Product Description

Presents the story of the young girl who wrote to Abraham Lincoln to get him to grow a beard because "Your face is so thin. All the ladies like whiskers and would tease their husbands to vote for you."

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #169390 in Books
• Published on: 1999-09
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 32 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9781563978050
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
• Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices

From Publishers Weekly
Textured oil paintings accent this account of how a letter from an 11-year-old girl may have provoked Abraham Lincoln to grow his beard. Ages 4-8.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal
Kindergarten-Grade 4. In 1860, 11-year-old Grace Bedell wrote to presidential candidate Abraham Lincoln suggesting that he grow a beard. Lincoln responded to the letter. On his way to Washington, DC for his inauguration, his train stopped at her hometown and a bewhiskered Lincoln introduced himself to Grace. Too amazing to be true? Well, the letters exist to prove it, and they are reproduced at the end of this interesting picture book. The story is presented simply and with authenticity. Children will identify with this independent young girl. Grace, her large family, and their solid small-town home are depicted in an American folk-art style appropriate to the period. The girl's letter is a perfect example of the manners and speech of that time, and the relationships among the siblings and parents ring true. The greatness and humility of Lincoln are shown as he takes the time to respond to a child and meet her, and, remarkably, accept her advice. Containing a wonderful piece of history beautifully and succinctly presented, this story can be read in groups or individually to entertain and to teach.?Marlene Gawron, Orange County Library System, Orlando,
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist
Ages 6^-8. Based on a true incident, this tells the story of 11-year-old Grace Bedell, who wrote to Abraham Lincoln suggesting that he grow whiskers to win himself some presidential votes. Mr. Lincoln writes back, suggesting that perhaps growing a beard so late in life might be an affectation. But later, of course, Lincoln does grow a beard, and in this story, Grace sees the beard when the new president stops in her town and asks to see her, and then gives her a kiss. Although the letter exchange is history (the letters are reproduced on the last page), the rest of the story seems fictionalized, but there is no way to know what's true and what isn't because there are no notes, a major flaw in the book. Oil paintings done in a folk-art style seem deliberately stiff but have a naive appeal. For larger collections or libraries needing books on Lincoln for a younger age group. Ilene Cooper

Customer Reviews

Destined to become a classic of American literature
This book achieves the perfect blend of storytelling, historical research, compassion, and artistry. Drawing from the primary documents (the letters are reproduced in the book), Winnick creates a fully believable context for the touching exchange between the President and a little girl we can all relate to. She presents an example of how to use our imagination to travel through time by studying our cultural heritage. The illustrations perfectly match the narrative, rich with detail. Our two year old daughter already loves hearing the story told while seeing the pictures. I can't wait to see her read it for herself. This book will be passed on for generations.

wonderful
Mrs. Winnick brings magic to the Abraham Lincoln legacy. This book is a must for all children. I highly recommend this book for all parents to buy and read to their kids. It will not only provide hours of entertainment, but it will bring parents and their children closer together each time they read it.

Unbelievable Artistry
While Mrs. Winnick's storytelling ability proves to be far beyond what the average children book writer is able to communicate, I found the oil paintings delightful and engrossing. Mrs. Winnick displays a true talent for the arts and really knows how to provide for children interesting and educational tales about our country's history. I highly recommend purchasing this book and sharing Mrs. Winnick's magic with your children.