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George Washington's Birthday: A Mostly True Tale
A perfect picture book biography from award-winning author Margaret McNamara and New Yorker artist Barry Blitt comes this partly true and completely funny story of George Washington's 7th birthday. In this clever approach to history, readers will discover the truths and myths about George Washington. Did George Washington wear a wig? No. Did George Washington cut down a cherry tree? Probably not. Readers young and old who are used to seeing George Washington as an old man, will get a new look at the first president—as a kid. Perfect for classrooms, Presidents' Day, or as a birthday gift.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2012
7 people are currently reading
111 people want to read
About the author
Margaret McNamara
101 books59 followersMargaret McNamara is the Christopher Award–winning author of more than two dozen books for young readers, including the Robin Hill School series. The Fairy Bell Sisters series is inspired not only by her love of the classic sisterhood novel Little Women but by her own experiences growing up with older sisters (and a baby brother). Margaret and her family live in New York City, but they spend part of their summer on an island in Maine very much like Sheepskerry Island.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
October 24, 2018
A delightful mixture of historical fiction and historical fact, George Washington's Birthday imagines the activities of its eponymous hero on his seventh birthday. Although the events chronicled are fictitious - George's conversations with his parents and his half-brother Augustine, his chopping down of the cherry tree - each two-page spread contains the factual information behind the fictional imagining of that day. In the scene in which young George begins to write a list of approved behaviors, for instance, the accompanying information reveals that by the time he was sixteen, the real Washington had written "110 Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior" that he kept on him at all times, as a reminder. The final page of the book presents a "letter" from Washington, with further historical background on the subject...
As someone who read and greatly enjoyed Ron Chernow's magisterial adult biography, Washington: A Life , I was curious to see how author Margaret McNamara would handle her partly fictional / partly factual narrative. I was quite pleased in the end, and think that young readers will come away, not just with a better knowledge about George Washington, but a better understanding of the idea that history is a story, one that is just as influenced by myth as by fact. I was particularly pleased to see that the author mentions, in her afterword (George's letter) that the myth of the cherry tree was promulgated by Parson Weems, in his early 19th-century pamphlet on Washington, as we had to study this hagiographic work in a college course I took on American culture during that century. The accompanying artwork here, done by Barry Blitt in watercolor, is humorous and appealing. All in all, a wonderful picture-book, one I would recommend to those looking to introduce young children to the subject of George Washington. Perhaps it could be read on President's Day, which (as I'm sure every citizen knows) is indeed George Washington's birthday...
As someone who read and greatly enjoyed Ron Chernow's magisterial adult biography, Washington: A Life , I was curious to see how author Margaret McNamara would handle her partly fictional / partly factual narrative. I was quite pleased in the end, and think that young readers will come away, not just with a better knowledge about George Washington, but a better understanding of the idea that history is a story, one that is just as influenced by myth as by fact. I was particularly pleased to see that the author mentions, in her afterword (George's letter) that the myth of the cherry tree was promulgated by Parson Weems, in his early 19th-century pamphlet on Washington, as we had to study this hagiographic work in a college course I took on American culture during that century. The accompanying artwork here, done by Barry Blitt in watercolor, is humorous and appealing. All in all, a wonderful picture-book, one I would recommend to those looking to introduce young children to the subject of George Washington. Perhaps it could be read on President's Day, which (as I'm sure every citizen knows) is indeed George Washington's birthday...
February 8, 2019
February 7
May 10, 2012
This may be my favorite of all the books about presidents I've ever read. It's cute and funny and has some terrific lines that will fly right over the heads of its intended audience but that I loved. When his older brother instructs him in his schoolwork, George mutters "Tyrant" under his breath. Love it.
George wakes up the morning of his seventh birthday and wishes himself a happy birthday--which is good because it seems no one else remembers. His mother serves him breakfast without a word about his special day, his older brother insults him over his lessons, and his father makes him work in the orchard. Along the way some of the myths we've always heard about Washington are addressed, and insets tell the truth behind the stories. There is a one-page "appendix" written in the voice of Washington that summarizes what is true and what is not in the book.
