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Looking at Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln is one of the first giants of history children are introduced to, and now Maira Kalman brings him to life with her trademark style and enthusiasm. Lincoln's legacy is everywhere - there he is on your penny and five-dollar bill. And we are still the United States because Lincoln helped hold them together. But who was he, really? The little girl in this book wants to find out. Among the many other things, she discovers our sixteenth president was a man who believed in freedom for all, had a dog named Fido, loved Mozart, apples, and his wife's vanilla cake, and kept his notes in his hat. From his boyhood in a log cabin to his famous presidency and untimely death, Kalman shares Lincoln's remarkable life with young readers in a fresh and exciting way.
32 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 5, 2012
9 people are currently reading
1015 people want to read
About the author
Maira Kalman
72 books704 followersMaira Kalman was born in Tel Aviv and moved to New York with her family at the age of four. She has worked as a designer, author, illustrator and artist for more than thirty years without formal training. Her work is a narrative journal of her life and all its absurdities. She has written and illustrated twelve children's books including Ooh-la-la- Max in Love, What Pete Ate, and Swami on Rye. She often illustrates for The New Yorker magazine, and is well known for her collaboration with Rick Meyerowitz on the NewYorkistan cover in 2001. Recent projects include The Elements of Style (illustrated), and a monthly on-line column entitled Principles of Uncertainty for The New York Times.
She lives in New York and walks a lot.
(http://www.saulgallery.com)
She lives in New York and walks a lot.
(http://www.saulgallery.com)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 320 reviews
March 9, 2012
I'm a total sucker for Maira Kalman. Here she weaves poignant intimacy into a seemingly exhausted topic: the life of Abraham Lincoln. Painted still-life examinations coupled with her signature, handwritten thoughts allow the reader to stop for a moment, and wonder with the author: "He wrote many notes and stuffed them inside his hat. What was he thinking about?" "I wonder if Mary and Abraham had nicknames for each other. Did she call him Linky? Did he call her Little Plumpy? Maybe." Consideration of the Civil War offers the reader precious moments of empathy for people long gone. A painting of a museum's civil war uniform (a gray suit) shows the bullet hole and missing button, right over where the soldier's heart would be. With similar elegance, her prose simply describes her observations, finishing the page's thoughts as she might have in turning from the display: "Terrible things happen in a war." Kalman's voice and artwork is truly inspiring to young learners. She models so effortlessly the joy of curiosity, of observation, of learning not in fulfillment of a biography paper, but because it's just what we do. We look and wonder.
September 10, 2012
What I especially love about this book is how accessible the account is for kids learning about Lincoln and his time in history. It certainly makes history and the man come alive.
I usually have problems with books such as this, one that mixes non-fiction with speculation/fiction, but I was okay with the way it was done here.
I really enjoyed the illustrations. They’re also very accessible and greatly enhance the text, and their appearance changes to match what is going on in the account.
I did learn a few things about Lincoln, and they’re things I’d have also been interested in as a child.
Lincoln’s assassination, Civil War details, and slavery are covered, as they should be. That’s the only caveat for young children. This book is fine for all ages, as long as children are old enough to hear/read about these things.
3 ½ stars; I’ll round up because I think it is successful at what it aims to do.
I usually have problems with books such as this, one that mixes non-fiction with speculation/fiction, but I was okay with the way it was done here.
I really enjoyed the illustrations. They’re also very accessible and greatly enhance the text, and their appearance changes to match what is going on in the account.
I did learn a few things about Lincoln, and they’re things I’d have also been interested in as a child.
Lincoln’s assassination, Civil War details, and slavery are covered, as they should be. That’s the only caveat for young children. This book is fine for all ages, as long as children are old enough to hear/read about these things.
3 ½ stars; I’ll round up because I think it is successful at what it aims to do.
