America was at a crossroads in 1939 as they debated whether to join the Allies in their battle against Hitler's relentless march across Europe. As ...
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Aug 20, 2011
Heather
rated it: 
1940 Caldecott Medal Winner
Black and white illustrations alternate with color ones--I read for a children's lit class that this was often the case before color illustrations became less expensive to print. It looks like the drawings were done in pencil and color pencil. Pretty realistic depictions, although the black people look mostly the same and have goofy "blackface" faces--not exactly flattering.
Abraham Lincoln grows up, beats up some pirates, studies law More...
Black and white illustrations alternate with color ones--I read for a children's lit class that this was often the case before color illustrations became less expensive to print. It looks like the drawings were done in pencil and color pencil. Pretty realistic depictions, although the black people look mostly the same and have goofy "blackface" faces--not exactly flattering.
Abraham Lincoln grows up, beats up some pirates, studies law More...
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Jul 12, 2011
Ricardo
rated it:
Ricardo Bizarro
Fictionalized Biography
Ingri & Edgar, Parin d’Aulaire. New York: Bantam Doubleday Dell Publishing Group, Inc.
1957. Print
Pages not numbered
Summary: This book starts out like a Christian Christmas story. The setting begins in the
Kentucky countryside where Abraham Lincoln first sees the world on a Sunday morning. It goes
through his life in a fictional way stating his likes and dislikes. He takes a big interest in learning
and pursuing More...
Fictionalized Biography
Ingri & Edgar, Parin d’Aulaire. New York: Bantam Doubleday Dell Publishing Group, Inc.
1957. Print
Pages not numbered
Summary: This book starts out like a Christian Christmas story. The setting begins in the
Kentucky countryside where Abraham Lincoln first sees the world on a Sunday morning. It goes
through his life in a fictional way stating his likes and dislikes. He takes a big interest in learning
and pursuing More...
Jan 15, 2011
Logan
rated it: 
As the summary says, "America was at a crossroads in 1939 as they debated whether to join the Allies in their battle against Hitler's relentless march across Europe. As European immigrants the d'Aulaires felt keenly the importance of standing against injustice, and saw in Lincoln the archetypal American hero as he stood against the injustice of slavery." While this book is dated and has a tendency to glorify Lincoln as a hero and a savior, we still enjoyed it. I guess I think that desp
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Apr 10, 2010
Josiah
rated it: 
I have read a number of treatments of the life of Abraham Lincoln, but this is one of my favorites. The artistry of the illustrations, for one thing, is awesome; in my view, this book outshines in that regard most others that have won the Caldecott Medal. There's a depth and wholesomeness to the drawings that gives them words to speak directly to the reader, as is the case for the illustrations in many of the greatest picture books that have ever been written.
I very much like the fa More...
I very much like the fa More...
Jan 05, 2012
Sarah
rated it:
The pictures are the most enjoyable part of this book about Lincoln and why I'm giving this book two stars instead of one. My favorite picture came on page 18.
Many of the anecdotes in this book were familiar to me, probably ingrained from visiting many Lincoln sites and reading other books. The text is written in dialect. There's also
As a former history major I was bothered by several things. I am probably looking at this book with too much of a modern viewpoint. This b More...
Many of the anecdotes in this book were familiar to me, probably ingrained from visiting many Lincoln sites and reading other books. The text is written in dialect. There's also
As a former history major I was bothered by several things. I am probably looking at this book with too much of a modern viewpoint. This b More...
Oct 13, 2011
Abby
rated it: 
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
To view it, click here
Nov 22, 2010
A great book, a really interesting and easy read while still being very informative. This book focuses a lot on the youth and formative adult years of Lincoln, although it tells his whole life's story. The colored pencil illustrations add much to the story with country and city scenes and a tall lanky figure and surrounding friends and family throughout. This story gives further insight into the good character attributes of Lincoln. It also tells of difficulties encountered in his personal l
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Apr 24, 2010
Beth
rated it:
The edition is actually from 1957. This version has been "amplified" from the 1940 Caldecott Medal winning edition. The book begins at his birth and ends with Lincoln sitting on a chair at the end of The Civil War. One of the family cabins did not have windows or doors and they had to enter and exit through a hole in the wall. Abe loved to read and would work hard. His first love, Ann Rutledge, died before they could be married. Miss Mary Todd knew that she would marry the president of
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Jan 14, 2012
Laura5
rated it:
I could see how kids of the day would love the stories of Lincoln's pranks and "country ways" even after he became a man of the city. And the illustrations (color and B&W) would have engaged many children.