This book would make a terrific addition to elementary studies of Washington and the presidents. Very well written and lots of fun, too.
George wakes up the morning of his seventh birthday and wishes himself a happy birthday--which is good because it seems no one else remembers. His mother serves him breakfast without a word about his special day, his older brother insults him over his lessons, and his father makes him work in the orchard. Along the way some of the myths we've always heard about Washington are addressed, and insets tell the truth behind the stories. There is a one-page "appendix" written in the voice of Washington that summarizes what is true and what is not in the book.
This book would make a terrific addition to elementary studies of Washington and the presidents. Very well written and lots of fun, too.
February 23, 2020
George Washington's Birthday: A Mostly True Tale is a children's picture book written by Margaret McNamara and illustrated by Barry Blitt. It is a biographical picture book of George Washington. As today is the Washington's Birthday (22 February), I thought it would be apropos to read this book.
George Washington was an American political leader, military general, statesman, and Founding Father who served as the first president of the United States from 1789 to 1797. Previously, he led Patriot forces to victory in the nation's War for Independence. He presided at the Constitutional Convention of 1787, which established the U.S. Constitution and a federal government. Washington has been called the "Father of His Country" for his manifold leadership in the formative days of the new nation.
McNamara's text is simplistic and informative. McNamara serves up delicious ironies and she also sets the record straight with asides labeled "Myth" and "Fact". Blitt chronicles George's slow burn in his elegant, irreverent ink line.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. It's George Washington's seventh birthday, but he can't get anyone to acknowledge it. His mother misses his hint and his stern father isn't cutting him any slack. Eager to observe his birthday but thwarted throughout the day, George studies with older brother Augustine, spends a bored few minutes heaving rocks across the Rappahannock, helps his father prune the cherry trees with disastrous results and finally celebrates at dinner with his loving family.
All in all, George Washington's Birthday: A Mostly True Tale is a wonderful children's picture book about George Washington celebrating his seventh birthday, which everyone forgets. The connection between the boy, the future general, and the president was done rather nicely.
George Washington was an American political leader, military general, statesman, and Founding Father who served as the first president of the United States from 1789 to 1797. Previously, he led Patriot forces to victory in the nation's War for Independence. He presided at the Constitutional Convention of 1787, which established the U.S. Constitution and a federal government. Washington has been called the "Father of His Country" for his manifold leadership in the formative days of the new nation.
McNamara's text is simplistic and informative. McNamara serves up delicious ironies and she also sets the record straight with asides labeled "Myth" and "Fact". Blitt chronicles George's slow burn in his elegant, irreverent ink line.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. It's George Washington's seventh birthday, but he can't get anyone to acknowledge it. His mother misses his hint and his stern father isn't cutting him any slack. Eager to observe his birthday but thwarted throughout the day, George studies with older brother Augustine, spends a bored few minutes heaving rocks across the Rappahannock, helps his father prune the cherry trees with disastrous results and finally celebrates at dinner with his loving family.
All in all, George Washington's Birthday: A Mostly True Tale is a wonderful children's picture book about George Washington celebrating his seventh birthday, which everyone forgets. The connection between the boy, the future general, and the president was done rather nicely.
April 3, 2023
Featured in a grandma reads session. . . .
George Washington's Birthday, A Mostly True Tale presented a time and a place long gone, and conditions barely understood by humans of 2023. . . .so a change of context and expectations was needed and provided by the author and illustrator of this amusing and educational story around the boyhood of he who would become our first American president, on the occasion of his sixth birthday. I'm speaking, of course, of George himself.
We enjoyed this picture book heartily - even the teens - in that there was, throughout the narrative, facts on every page about Himself.
FACT: George cared a lot about he weather, and later in life recorded temperatures in his diary everyday.
From his preferences to his clothes to his familial relationships, and thoroughly enjoying the discovery of his list of 110 Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior** we give this book 5 stars Anxiously Engaged in Gainful Occupation.