March 8, 2012
Kalman has given us a beautifully simple introduction to our 16th President (and my personal Presidential hero) that focuses on who he was as a person as much as the important events of his time in office. She tells us that he loved vanilla cake best but sometimes he was so busy thinking he would forget to eat. She tells us he was seven feet tall when he wore his stovepipe hat, and that he stuffed the inside of his hat with notes and notes and more notes. She tells us he loved his dog, Fido, music (especially Mozart), and apples of all kinds. She tells us how he felt about slavery: "If slavery is not wrong, nothing is wrong." And she tells us that in spite of the assassin's bullet that pierced his brain, Abraham Lincoln will live forever in our hearts.
The last lines of the book are hauntingly beautiful:
...And if you go to Washington D.C. in the spring you can walk through the cherry blossoms and visit him. At his memorial you can read the words he wrote near the end of the war.
"...with malice toward none, with charity for all."
And you can look into his beautiful eyes.
Just look.
I wish I had the chance to look into his eyes. I wish....
The last lines of the book are hauntingly beautiful:
...And if you go to Washington D.C. in the spring you can walk through the cherry blossoms and visit him. At his memorial you can read the words he wrote near the end of the war.
"...with malice toward none, with charity for all."
And you can look into his beautiful eyes.
Just look.
I wish I had the chance to look into his eyes. I wish....
April 20, 2013
What a fantastic book!
I love Lincoln, and this book captures what he stood for in a beautiful way. The young girl's fascination with him personalizes this biography.
The pictures are vivid, and even the font adds to the greatness of the book.
This book is on the Texas Bluebonnet List for next year, and I hope the kids like it as much as I do.
And I hope they'll follow the narrator's urging and really look at him....and this book is a terrific start.
I love Lincoln, and this book captures what he stood for in a beautiful way. The young girl's fascination with him personalizes this biography.
The pictures are vivid, and even the font adds to the greatness of the book.
This book is on the Texas Bluebonnet List for next year, and I hope the kids like it as much as I do.
And I hope they'll follow the narrator's urging and really look at him....and this book is a terrific start.
May 10, 2012
It is rare that settling a coffee shop tab is the jumping off point for a biographical sketch, but then Maria Kalman’s work rarely takes us where we expect to go. Looking at Lincoln deftly integrates Kalman’s admiration for Lincoln with research prompted by a realization she has passed a man in the park that looked just like him. The book begins with handwritten personal reflections, in a large font accessible to young readers. Once Kalman has visited the library, facts are rendered in simple typeface. The marriage of the two, facts and idiosyncratic rumination, leaven the portrait, making it both personal and economical. We are told, “[Lincoln] was lucky. His stepmother loved him like crazy and he adored her.” Within the brief format Kalman accomplishes miracles: introducing readers to Sojourner Truth and Frederick Douglas, discussing the origins and tragic costs of the civil war, and shepherding us through Lincoln’s assassination. Kalman’s naïve and graphically strong gouaches in saturated colors match the spirit of this loving, inspiring tribute. The straightforward affection make the volume perfect for younger grades and storytime; the quirky charm will spark the interest of older readers. Notes of additional historical facts and a list of sources are included.
June 24, 2012
There were three, maybe four splendid illustrations in this book. All of them are good and one of them is absolutely breathtaking. The text is warm, informative without being smarmy or stupid- a sin so many nonfiction picture books commit. I'm glad I read it.
July 22, 2025
It’s important to reread books. We didn’t even remember this one. Lovely and loved the illustrations. I read this one tonight. 7/21/2025)
May 25, 2017
3.5 out of 5
A well-researched yet very accessible and engaging (I would even call it eccentric) picturebook biography of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States.
However, although Maira Kalman's illustrations are colorful and bold, I am not a huge fan of her drawing style:
A well-researched yet very accessible and engaging (I would even call it eccentric) picturebook biography of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States.
However, although Maira Kalman's illustrations are colorful and bold, I am not a huge fan of her drawing style:
February 4, 2013
I've loved Maira Kalman's absurd style since Nancy bought Chicken Soup, Boots! back in the 90s.