However this book felt like larger than life folklore (almost tall tale like) trying to masquerade as biography.
Also the book felt didactic in its portrayal of Lincoln protecting a "peaceful Indian" and feeling slavery was cruel. And I feel that it co More...
However this book felt like larger than life folklore (almost tall tale like) trying to masquerade as biography.
Also the book felt didactic in its portrayal of Lincoln protecting a "peaceful Indian" and feeling slavery was cruel. And I feel that it co More...
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Jun 11, 2011
Elizabeth S
rated it:
As you would expect from a Caldecott Winner, this is a beautifully illustrated book. The pictures range in size from whole page to small, some are in black-and-white and some are in color. And all are wonderful.
The text is good as well. This is a great biography of Abraham Lincoln as well as a great picture book. Although the text is written for children, there are a lot of words per page, so the very young may need some additional summarizing. I didn't expect my preschooler to si More...
The text is good as well. This is a great biography of Abraham Lincoln as well as a great picture book. Although the text is written for children, there are a lot of words per page, so the very young may need some additional summarizing. I didn't expect my preschooler to si More...
Feb 05, 2012
Dolly
rated it:
This book offers an interesting look at the life of Abraham Lincoln. The narrative is rather long and the illustrations are very old fashioned, but considering this book was published in 1939, it was probably more contemporary back then. We enjoyed reading this book, but I recommend it for older children who can sit still long enough to read it. We've enjoyed reading books by Ingri D'Aulaire and Edgar Parin D'Aulaire and will look for more at our local library.
We have now finish More...
We have now finish More...
Nov 11, 2009
Anna
rated it:
Dated biography of Abraham Lincoln that felt kind of glossed or fictionalized to me. Among other things, Lincoln's young adulthood in this story makes him seem an awful lot like Paul Bunyan. The story ends with the end of the Civil War, and since Lincoln's death wasn't very long after that, it felt strange and abrupt to end the story there.
I have fond childhood memories of a D'Aulaire book chronicling Greek mythology, but this one leaves me unimpressed.
I have fond childhood memories of a D'Aulaire book chronicling Greek mythology, but this one leaves me unimpressed.
Mar 06, 2009
Erin
rated it:
When I was banished to the library in Kindergarten because I already knew how to read, this was the book that started it all...my strange obsession with Abe Lincoln. This book had just come in. The PTA mom was putting the stickers and cover protector on it when I spotted it. I thought it would be so neat to be the first one to read a book, this book. Now as an adult this could be a contributing factor to my love of biographies and memoirs.
Sep 17, 2008
Merwyn
rated it:
This was the first Caldecott book I ever read - I checked it out of the East Farms [Otis Orchards] Elementary library when I was in first grade back in the 79-80 school year.
As far as younger kids reading this goes, it's a long book but, in comparing with the younger age group, the authoritative story on Abraham Lincoln.
I own my own copy because of Shelton Timberland Library screwing me over a bit: I had checked it out in '96 and read it to my former stepkid who was three More...
As far as younger kids reading this goes, it's a long book but, in comparing with the younger age group, the authoritative story on Abraham Lincoln.
I own my own copy because of Shelton Timberland Library screwing me over a bit: I had checked it out in '96 and read it to my former stepkid who was three More...
Dec 10, 2011
Kathryn
rated it:
As a Caldecott winner, I was expecting a lot more from this book. I'm also from Illinois, which means I've had an affinity for Lincoln from the time I entered grammar school. While I liked the old prairie feel to the art, the writing was boring, the history was white-washed and the man himself was built up to mythical proportions. So many good Lincoln bios for kids out there that this one has become far outdated.
Nov 03, 2011
Nichole
rated it:
This book was very informational. I learned some new stuff about Abraham Lincoln. I would use this book in my classroom if I had a lesson planned about Abraham Lincoln. It was very simple to read and I think children would enjoy reading it. They could also learn some useful information in a fun way. I used this book for my Biography and/or Autobiography requirement because it was all about Abe's life.
Oct 29, 2008
Cindi
rated it:
I read this Caldecott winner with my kids. We all felt like we learned something and enjoyed the pictures as well. I was struck by the fact that as Lincoln and Douglas argued their points, Douglas said he thought the states should each make their own mind up about slavery and Abe Lincoln argued that "a house divided against itself cannot stand." I think he was right on and that idea can be applied to the marriage = one man and one woman idea. I believe it does lie within the intere
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Mar 20, 2009
Samantha
rated it:
I can't critique this book because I didn't understand it. It's supposed to be a children's book but it's way too long and boring to qualify. Plus my mommy was mad because they kept calling Abraham Lincoln "Abe" and if they were really going to do something biographical the authors would have known that he hated that nickname.