** https://www.npr.org/2003/05/11/1248919/george-washingtons-rules-of-civility
George Washington's Birthday, A Mostly True Tale presented a time and a place long gone, and conditions barely understood by humans of 2023. . . .so a change of context and expectations was needed and provided by the author and illustrator of this amusing and educational story around the boyhood of he who would become our first American president, on the occasion of his sixth birthday. I'm speaking, of course, of George himself.
We enjoyed this picture book heartily - even the teens - in that there was, throughout the narrative, facts on every page about Himself.
FACT: George cared a lot about he weather, and later in life recorded temperatures in his diary everyday.
From his preferences to his clothes to his familial relationships, and thoroughly enjoying the discovery of his list of 110 Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior** we give this book 5 stars Anxiously Engaged in Gainful Occupation.
** https://www.npr.org/2003/05/11/1248919/george-washingtons-rules-of-civility
February 12, 2019
I found it interesting that George Washington's Birthday was actually on February 11th, instead of February 22nd. The colonies were still under the Julian Calendar, but in 1752 the Pope Gregory's "Gregorian calendar" was adopted by Europe and all of Europe's colony systems including the colonies in North America. The new calendar was 1 year and 11 days earlier.
April 11, 2020
I normally don't like fiction books written on Presidents, but I did like this one. The book states in the title that some tales told could be false. Not only that but within the text, the author tells you what is factual and what is a myth. I loved the originality of that.
Then it closes with George's 7th birthday. A cute little party. The illustrations are adorable.
Then it closes with George's 7th birthday. A cute little party. The illustrations are adorable.
January 27, 2021
This is a great book for President's day weekend. I love the little factoids and mythtoids - in the boxes. It is hard for kids to imagine what life was like 200+ years ago. One thing that kids could relate to today was that back then there were no schools and students were learning at home or at the neighbors house - if they were learning at all.
February 6, 2022
I didn’t love that the story is fictional and that the author takes a whole page at the end “to set the facts straight.” I understand that it was a way to tell stories about his life all within one story, but I don’t think it was all that effective. I much preferred I am George Washington.
Story: 3
Illustrations: 3
Read-aloud: 3
Story: 3
Illustrations: 3
Read-aloud: 3
February 16, 2021
A fun introduction to the life and legends of the first President of the United States, George Washington. We really enjoyed reading this perfect book for the celebration of President's Day - the commemoration of George's Birthday.
January 15, 2020
This was fun to read with a little bit of sass.
October 13, 2020
A fun book with fun artwork. I liked the little "fact/myth" boxes.
March 2, 2018
The tale of George Washington and what he did on his birthday when he believed everyone forgot. I love the pictures that told the story as well.
Lexile Measure: AD72OL
DRA Level: 20
Six Traits: Ideas, Voice
Lexile Measure: AD72OL
DRA Level: 20
Six Traits: Ideas, Voice
April 27, 2013
I like to have strong feelings about a book, either positive or negative, when I review that book. George Washington's Birthday has been on my shelf for several months. I read it when I first received it and thought “meh.” Today I set out to write a review of the book. I’m still having the “meh” reaction.
The book is about George Washington's seventh birthday. No one in his family seems to know or care that it's his birthday. That's the plot for “Sixteen Candles,” the 1984 John Hughes film. It doesn't quite fit with a biography of the child who became one of the most skilled leaders in US history.
Perhaps Margaret McNamara wanted kids to be able to see themselves in Washington, and so she played up Washington's fear that his birthday had been forgotten, assuming this is a near-universal fear among children. First, there’s no indication that Washington actually thought his family would forget his birthday. Second, the logical extension of McNamara’s approach is that if you are afraid your family has forgotten your birthday you too could grow up to be president of the United States. The premise doesn't hold.
Many of the pages have glimpses of Washington's future life as well as future myths about Washington's childhood. Margaret McNamara cleverly uses small boxes to separate fact from myth. Of course there’s the myth of Washington chopping down a cherry tree. There's also the myth of Washington throwing a rock across the Rappahannock River. Both of these myths are accompanied by a small “myth” box identifying the stories as untrue. The seven-year-old boy is interested in the weather outside, and a small box labeled “fact” explains that Washington was always interested in the weather.