Because this book is presented as a look at Lincoln's image and its saturation in popular culture, I find it a fine postmodern picturebook. Her trademark illustration style pays little homage to the photo realism we expect in informational text [Hi, Stacy!]. The framing and 'photo album' composition is consistent with the title--throughout the book I am looking in.
Free association and coincidence prompted the exploration, and these stayed with me throughout the story as she pieced her way toward a chronology. Kalman keeps the narrator's inquiring perspective and opinions front and center in the words. Some of the time junctures are abrupt ("He slept for two days. Then he woke up and grew up and decided to be a lawyer.") and others more smooth. Do these moments represent gaps in the available research, or did she just not feel like the intervening time was interesting?
Why do reviewers think the narrator is a little girl? She goes out by herself to coffee shops in the city and orders breakfast... She looks no smaller than other people in the illustrations... A simple assumption, but no clear evidence to say 'little girl', especially if you've seen Kalman's other books.
Kalman's use of unexpected colors is always a treat. In this book, pay close attention to the human skin. I was a bit disappointed that she abandoned this style for Frederick Douglass and Sojourner Truth. It must have been difficult for someone whose strength is irreverent color to deal with figures she reveres. But I felt like she let go of her art, and the genre tipped toward informational. Curious.
On a second reading, I laughed out loud at the irony of the first page--such a funny beginning!
Because this book is presented as a look at Lincoln's image and its saturation in popular culture, I find it a fine postmodern picturebook. Her trademark illustration style pays little homage to the photo realism we expect in informational text [Hi, Stacy!]. The framing and 'photo album' composition is consistent with the title--throughout the book I am looking in.
Free association and coincidence prompted the exploration, and these stayed with me throughout the story as she pieced her way toward a chronology. Kalman keeps the narrator's inquiring perspective and opinions front and center in the words. Some of the time junctures are abrupt ("He slept for two days. Then he woke up and grew up and decided to be a lawyer.") and others more smooth. Do these moments represent gaps in the available research, or did she just not feel like the intervening time was interesting?
Why do reviewers think the narrator is a little girl? She goes out by herself to coffee shops in the city and orders breakfast... She looks no smaller than other people in the illustrations... A simple assumption, but no clear evidence to say 'little girl', especially if you've seen Kalman's other books.
Kalman's use of unexpected colors is always a treat. In this book, pay close attention to the human skin. I was a bit disappointed that she abandoned this style for Frederick Douglass and Sojourner Truth. It must have been difficult for someone whose strength is irreverent color to deal with figures she reveres. But I felt like she let go of her art, and the genre tipped toward informational. Curious.
On a second reading, I laughed out loud at the irony of the first page--such a funny beginning!
March 5, 2016
Biography
Kalman, Maira. Looking at Lincoln. New York: Scholastic, 2012. Print.
The major subjects of the book are Abraham Lincoln, the Civil War, and presidency. The book touches on the ideas of curiosity, honesty, and freedom. The book is an unconventional biography of Abraham Lincoln that includes lesser known, unusual facts about the president and his family. It offers a fun, new way of learning about the 16th president of our country.
Discussion ideas could include discussing Abraham Lincoln’s life and how he was important to how our country was shaped. How did his character traits (honesty, curiosity, intelligence) make him a good president?
This book could be used as a way to study Abraham Lincoln as part of a unit on Famous Americans. Some ideas to use it in the classroom include reading the book and discussing some new things they have learned about this president. Students could make a “Character Portrait” by drawing a picture of Lincoln and then adding words that describe him around the portrait (ie courageous, bookish, lawyer, father). Students could also write a poem about Lincoln (he apparently enjoyed reading poetry). Students could write a “two words a line” poem in which they brainstorm adjectives and nouns that come to mind when thinking about Lincoln’s life. Students could also participate in a reader’s theater about Lincoln and the Civil War.
This book is appropriate for ages 7-10.
