Here are a few picks:
First Mothers
Beverly Gherman (author) and Julie Downing (illustrator) tell the stories of the moms who were responsible for raising the nation's future presidents in their whimsical book, First Mothers (Clarion, 2012).
I love this book: the illustrations are hilarious and the writing is filled with funny anecdotes and weird factoids it's unlikely you would ever know if it were not for this book. However, it's best to be a little careful with younger or sensitive readers, as a surprising number of these moms died young, or if the moms didn't die young, than the dads died young.
You would not believe how many U.S. presidents were raised by single mothers. All the more reason First Mothers is a fascinating study of amazing-in-their-own-right women, as well as in how they raised the men that they did.
Woodrow: The White House Mouse
Woodrow: The White House Mouse (Little Patriot Press, 2012) teaches kids not only about the famous inhabitants of the White House, but about the home itself - including that it wasn't even known as The White House until 1901. For more political study, Cheryl and Peter Barnes also tackle the legislative branch in House Mouse Senate Mouse and the judiciary in Marshall, The Courthouse Mouse. All books best for ages 5 to 10.
Do you know any other titles that are good for teaching kids about government and the presidents? Would love some new reads - please share in the comments!
I was not compensated for this post. I did receive the books for review purposes.
