they are great for the imagination.  For me this is what reading is all about.  Stories that make us dream about what is possible and helps foster creativity.  

I can't wait to see what other adventures Friday Barnes will encounter....

2015 Roundup

It has been a busy end of the year. October is a busy month for me and I thought once November came I could post more. But of course as the saying goes "the best laid plans....often go awry".  

 My News Years Resolution is to post more in 2016 as there are so many books I missed talking about this year. 

As soon as Christmas was over the end of year lists started appearing. So I thought I would do a Roundup of some of my favorite books  of 2015.  I always recommend books I like or think others would like but these seem to have a much more memorable feel about them.  

Here they are in no particular order:

Waiting by Kevin Henkes this is the book I gave my nephew for Christmas.  So sweet!

A Curious Tale of the In-Between by Lauren DeStefano great Gothic ghost story for all....

Planting a Kiss by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and illustrated by Peter H Reynolds a beautiful book that teaches kindness....

Nightbird by Alice Hoffman a perfect book for young readers (or anyone)...I just loved it.

Little Humans by Brandon Stanton great book to look at often....love the photographs....

This is just a small sample of some of the books I recommended in 2015. I hope anyone who has read my blog has found it enjoyable and useful.....I know I enjoy writing about the books I find.  To that end I would also like to recommend my favorite "grown-up" book that I have read this year, it is also by Alice Hoffman.....

The Marriage of Opposites by Alice Hoffman was so wonderful I had trouble picking up another book to read.  Her writing is as magical as the stories she writes about. I highly recommend it!

I hope everyone has a wonderful New Years and that the next year brings much joy!  Happy Reading!

Nightbird by Alice Hoffman

Nightbird by Alice Hoffman is one of those books that stays with you for a long time.  It is a middle grade reader that I feel any grown up would love.  I read it in one day and loved it.  Usually I recommend a book knowing that it will appeal to a certain audience.  I generally need to like the book but even if I don't I usually know it will fill a need for a certain reader.  This is not the case here.  This is a book I wish had never ended...a story that is timeless.

I have always read Alice Hoffman books.  Her last few grown up novels I have loved....I am actually reading her most recent novel The Marriage of Opposites as I write this.  Beyond that I have loved her YA titles too....the best being Green Angel a book that I still see vividly in my mind.

I now have a new favorite....today's book Nightbird.  Like I said I read it one afternoon. It is more a middle grade novel than YA but that doesn't matter to me.  I always feel like books don't really have an age range.  Middle grade, YA or adult as long as I am reading a good story it doesn't matter.  That is how I felt when I read Nightbird.  From the first moment I started reading I  was drawn into the world of the main character "Twig"....she sort of reminded me of myself at her age.  I loved to read and kept mostly to myself.  This was a book I would have devoured when I  was young.  Alice Hoffman has written a book that feels like it could have taken place at any time. It doesn't pinpoint an era so the reader has the freedom to see just the characters and the moment of the story not the when of the story.  It really took be back to being a twelve year old reading in the backyard on a summers day.

I love how Alice Hoffman injects magic in her stories.  It is such a subtle magic that we can almost feel like it is real.  The world she has created here is warm and inviting a world I didn't want to leave. I realize I haven't given a description of what it is about and there is a reason for that.  This book is all about emotion and feelings.  The joy I felt when reading it....but as I have said before I am not a reviewer....I recommend books that should be read.  I don't want to give a review that tells you the story because the reader should find that out for themselves.  I am just here to say that it should be read....especially if you love a good mystery with a bit of fantasy thrown in....a story with great characters that will stay with you forever.  I literally cried when it was over because it so reminded me of how books made me feel when I was young....to go back to that time even for a moment was a joy.

A Curious Tale of the In-Between by Lauren DeStefano

A Curious Tale of the In-Between by Lauren DeStefano is a wonderful new book for children ages 8-12.  Although it would be a great book for anyone over the age of 12 who loves a good mystery/ghost story.

 I love this book. I loved it from the first paragraph.  This is the kind of book I would have loved when I was young.   The main character Pram is the kind of girl I would have wanted to be friends with when I was little.

Lauren DeStefano has woven a tale that is a spellbinding page turner.  It may be a little dark for some but that is all part of it's charm.  It has an instant classic feel about it, a must have new book for those who love magic, ghosts and mystery!

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

I know today's book is not necessarily a new title but I just finished reading it and wanted to share my thoughts.

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs is considered a Teen Novel.  I think it is much more than that.  I had heard about it but never read it.  Most recently learned that there is a sequel which I hope to read soon.  There is also a film being made with Tim Burton directing.  I stumbled across it in the library and at the last minute added it to my stack of books to check out.

I loved this book.  This is the kind of book I would have read and loved when I was a child/teenager.  The story starts out like any other teenage angst kind of story but quickly develops into the best kind fantasy story.  The kind that makes a reader feel that it could be true.  The characters are wonderful, I really loved the main character Jacob because he sounded like a typical teenage boy.

A long time ago I was part of a panel for the Children's Book Council called Not Just For Children Anymore.  As part of the panel we had to read a selection of children's books ~mostly young readers and Teen novels.  Once we were finished we then set out to decide whether or not "grown-ups" would enjoy them as well as children.  This book would have been on top of my list.  I really loved how Mr Riggs wove his story around an array of old photographs.  The photographs themselves are so interesting to look at that I  too would have wondered how they were made and if they were real.

I used to know someone who loved to take photographs.  He had rigged his own darkroom in a small bathroom in the house.  He also liked to experiment with his photos.  I remember one photo of what appeared to be  a young girl with a small person standing on her hand.  To create this illusion he said was all in the development. When I saw the photos in Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children I was reminded of the photos I saw when I was young.  Like I said I have always been fascinated by old photos.....they are glimpse into the past.  I wish this book had been around when I was young because it would have been one of my favorites.  I can't wait to read the sequel Hollow City.  These are must have books for anyone who loves a bit of fantasy tinged with spookiness....

In Celebration of all things Beatles!

It has been 50 years since The Beatles came to America and appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show.  Seeing all the news programs and entertainment shows talk about this anniversary made me think about the many children's books that have been published concerning this iconic group.

Since I have started this blog I have written about two books that involve the Beatles:

John's Secret Dreams: The John Lennon Story by Doreen Rappaport and illustrated by Bryan Collier


The Yellow Submarine by the Beatles


Here are some other titles for a parent or grandparent etc to introduce this great musical band to a new generation:

How the Beatles Changed the World by Martin W. Sandler.  Great pictorial about The Beatles for an older child that  explains historical and cultural context of the that time in history. 

Who were The Beatles? by Geoff Edgers.  This book is part of a wonderful biography series for children that is easy to read.  A great way to introduce John, Paul, Ringo and George to a younger audience.  Great book for child to when they need to read a biography for school.  

Octopus's Garden by Ringo Starr and illustrated by Ben Cort. This was one of my favorite songs when I was little.  I played it over and over again...is is a fun song that makes a perfect picture book.  A great way to introduce The Beatles to a much younger audience.  

Flashbook Tuesday: blues journey by Walter Dean Myers and illustrated by Christopher Myers

Recently I have been sorting  the many books I have collected through the years and couldn't believe how many I have that have been signed by the author or illustrator.  Some are inscribed to me personally and some are just signed....either way it is an impressive amount.  Today's book is just one of the many books that I have inscribed to me personally. As I flipped through the book I realized it would make a perfect book to recommend at any time but especially during Black History Month.

blues journey by Walter Dean Myers and beautifully illustrated by Christopher Myers is the story of the African American experience told through poetry and the history of the blues.  Mr Myers poems have the same rhythm as a blues melody.  This is a picture book for an older child to read and learn about the "blues".  The poems are mix of complex and simple thoughts regarding love and life.  I love how the son's images match his father's words to make a visual impact for the reader.  I would give this to an older child even as old as High School or even an adult who loves music and history.  It is a great teaching tool for students to learn a different perspective of African American history.

Side note that is a bit interesting (at least to me)....Walter Dean Myers and my sister Ann E. Burg have both been nominated for an NAACP Image Award this year in the Literature Category for   Outstanding Literary Work- Youth / Teens:  Mr Myers for his book Invasion and my sister for her book Serafina's Promise.  Such a small world.....

This is an inscription I treasure:

What We Found in the Sofa and How It Saved the World by Henry Clark

I realized I hardly ever do young readers books.  I know there are so many new ones being published but for some reason it is easier to flip through a picture book and get a feel for the story then it is a new novel.  That being said I was straightening and shelving in  the young readers or grades 4-6 section at Well Read the other day when I came across today's book.  I usually can tell if I like something by reading the first few paragraphs.  So when I came across this book I was so intrigued by the title that I checked out the first chapter.  I haven't finished it yet but what I have read so far seemed fun and fresh.

What We Found in the Sofa and How it Saved the World is a the debut novel by  Henry Clark.  It is a great book for kids who like humorous stories with a little adventure sprinkle in.  I love the three main characters River, Freak and Fiona.  The book has a contemporary feel but at the same time reads like the books I read when I a kid.  The story centers around the mysterious sofa and the unique crayon they find in it....I would tell you the rest but that would ruin the story....this is a great gift for the holidays for any child who loves an adventure story laced with humor.  I am hoping this is the start of more adventurous with these great new characters......