SLJ Best Children’s Books 2012, Nonfiction; Bulletin Blue Ribbon 2012, Nonfiction; 2012 Cybils Award Finalist, Nonfiction Picture Books; IRA Children’s Choices, Young Readers, 2013; NCSS Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People 2013, Biography
Kalman, Maira. Looking at Lincoln. New York: Scholastic, 2012. Print.
The major subjects of the book are Abraham Lincoln, the Civil War, and presidency. The book touches on the ideas of curiosity, honesty, and freedom. The book is an unconventional biography of Abraham Lincoln that includes lesser known, unusual facts about the president and his family. It offers a fun, new way of learning about the 16th president of our country.
Discussion ideas could include discussing Abraham Lincoln’s life and how he was important to how our country was shaped. How did his character traits (honesty, curiosity, intelligence) make him a good president?
This book could be used as a way to study Abraham Lincoln as part of a unit on Famous Americans. Some ideas to use it in the classroom include reading the book and discussing some new things they have learned about this president. Students could make a “Character Portrait” by drawing a picture of Lincoln and then adding words that describe him around the portrait (ie courageous, bookish, lawyer, father). Students could also write a poem about Lincoln (he apparently enjoyed reading poetry). Students could write a “two words a line” poem in which they brainstorm adjectives and nouns that come to mind when thinking about Lincoln’s life. Students could also participate in a reader’s theater about Lincoln and the Civil War.
This book is appropriate for ages 7-10.
SLJ Best Children’s Books 2012, Nonfiction; Bulletin Blue Ribbon 2012, Nonfiction; 2012 Cybils Award Finalist, Nonfiction Picture Books; IRA Children’s Choices, Young Readers, 2013; NCSS Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People 2013, Biography
April 23, 2012
From the endpapers with the Gettsyburg Address all the way through the book's concluding page at the Lincoln Memorial, this picture book is a treat and a visually appealing tribute to Abraham Lincoln, the nation's sixteenth president. It starts in an unusual way when the narrator happens to see a tall man who reminds her of someone. Later, after she uses a $5 bill with Lincoln's visage on it, she realizes the connection between the tall man who caught her eye and Lincoln. A visit to the library provides her with additional information, which she proceeds to reel off, starting with his birth in Kentucky in 1809. She covers some familiar territory, describing Abe's studying by the glow from the fireplace and his distaste for slavery, but she also provides lesser known facts about Abe, such as his fondness for vanilla cake, and his meetings with Sojourner Truth and Frederick Douglass. The notes provided at the story's conclusion add even more detail that explains the gouache illustrations, all of which show the author/illustrator's great admiration for this man who led the nation during one of its most difficult periods. I particularly liked how the facts are provided in a simple fashion without overwhelming the reader, and offering an excellent introduction to the life and times of Honest Abe. Readers are likely to be inspired to do more research to find out more about this man.
Read
August 3, 2013The life of Abraham Lincoln, through the wondering eyes of Maira Kalman.
"On the day he was elected I bet Mary made his favorite Vanilla Cake. But maybe he forgot to eat his slice. He was often to busy thinking to eat."
On the left-hand page, a big slice of cake; on the right, a top hat. So, from this we have a witty take on Mary and Lincoln's relationship, what they liked to eat, and the fact that Lincoln was a deeply meditative man — a point simply illustrated by "a very tall hat", that he stuffed with the many notes he wrote. And then Kalman segues into, "What was he thinking about?"
The book is full of essential facts about Lincoln, but they certainly don't "feel" like facts when they are presented simply as curious questions and straightforward answers. Kalman's words and pictures combined become especially powerful as they move towards the "terrible things that happen in a war" — illustrated by a jacket with a hole and a button missing over the heart, and then, a grave marker with only a number on it. The last few spreads, about the end of Lincoln's life, are so profoundly moving… you just have to see them for yourself.