George Washington was a powerful figure in US history. He was a strong and charismatic general, a skilled politician, and the first president of the United States. In this book he is a cute little boy who is afraid everyone has forgotten his birthday. I'd be more excited about the book if by reading it I got a sense of Washington's greatness.
The wonderfully whimsical illustrations are the only part of the book that moved me from “meh” to “wow.” The illustrations are humorous. They add a sweetness to the book and they bring the little boy to life. It's worth reading the book just to see the illustrations.
The book is about George Washington's seventh birthday. No one in his family seems to know or care that it's his birthday. That's the plot for “Sixteen Candles,” the 1984 John Hughes film. It doesn't quite fit with a biography of the child who became one of the most skilled leaders in US history.
Perhaps Margaret McNamara wanted kids to be able to see themselves in Washington, and so she played up Washington's fear that his birthday had been forgotten, assuming this is a near-universal fear among children. First, there’s no indication that Washington actually thought his family would forget his birthday. Second, the logical extension of McNamara’s approach is that if you are afraid your family has forgotten your birthday you too could grow up to be president of the United States. The premise doesn't hold.
Many of the pages have glimpses of Washington's future life as well as future myths about Washington's childhood. Margaret McNamara cleverly uses small boxes to separate fact from myth. Of course there’s the myth of Washington chopping down a cherry tree. There's also the myth of Washington throwing a rock across the Rappahannock River. Both of these myths are accompanied by a small “myth” box identifying the stories as untrue. The seven-year-old boy is interested in the weather outside, and a small box labeled “fact” explains that Washington was always interested in the weather.
George Washington was a powerful figure in US history. He was a strong and charismatic general, a skilled politician, and the first president of the United States. In this book he is a cute little boy who is afraid everyone has forgotten his birthday. I'd be more excited about the book if by reading it I got a sense of Washington's greatness.
The wonderfully whimsical illustrations are the only part of the book that moved me from “meh” to “wow.” The illustrations are humorous. They add a sweetness to the book and they bring the little boy to life. It's worth reading the book just to see the illustrations.
January 7, 2012
This fictional biography is a lovely addition to the books that I will be sharing with my children's literature course.
The text of the very first pages invites readers of all ages to connect with this giant of an American historical figure with the sentence, "When George Washing went to sleep Friday night, he was six years old. When he woke up on Saturday he was seven."
The whimsical water color and pen illustrations by Barry Blitt and include subtle references iconic Washington items throughout. A highlight is the wordless double-page spread in the middle of the book showing the well-known tree chopping myth about Washington.
True facts about Washington are included on most pages in small, unobtrusive text-boxes. I especially appreciate the way that they clarify myth, reality, and fiction. This a key feature of the book that makes it a great example of the genre. The note at the end told in first-person by Washington about truth and fiction make this a great book for teachers to use with students from elementary and middle school.
The text of the very first pages invites readers of all ages to connect with this giant of an American historical figure with the sentence, "When George Washing went to sleep Friday night, he was six years old. When he woke up on Saturday he was seven."
The whimsical water color and pen illustrations by Barry Blitt and include subtle references iconic Washington items throughout. A highlight is the wordless double-page spread in the middle of the book showing the well-known tree chopping myth about Washington.
True facts about Washington are included on most pages in small, unobtrusive text-boxes. I especially appreciate the way that they clarify myth, reality, and fiction. This a key feature of the book that makes it a great example of the genre. The note at the end told in first-person by Washington about truth and fiction make this a great book for teachers to use with students from elementary and middle school.
April 28, 2012
In this charmingly illustrated picture book, Margaret McNamara describes George Washington's fictional 7th birthday. The multigenre text includes an obviously (to adults) fictionalized account of the day along with fact boxes to clear up what really happened.
This would be a great text to use to introduce children to the idea of historical fiction and reality versus story/legend. Ultimately, I don't care for it because it reinforces so many commonly held misconceptions about Washington. He didn't cut down a cherry tree, he didn't live in a huge house growing up. I was also bothered by some other ideas that were introduced -- colonial children didn't celebrate their birthdays with parties and young George did not wear a wig.
