Presidents’ Day – Celebrations in My World

Lynn Peppas

Presidents’ Day – Celebrations in My World … this is an interesting book for young readers. The table of contents begins with ‘What is a President?’ and it focus’ on the election of Barack Obama. The following pages allow for two pages each to focus on such subjects as ‘What is a Federal Holiday?’, ‘Young George Washington’, ‘Young Abraham Lincoln’, ‘How Americans Celebrate’, and in the back is a Presidential Quiz. The subjects include bold words found in the Glossary, and a ‘Did You Know?’ on each subject to direct the reader’s attention. Young readers will learn how Presidents’ Day was brought into law, and its impact on the citizens. In ‘Famous Celebrations’, ‘Did You Know?’ explains Laredo, TX celebrates George Washington’s Birthday for one full month!

I do take exception with the section called ‘Presidents’ Day Symbols’. It includes the story about young George Washington chopping down his father’s cherry tree and because he was so honest, George told his dad about it. Thus, a cherry pie has become a symbol of Presidents’ Day. The truth is George did not chop that tree down, not when he was young or old. The misstatement alone reduces my final review from great to okay. Facts should be checked before they are presented as truths, especially when written for children. My other problem with this book is the back cover indicates it as a Guided Reading: M, yet the title does not appear on the publisher’s web site for Guided Reading.

BIBLIO: 2010, Crabtree Publishing Company, Ages K-2, $8.95
REVIEWER: Debby Willett
FORMAT: Juvenile Literature / Series
ISBN: 978-0-7787-4774-1

REVIEWED FOR: Children’s Literature, Online Version, 12/11/09