"On the day he was elected I bet Mary made his favorite Vanilla Cake. But maybe he forgot to eat his slice. He was often to busy thinking to eat."
On the left-hand page, a big slice of cake; on the right, a top hat. So, from this we have a witty take on Mary and Lincoln's relationship, what they liked to eat, and the fact that Lincoln was a deeply meditative man — a point simply illustrated by "a very tall hat", that he stuffed with the many notes he wrote. And then Kalman segues into, "What was he thinking about?"
The book is full of essential facts about Lincoln, but they certainly don't "feel" like facts when they are presented simply as curious questions and straightforward answers. Kalman's words and pictures combined become especially powerful as they move towards the "terrible things that happen in a war" — illustrated by a jacket with a hole and a button missing over the heart, and then, a grave marker with only a number on it. The last few spreads, about the end of Lincoln's life, are so profoundly moving… you just have to see them for yourself.
February 8, 2013
Um...I'm not sure how this happened, but I found myself totally tearing up at the end of this book! I must be super emotional lately...
So, this is the story of Abraham Lincoln as told by a child who sees a man who looks like him one day in the park and decides to do some research. I kind of love that concept, of bringing the reader along for the ride while the narrator delves into history and gives her thoughts about what she's learning. The illustrations are perfect as well--bold and bright and full of color and life, and with enough details to draw you in, but never enough to overwhelm. They allow you to really focus on what the narrator is saying and start to feel what she is feeling. Er...that's how they worked on me, anyway.
I don't generally have much interest in American history (I know--as an American, shame on me!), so I was absolutely NOT excited about reading this and assumed it would bore me, which is why I pretty much left it for last on my Bluebonnet Award Nominees reading list (I'm a great procrastinator of things I don't want to do when I don't have to do them). But you know what they say about people who assume...
So, this is the story of Abraham Lincoln as told by a child who sees a man who looks like him one day in the park and decides to do some research. I kind of love that concept, of bringing the reader along for the ride while the narrator delves into history and gives her thoughts about what she's learning. The illustrations are perfect as well--bold and bright and full of color and life, and with enough details to draw you in, but never enough to overwhelm. They allow you to really focus on what the narrator is saying and start to feel what she is feeling. Er...that's how they worked on me, anyway.
I don't generally have much interest in American history (I know--as an American, shame on me!), so I was absolutely NOT excited about reading this and assumed it would bore me, which is why I pretty much left it for last on my Bluebonnet Award Nominees reading list (I'm a great procrastinator of things I don't want to do when I don't have to do them). But you know what they say about people who assume...
July 30, 2016
Abraham Lincoln is one of the first giants of history children are introduced to, and now Maira Kalman brings him to life with her trademark style and enthusiasm. Lincoln's legacy is everywhere - there he is on your penny and five-dollar bill. And we are still the United States because Lincoln helped hold them together. But who was he, really? The little girl in this book wants to find out. Among the many other things, she discovers our sixteenth president was a man who believed in freedom for all, had a dog named Fido, loved Mozart, apples, and his wife's vanilla cake, and kept his notes in his hat. From his boyhood in a log cabin to his famous presidency and untimely death, Kalman shares Lincoln's remarkable life with young readers in a fresh and exciting way.
Subjects
Lincoln, Abraham, 1809-1865 -- Juvenile literature.
Presidents -- United States -- Biography -- Juvenile literature
United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Juvenile literature
Subjects
Lincoln, Abraham, 1809-1865 -- Juvenile literature.
Presidents -- United States -- Biography -- Juvenile literature
United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Juvenile literature
May 20, 2012
This is a wonderful book that shows the things that one young girl learns about Abraham Lincoln. It is a biography wrapped inside a story, and we all learned a little something new about President Lincoln.
I like that the details shared include ones that children might be interested in, like the fact that he loved to eat an apple everyday, he loved listening to Mozart, and that his dog was named Fido. I am not a big fan of the illustrations, but I will admit that they give the impression of the wide-eyed wonder and observations of a child. In any case, it was a very entertaining read.