This is not a great first choice for school libraries and I recommend using it as a teaching tool only with great care. But that's just my two (very picky) cents on this particular historical fiction picture book.
This would be a great text to use to introduce children to the idea of historical fiction and reality versus story/legend. Ultimately, I don't care for it because it reinforces so many commonly held misconceptions about Washington. He didn't cut down a cherry tree, he didn't live in a huge house growing up. I was also bothered by some other ideas that were introduced -- colonial children didn't celebrate their birthdays with parties and young George did not wear a wig.
This is not a great first choice for school libraries and I recommend using it as a teaching tool only with great care. But that's just my two (very picky) cents on this particular historical fiction picture book.
November 5, 2014
This book is an interesting combination of a fictional story about George Washington on his 7th birthday, and facts about the man and his life. McNamara has combined factual information with myths from George Washington's life and presented them all in the course of this one day. For example, she shows what kind of student he was, as well as including the cherry tree chopping myth. The illustrations fit the story well in their style, but aren't compelling to young readers.
As an adult reader, I understood that she was combining a wide variety of George Washington stories, from different times in his life, into one story. I think this might be confusing and uninteresting to young readers. There is a note from "George" at the end of the book which explains how everything is tied together and its significance. I did learn many new and interesting facts about the President!
Overall, I don't think this book will have a very high interest level with its intended audience.
As an adult reader, I understood that she was combining a wide variety of George Washington stories, from different times in his life, into one story. I think this might be confusing and uninteresting to young readers. There is a note from "George" at the end of the book which explains how everything is tied together and its significance. I did learn many new and interesting facts about the President!
Overall, I don't think this book will have a very high interest level with its intended audience.
March 22, 2015
There are a LOT of myths out there about George Washington! Let's go back to when he was just a 7-year-old boy, it's his birthday and we are about to debunk some of these myths!
What a fun book about a guy who usually seems to be kind of boring!
The illustrations are quite funny--what 7-year-old wore a white, powdered wig?!
The story of George's birthday is told in the context of everyone forgetting that it's his special day. What makes it really fun and informative is the little FACT callout boxes that debunk the assumptions and myths we all have about what his life was like.
The best backstory is the one about George chopping down the cherry tree and the lie. Love the way the author wove this into the story about everyone forgetting his birthday.
What a wonderful book to ignite some interest in history in a very unique way--much better for elementary students than a traditional fact-filled textbook.
What a fun book about a guy who usually seems to be kind of boring!
The illustrations are quite funny--what 7-year-old wore a white, powdered wig?!
The story of George's birthday is told in the context of everyone forgetting that it's his special day. What makes it really fun and informative is the little FACT callout boxes that debunk the assumptions and myths we all have about what his life was like.
The best backstory is the one about George chopping down the cherry tree and the lie. Love the way the author wove this into the story about everyone forgetting his birthday.
What a wonderful book to ignite some interest in history in a very unique way--much better for elementary students than a traditional fact-filled textbook.
August 29, 2012
Young George Washington is excited to turn 7, but his family is so busy that it seems they don't even notice. Will anyone ever remember George Washington's birthday?
This is a cute story, and a perfect introduction to George Washington. What I really admire about this book is that it is self-conscious: text boxes and a follow-up note help the reader differentiate the "facts" from the "fiction." Share this book in the classroom around Presidents' Day, and engage young readers in a discussion about symbolism and characterization by asking them why the author would incorporate myths into a seemingly factual story. Teaching children to analyze this book will help them understand the importance of approaching every text with an open and questioning mind.
This is a cute story, and a perfect introduction to George Washington. What I really admire about this book is that it is self-conscious: text boxes and a follow-up note help the reader differentiate the "facts" from the "fiction." Share this book in the classroom around Presidents' Day, and engage young readers in a discussion about symbolism and characterization by asking them why the author would incorporate myths into a seemingly factual story. Teaching children to analyze this book will help them understand the importance of approaching every text with an open and questioning mind.
June 29, 2013
I'd love to study this book alongside JOHN, PAUL, GEORGE, AND BEN to talk about historical legends. This book has one of the best Historical Notes at the end that I've read in a while, told from George Washington's point of view. Each spread includes a FACT box telling what parts of the story are pulled from historical documents.
