I’m back…..
Ok, maybe you haven’t wondered where I’ve been, but I will tell you anyway. September through November is always my insane time of year between coaching LEGO League, organizing the school Barnes and Noble Bookfair, planning two birthday parties (Minecraft! Cut the Rope!), and making Halloween costumes (ok, just the Minecraft Steve mask). Now I’m planning a Little Golden Books baby shower for my sister-in-law. And those are just all the extracurriculars. Honestly, by the time I get to Thanksgiving, I will feel like I’m on vacation.
So, enough about me. Without further ado, I present my PPBF pick, which has been sitting in my office for over a month.
TITLE: President Taft is Stuck in the Bath
AUTHOR: Mac Barnett
ILLUSTRATOR: Chris Van Dusen
PUBLICATION INFO: Candlewick 2014
ISBN: 978-0763663179
SOURCE: library
INTENDED AUDIENCE: preschool to grade 3
GENRE: historical fiction picture book
OPENING and SYNOPSIS:
“William Howard Taft was the twenty-seventh president of the United States. He busted monopolies, instituted the federal income tax, and became the only president to also serve as chief justice of the Supreme Court.”
From the publisher:
“‘Blast!’ said Taft. ‘This could be bad.’
George Washington crossed the Delaware in the dead of night. Abraham Lincoln saved the Union. And President William Howard Taft, a man of great stature — well, he got stuck in a bathtub. Now how did he get unstuck? Author Mac Barnett and illustrator Chris Van Dusen bring their full comedic weight to this legendary story, imagining a parade of clueless cabinet members advising the exasperated president, leading up to a hugely satisfying, hilarious finale.”
THEMES/TOPICS: history
WHY I LIKE THIS BOOK: One word: hilarious. Who cares if the story is true? Van Dusen’s images of Taft spilling out over the tub crack me up every time. Don’t believe me?
RESOURCES/ACTIVITIES:
- Visit the William H. Taft Historic Site in Cincinnati to learn about Taft’s real accomplishments (besides getting unstuck).
- I feel like this book is begging for a simple machines activity. Can YOU figure out a way to get Taft unstuck? A pulley? A lever?
- Take a bath. Hopefully you won’t get stuck. Use some bathtub crayons for some real fun.
You’ll find way more cool books at Susanna Leonard Hill’s “Perfect Picture Books.” Every Friday folks review a host of new books. Join us!
Kirsten W. Larson 