There are two pages of notes and sources that provide amplification on the information provided within the book and I thought the notes were very interesting. We really enjoyed reading this story together and our youngest daughter and I had fun remembering her recent first-grade field trip to Washington D.C. where we visited the Lincoln Memorial and had a scavenger hunt to find symbols of our nation.
I like that the details shared include ones that children might be interested in, like the fact that he loved to eat an apple everyday, he loved listening to Mozart, and that his dog was named Fido. I am not a big fan of the illustrations, but I will admit that they give the impression of the wide-eyed wonder and observations of a child. In any case, it was a very entertaining read.
There are two pages of notes and sources that provide amplification on the information provided within the book and I thought the notes were very interesting. We really enjoyed reading this story together and our youngest daughter and I had fun remembering her recent first-grade field trip to Washington D.C. where we visited the Lincoln Memorial and had a scavenger hunt to find symbols of our nation.
February 16, 2012
Looking at Lincoln, by Maira Kalman, is an amazing depiction of Abraham Lincoln with magnificent colored pictures and not only factual information, but the "thinking" about Lincoln by a small girl who is looking at his statue in the Lincoln Monument. As she "wonders" about Lincoln, some factual answers are provided. This was the first book that my not-so-much beginner ELL student wanted to read in English. History is powerful, and if it is told in this way, it is accessible to all students. I made the child a blank map of the United States, and the child kept track of the northern "ideas" and the southern "ideas." This book seamlessly tells about the "suffering" as an effect of war as well as what the Emancipation Proclamation is all about. I hope to see more books written like this one. More readings like this will prepare students for the "informative text" section of the new Common Core Standards.
December 19, 2013
I am now a fan of Maira Kalman. I read about this book in a recommended list in the newspaper. I was thoroughly charmed by the simple, elegant words and the totally appropriate, appealing artwork. A girl sees a man walking in the park, and he reminds her of someone. That someone is Abraham Lincoln. She decides to find out about Mr. Lincoln by going to the library (a girl after my own heart). Please note: she does not "google" him. Her explorations yield tantalizing factoids that are accompanied by equally tantalizing illustrations. I l*o*v*e*d it when she speculates whether Mr. and Mrs. Lincoln had nicknames for each other ("Did she call him Linky? Did he call her "Little Plumpy?" lololol!!). The author lists her notes after the story and do not skip them! They explain why she picked the factoids she did. And...her bibliography is excellent. I am buying a copy for us to add to our personal library. Simply...wonderful!
February 23, 2012
The author states that "there are over 16,000 books written about [Lincoln]," and I think this is a really good one for children to read. Written from a young girl's point of view, the book has just enough factual information to be informative for a child and the accompanying questions and comments would be of interest to children. I especially like the use of two typefaces, one for the facts and one for the wonderings and comments of the child. Illustrations are attractive and appealing too. I would like to give this book a rating of 5 stars, but I wouldn't describe it as amazing. I'd say, "I really liked it" and "It was top-notch."
July 20, 2015
This is a story of Kalman's inquiry into Lincoln. It's HER story, which begins with seeing a very tall, thin man on the street, and paying for coffee with… dollar bills (with Lincoln on it), then going to the library. It's a story of how inquiry into Lincoln started for her, so it s not one of these "objective" children's biographies. As an artist, she is obsessed with his look, as in truth much of the world has always been. But in her (library) research she also finds out lots of important and also quirky facts about him, rendered in her quirky and meandering style, with arresting colorful illustrations.
October 25, 2014
What an engaging book about such a familiar and iconic figure. The device of looking at him through the learning and impressions of the narrator works well. Kalman's illustrations and her color palette are an experience in themselves - some have the feel of Chagall, others Matisse or Gauguin, and one reminded me of a Cezanne still life. This isn't going to be a satisfying book for younger readers or for those who prefer a cleaner or Disneyesque style of illustration, but all this helps make it more experiential and real. Hats off to Kalman's and her subject!