I support independent bookstores. You can use this link to find one near you or order GEORGE WASHINGTON'S BIRTHDAY on IndieBound: http://www.indiebound.org/book/978037...
I support independent bookstores. You can use this link to find one near you or order GEORGE WASHINGTON'S BIRTHDAY on IndieBound: http://www.indiebound.org/book/978037...
August 29, 2011
Oh how I miss The 39 Apartments of Ludwig Van Beethoven! Blitt's illustrations brought back my emotional attachement to the book in an instant.
This is no replacement, but it's certainly a welcome book. An interesting combination of fact and fiction. Should be good for schools, classrooms and one that helps bring down-to-earth Presidental birthdays.
Pair with Lane Smith's John, Paul, George and Ben and Anne Rockwell's President's Day for a winning trio.
This is no replacement, but it's certainly a welcome book. An interesting combination of fact and fiction. Should be good for schools, classrooms and one that helps bring down-to-earth Presidental birthdays.
Pair with Lane Smith's John, Paul, George and Ben and Anne Rockwell's President's Day for a winning trio.
July 21, 2014
The inside cover said this book is for ages 4 - 8. Most pages have a little side note saying if something is a fact or a myth. The end of the book has a page written as if George wrote it. It gave more information about his life. It also had a list of things he said like: Think before you speak. When you sit down, keep your feet firm and even; keep your nails clean and short; etc. He really did write a list that he called "110 Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior".
February 10, 2013
Hmmm. Other people liked this more than I did.
Just sort of confusing. Why write a picture book that mixes so much fact and fiction? Kids will get confused. Is it true or is it not?
Not a fan of the illustration style, either.
That said ... I did not know that G.W. wrote a list of things he needed to remember to be a gentleman. Or that he didn't have much in the way of formal schooling ... mostly just his older half-brother.
Just sort of confusing. Why write a picture book that mixes so much fact and fiction? Kids will get confused. Is it true or is it not?
Not a fan of the illustration style, either.
That said ... I did not know that G.W. wrote a list of things he needed to remember to be a gentleman. Or that he didn't have much in the way of formal schooling ... mostly just his older half-brother.
October 21, 2013
This cute introduction to the early life of George Washington is a great addition to any picture book collection on Presidents. The book is mostly true, but there are wonderful inserts on each page that give true facts about George Washington, and how some of the legends surrounding him came to be. The watercolor's used to create these caricature style illustrations are engaging and students will find them inviting.
December 7, 2014
This book was a fun look at a young version of Washington. The book tell of many tales we all know of Washington, such as him chopping down the apple tree. The simple narrative of the book makes it easy to read for those at a young age. The illustrations in the book were terrific. There was so much going on in every page. This is a great book to use as a start to learning about our first president.
January 22, 2012
I thought this was a very good picture book that I can easily see reading and using in the library. This will definitely one to get! I liked the illustrations, the cute and funny story. I liked all the facts and the bio at the end as well. A very nice picture book that is both fun and informational. Hard to do!
March 8, 2012
This book is fiction, but has some non-fiction qualities. It tells a story about a 7 year old George Washington and talks about facts,myths and rumors about G.W.'s life. I think it could still be used for a report for a upper elementary student. The last page of the book is the 'truth' about G.W. as if G.W. was telling it. Very interesting!
August 16, 2012
This story addresses some facts and myths about George. The story takes place on George's 7th birthday, but the facts and myths come throughout his life (the title does state that it is a mostly true tale). Teachers could use this book around President's Day or when teaching about George Washington and the Revolutionary War.
February 13, 2013
This was a great way to introduce facts about George Washington, while still allowing your students to find enjoyment through the story like feel. I would use this in the classroom for a social studies lesson. The only draw back is it was lengthy, and there was a lot of text! It was still worth reading and using in the classroom.
December 14, 2015
I enjoyed reading this hybrid book! The storyline was creative and I enjoyed the factual information along the way. This book could be used when learning about the presidents, and more specifically George Washington. It would provide a funny read to go alongside the more content-based books about George Washington.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews