Looking at Lincoln - by Maira Kalman

About the Book

From his boyhood in a log cabin to his famous presidency and untimely death, Abraham Lincoln's remarkable life is revealed in a fresh and exciting way. Full color.

Book Synopsis

Abraham Lincoln is one of the first giants of history children are introduced to, and now Maira Kalman brings him to life with her trademark style and enthusiasm. Lincoln's legacy is everywhere - there he is on your penny and five-dollar bill. And we are still the United States because Lincoln helped hold them together.

But who was he, really? The little girl in this book wants to find out. Among the many other things, she discovers our sixteenth president was a man who believed in freedom for all, had a dog named Fido, loved Mozart, apples, and his wife's vanilla cake, and kept his notes in his hat. From his boyhood in a log cabin to his famous presidency and untimely death, Kalman shares Lincoln's remarkable life with young readers in a fresh and exciting way.

Review Quotes

Kalman's text is marvelously tuned to young readers. . . . an utterly winning tribute.--The New York Times

* Kalman's fond and bittersweet account of our lanky 16th president evokes both a schoolgirl crush and a Yankee's steely, sorrowful perspective on the price of freedom. . . . Rather than pen a textbook profile, Kalman portrays heartfelt admiration through poignant imagery.--Publishers Weekly, starred review

* "With a breezy conversational style, thick lines, and vivid bulky colors, Kalman provides a unique introduction to our 16th president. . . . Fascinating lesser-known facts. . . . With each spread, readers will discover unusual and varying visuals. . . . An effective and memorable ending. . . . A great read-aloud for younger children with lots of possibilities for discussion and a jumping-off point for older readers to motivate their research. . . . Captivating."--School Library Journal, starred review

Profusion of bright gouache illustrations that are as colorful as springtime in Arles. . . . Encourages historical examination.--The Horn Book

Appealingly childlike. . . . Kalman's artwork is the main attraction here, with appealing naive illustrations done in gouache. Each page offers visual treats in a Matisse-like palette.--Kirkus Reviews

Remarkable. . . . Questions that echo a child's curiosity. . . . This impressionistic biography is one that adults will want to share with children, and that children will pore over.--Library Media Connection

Embellished with circular, childlike wonderings. . . . Powerful emotional impact.--Booklist

About the Author

In her own words: born. bucolic childhood. culture-stuffed adolescence. played piano. stopped. danced. stopped. wrote. discarded writing. drew. reinstated writing. married Tibor Kalman and collaborated at iconoclastic yet successful design studio. wrote and painted children's books. worried. took up Ping-Pong. relaxed. wrote and painted for many magazines. cofounded the Rubber Band Society. amused. children: two. dog: one.