Jun 30, 2009
Kelly
rated it:
I cried at the end of this children's book. What a great man! I knew a lot about him already, but learned even more in this illustrated biography. My kids really liked it too. I would like to buy this book as well as some of the author's other books. She has written several biobraphies for children. (Just keep in mind when you read this that it is an over-view for children and not a complete list of accomplishments.)
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Jan 25, 2009
Donna
rated it:
This was my first Lincoln biography.
This story was in a "children's best" book that I was given as a gift so long ago that I can't remember when. It was one of the few books I owned. I loved the pictures and loved ol' Abe.
It won the Caldecott Medal in 1940 beating out Madeleine.
This story was in a "children's best" book that I was given as a gift so long ago that I can't remember when. It was one of the few books I owned. I loved the pictures and loved ol' Abe.
It won the Caldecott Medal in 1940 beating out Madeleine.
May 17, 2011
Ashley
rated it:
Five stars for a thorough children's biography. The D'Aulaire's story ends just before Lincoln's assasination, which I found refreshing for the focus on his life and deeds rather than his death. It touches lightly and thoughtfully on key issues for Lincoln, and is adorned with colorful illustrations.
Jan 23, 2012
Jen
rated it:
I enjoy reading about Lincoln whether it's a biography on him or a fictionalized piece of work. I felt this book was a little of both and I did like it. The illustrations, both b/w and color, really added to book and for those interested in Lincoln, I believe they would enjoy this book.
Dec 31, 2010
Satia
rated it:
Although this book is dated, it holds up more than falls apart. Really an impressive look at a remarkable man's life. For more and many many many suggestions for further exploration:
http://satia.blogspot.com/2010/12/final-...
http://satia.blogspot.com/2010/12/final-...
Aug 10, 2010
Megan B
rated it:
It's not exactly a chapter book, but it's a rather long, well illustrated picture book that may take several evenings to finish. I learned a number of things myself while reading it and Kinley said she really liked it too. I'm not sure exactly how much Tanner absorbed because I think it was probably a little above his comprehension, but he has been begging me to read it again, so he must have liked it. Very educational and easily digestible. I'm excited to read more of D'Aulaire's books.
Mar 19, 2010
Chocoholic
rated it:
Super easy to follow for a fifth grader (and her mom). Included just enough information in an interesting style so as to make the rather complex pre-civil war/civil war history understandable. Not a great text for in-depth detail or timelines.
Jul 30, 2009
Samantha
rated it:
Caldecott Medal Winner, 1940
I have always loved the d'Aulaire's books. I'm pretty sure this isn't actually the best biography of Lincoln out there, but I do so enjoy their illustrations.
I have always loved the d'Aulaire's books. I'm pretty sure this isn't actually the best biography of Lincoln out there, but I do so enjoy their illustrations.
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Feb 10, 2011
Janice
rated it:
The story of Abraham Lincoln's life from birth on. Interesting that it doesn't tell of his death. Includes those wonderful tales about his wrestling, honesty, and great work ethic.
Aug 29, 2010
Etta
rated it:
I loved the approach to Lincoln's younger life which should appeal to children. It certainly was loved by mine. I especially liked Abe putting footprints on his step-mother's ceiling.
Feb 03, 2009
Emely
rated it:
Caldecott Winner 1940.
I feel like this book idolizes Lincoln. He's practically a God. The drawing of all the African Americans bowing down to him was a little disturbing.
I feel like this book idolizes Lincoln. He's practically a God. The drawing of all the African Americans bowing down to him was a little disturbing.
Jan 27, 2012
Lorna
rated it:
1940 Caldecott Medal
Favorite illustration: The two page spread of his family's three-sided shelter where they lived in the Pigeon Creek area of Indiana.
Kid-appeal: Way to long to appeal to kids today. Some fun sections on Lincoln's joking ways might be fun to share, particularly if doing a study of Lincoln. I imagine this book was appealing and novel at the time as I imagine very few biographical books were written expressly for children.
Favorite illustration: The two page spread of his family's three-sided shelter where they lived in the Pigeon Creek area of Indiana.
Kid-appeal: Way to long to appeal to kids today. Some fun sections on Lincoln's joking ways might be fun to share, particularly if doing a study of Lincoln. I imagine this book was appealing and novel at the time as I imagine very few biographical books were written expressly for children.
