2/1/05 Library Media Connection
Mike Venezia mixes facts with humor to introduce the presidents of the United States to students as he did in his previous series on artists and composers, Getting to Know the World's Greatest Artists and Getting to Know the World's Greatest Composers (Children's Press (Scholastic Library Publishing). Each book highlights the life and times of one president, and books in the series will be written in chronological order. At the time of this review, titles covered George Washington through John Quincy Adams. Venezia uses funny and serious anecdotes to help students understand and realize that presidents are very real people. On each page is either a painting, an engraving, a map, a portrait, or a comical caricature that enhances the text. Students will especially enjoy the humorous caricatures. Captions are included with each that explains the historical paintings and portraits. Students will be able to use these books for reports and for pleasure reading. These humorous books make learning about history fun. Recommended.