Oh check out Henry Clark's website....lots of fun stuff to read and see.  Website

For Veteran's Day--Book revisit: All the Broken Pieces by Ann Burg

All the Broken Pieces by Ann Burg (my sister) was published in 2009.  It was the first book I ever wrote about on this blog but I would like to revisit it again today---for Veteran's Day. It is the story of a boy from Vietnam who is adopted into an American family.  It deals with how he  comes to terms with his past.  It also deals with Vietnam Veterans and their experiences when they came home from the war...and much more.  this book is the perfect way to talk about Vietnam Veterans and their role in history.   My sister always speaks about how it is a very personal story for her because of what she witnessed of the Vietnam War as she was growing up.  I myself just remember images from the TV and how angry everyone was about the war.  Even though the book came out a few years ago she is still getting positive responses to the novel.  She recently wrote her monthly blog post about her most vivid memories of a Vietnam War Veteran.  She talks about seeing him in Washington Square Park in NYC and describes the feelings she felt that never went away and changed her perspective on history.  Below is an excerpt from her posting, to read the whole blog posting just click on the title below it is worth the read:

The Veteran of Washington Square ~ An Open Letter to Veterans Everywhere by Ann Burg

.....His appearance in my novel, All the Broken Pieces, was my way of honoring and thanking the Veteran of  Washington Square for sacrificing his youth and his innocence.

We lost a big piece

of ourselves in Vietnam,

and none of us will

ever be the same,

but we did some good too.

We made a difference.

  I wish my Washington Square Veteran could see this post or read my book. I hope that he has found some measure of peace. Whatever one’s opinion about Vietnam, or any war for that matter, all veterans deserve our respect and gratitude. From the deepest recesses of my heart, I wish them peace. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

To all who have sacrificed for our country---Thank You! -- RM

Meet the Authors: Educator Night recap

When I started at Well Read in Hawthorne as their Part Time Event Coordinator we decided it would be a good idea to do an Educator Night.  It took some planning but we were able to get some great authors to come in and talk to some of our local educator's.  We also were lucky enough to get a representative from a local sales group to come and speak about new titles on their list.  All in all it was a great evening.  I learned so much. Here is a photo of our authors with their books.

From L to R: Alison Formento, Trinka Hakes Noble, Courtney Sheinmel, Ann E. Burg, Ann Malaspina

These are great books not just for the classroom but for children and parents to read together.  There is something for everyone.

Alison Formento known for her picture books like These Seas Count and These Bees Count! great stories that also inform children about the natural world around them. She also brought her new YA title Twigs the story of a young girl who may be small in stature but has huge problems that she must overcome.  Great coming of age story for the teen in your life.   

Trinka Hakes Noble who I have known for years and wrote one of my favorite story time books The Day Jimmy's Boa Ate the Wash brought along her new book and many others to talk about.  Her new book is The Legend of the Jersey Devil which is New Jersey's greatest and scariest legend.  I love how she told us that most kids don't realize NJ's Hockey team "The Devil's" is named for this spooky creature.  She also talked about her personal favorite because it is a story from her childhood called The Orange Shoes that deals with bullying.  

Courtney Sheinmel author of the Stella Batts series for ages 7 to 9.  These are such fun books that make great gifts and are even fun to read aloud.  I love the voice in these books.  

Ann E. Burg (my lovely sister) talked about how her new book Serafina's Promise (which I blogged about the other day)  and her first novel in verse All the Broken Pieces teach about other cultures in an easier manner.  She also talked about her book Rebekkah's Journey a little known story of WW II refugees in Oswego NY.    

Ann Malaspina brought her picture book biographies Heart on Fire the story of Susan B. Anthony and a women's right to vote plus Touch the Sky the wonderful story of the first African American woman to win a gold medal at the Olympics....loved learning about her.  

Like I said these great books are not just for teacher's to tell their students about but wonderful books that make great gifts for the child in your life. 

I really enjoyed this evening because I love talking about books and about how they can enrich the lives of not just children but everyone.   

Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made by Stephan Pastis

Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made by Stephan Pastis is a great new book for middle grade readers that is sure to keep them laughing.  I was immediately drawn to the book when I saw it on the bookstore shelf.  At first glance the title suggests a character who is not sure of himself but it is just the opposite.  Timmy is full of so much confidence and self assurance that I laughed out loud thinking I know kids like him. He  is an endearing character too because he wants to become rich not just for himself but to help his Mom  pay the bills.  This is the perfect book for kids who like the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series which is probably what the author intended.  I like when an author grabs onto a genre but doesn't copy it verbatim.  I also like how it is a sweet funny book that doesn't talk down to the reader.  I can't wait for the next book in the series.....

Reference Sunday: SAFARI A Photicular Book created by Dan Kainen written by Carol Kaufmann

I love when I find books that can be shared by the whole family.  Today's book is just that kind of a book.  It is informative and very entertaining.

