Looking at Lincoln - by Maira Kalman (Paperback)

About the Book

"First published in the United States of America by Nancy Paulsen Books, a division of Penguin Young Readers Group, 2012."

Book Synopsis

Fans of Who Was? and Jean Fritz will love this introduction to our sixteenth President by beloved author and illustrator Maira Kalman.

Who was Lincoln really? This little girl wants to find out. She discovers, among other things, that 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, Maira Kalman shares Lincoln's remarkable life with young readers in a fresh and exciting way.

Review Quotes

* "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

"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."