SAFARI a Phototicular Book created by Dan Kainen and written by Carol Kaufmann is a fun way to learn about wild animals while going on a virtual safari.  This is done with 3D animation perfected in an astonishing way from the original Scanimations.  I originally wrote about the process in 2009.   I always thought the original books were amazing until I saw this book.   The photographs and the movement really look like you are watching a video of animals in the wild.  The text is easy to understand with lots of facts and information.   This is a perfect gift to bring to a family with lots of different age children.  There is something for everyone.

Oh check out the video below----amazing:

Who Says Women Can't Be Doctors by Tanya Lee Stone illustrated by Marjorie Priceman

Who Says Women Can't Be Doctors: The Story of Elizabeth Blackwell by Tanya Lee Stone and illustrated by Marjorie Priceman is a wonderful new picture book biography about the first American female doctor.  I think this is the perfect book to come out just in time for Women's History Month.   It isn't a dry biography for children but a great introduction to an important historical figure.  It is funny that most children today wouldn't understand that there was a time when women were not able to become doctors. That women or girls weren't "smart enough" to study medicine. This book should help teach children today about this pivotal time in US history.     I love the illustrations having always been a fan of Marjorie Priceman and this book is now one of my favorites.   Tanya Lee Stone does a superb job of telling the story of a woman who persevered through discrimination and adversity to become a pioneer of a woman's right to be what they want to be.   An inspirational must have new book.  

Flashback Tuesday: Night of the Gargoyles by Eve Bunting illustrated by David Wiesner

Happy Birthday David Wiesner!  In honor of this Caldecott winner's birthday I thought I would reach back and recommend one that I have always loved.  It is a bit of scary and somber book that is probably not suited for the very young but I find it a great read aloud with wonderful illustrations.

Night of the Gargoyles written by Eve Bunting and illustrated by David Wiesner is a magical story of statues coming to life.   According to the publisher it is meant for ages 9 and up but there are a few younger children I know who can handle this kind of scariness.  I have always been fascinated by gargoyles.   There have been quite a few books about gargoyles for children through the years, even a series or two, but this has always been my favorite.   I think because I have always liked fantasy I loved the idea of magical creatures coming to life after the sun goes down.   Growing up and visiting NYC with my father I marveled at the statues on the uppermost floors of old buildings.   Even when I worked in the city I loved to look at the buildings across from mine with their fearsome sculptures standing watch.   I love the rhythm of Eve Buntings words which make it a great story time book.   Most of all I love the illustrations.  The mere fact they are black and white charcoal drawings makes them timeless.   The detail is amazing and wondrous.   I have always loved his artwork but this holds a special place in my heart.   This is a book for all ages and a must for anyone who loves mystery and fantasy in their lives.    

Flashback Tuesday: The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare

Yesterday the ALA Youth Media Awards were announced.   For that reason I thought I would recommend personal favorite that won the Newbery Award back in 1959.  I don't usually talk about young readers or even teen books but every once in awhile I like to change it up a bit.  

The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare is a wonderful book that  brings back fond memories of long summer days and reading in the backyard.   The book cover I am showing is the exact book cover I had when I first read it.   The covers may have changed through the years but the story is timeless.   I was enthralled with the character of Kit and how she struggled to find her place in a new world that was so different from the world she grew up in. I loved the character of Mercy who even though she is disabled in body she was strong in mind and spirit.   Characters that are just as relevant today as they were when they were created.    This is the way I liked to learn history.  I always find it is easier to learn history through historical fiction.     Of course I also loved the fact that it was a bit of a love story but that is just the "girl" in me.   As I said so much of the story is applicable to our lives in the 21st century.  Even today people are suspicious of anyone who is different.  It takes a courageous person to stand up for truth and do what is right.   This is a classic and award winning book for a reason,  beautifully written and memorable.

Reference Sunday: US PRESIDENTS Oval Office All-Stars by Dan Green illustrated by Simon Basher

In honor of Inauguration Day I thought if would great to recommend a book on the Presidents of the United States.   There are quite a few on the shelves that have been updated to include the 2012 election but non as humorous and informative as today's book.

Basher History: US PRESIDENTS Oval Office All Stars created and illustrated by Simon Basher and written by Dan Green with Dr. Edward L. Widm a presidential historian is a great introduction to each of our United States Presidents.   I like that it is not overwhelming and tedious to read.   The information is  quirky and different.   I think children like to learn more than just the usual facts about anything.   While the illustrations are a bit cartoonish they do fit the style of the book.   I think this would be a great companion book to a more serious biographical book on the Presidents of the United States.   Sometimes kids need to see that not all history is just dry facts and figures.