December 28, 2015
This little biography of Lincoln is done with Maira Kalman's usual flair, and is a delight to read. I love how she paints with such care everyday things - Lincoln's hat for example. There is something so fresh about her style. I guess this is targeted for the kiddie set, but I poured over it, and learned something new to boot.
August 21, 2025
We revived this book as a gift to our homeschool library. As an admirer of Lincoln myself, and owner of several children’s books about Lincoln, I was curious as to what this one had to add.
This is actually written from the perspective of a little girl who decides to share with the reader what she has learned from all her readings on Lincoln. For a picture book, there’s a good deal of information about him and items told in a way they young children will understand and parents will appreciate. My favorite page goes like this:
“One day he was kicked in the head by a mule. He slept for two days. Then he woke up and grew up and decided to become a lawyer. (He did like to argue.)”
That text tells you so much about Lincoln with getting into the weeds adult books do. It made me laugh out loud. Seriously, it says so much, enough to pique interest to research on your own, and the rest of the book is the same way.
The illustrations are unique with several pages focusing on key people in Lincoln’s life. The excellent use of color allow readers to be sucked into the story and appreciate the surrounding art rather than seeing at as just another history-type book. A great gift and a great read!
This is actually written from the perspective of a little girl who decides to share with the reader what she has learned from all her readings on Lincoln. For a picture book, there’s a good deal of information about him and items told in a way they young children will understand and parents will appreciate. My favorite page goes like this:
“One day he was kicked in the head by a mule. He slept for two days. Then he woke up and grew up and decided to become a lawyer. (He did like to argue.)”
That text tells you so much about Lincoln with getting into the weeds adult books do. It made me laugh out loud. Seriously, it says so much, enough to pique interest to research on your own, and the rest of the book is the same way.
The illustrations are unique with several pages focusing on key people in Lincoln’s life. The excellent use of color allow readers to be sucked into the story and appreciate the surrounding art rather than seeing at as just another history-type book. A great gift and a great read!
December 2, 2019
Looking at Lincoln is a book about the life of Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln was born in a small cabin in Kentucky in 1809. He grew up loving to read. When he was older, he got kicked in the head by a mule. When he woke up from this, he decided he wanted to be a lawyer. This is when he got his nickname Honest Abe. Lincoln was married and had four sons. In 1861, Lincoln ran for president and won. The story explained how Lincoln loved his dog and apples and music. When it came to slavery, Lincoln was against it and eventually ended slavery and the Civil War. But one night, Lincoln was shot and killed at a play. The story continues to explain how his legacy continues and the many things we can learn from Abraham Lincoln. The illustrations in this book were very colorful and caught my eye. They immediately grab the readers attention on the cover page. This page is full of words and phrases that Lincoln is famous for saying in the Gettysburg Address. The illustrations were very child-like and I think would keep a young readers attention throughout the book.
March 31, 2018
I love the illustrations and the text is beautiful. I really love how the story is framed by a girl walking down a street, and seeing someone that looked like Lincoln which lead the girl to read about him. I love the handwritten words that are meant to represent what the girl is thinking. Everything is just so well done. I especially appreciate the fact that Lincoln’s assassination is not shown. I’ve read several children’s books about Lincoln and so many of them include an illustration (or several!) from his death and I’m tired of it. I thought the illustration of the chair he was shot in and the top hat laying next to it was pretty powerful. I love this book!!
Materials used: gouache
Typeface used: Zapatista
Materials used: gouache
Typeface used: Zapatista
May 11, 2019
I love the way Marie Kalman wanders into a story. A walk in the park sparks a memory - who does that man remind her of? Then a stop for delicious pancakes at a coffee shop connects the memory to her five dollar bill which has a picture of Lincoln. So off she goes to the library to learn more. (I love the way this introduces the way we learn. A question, an insight, then off to learn more all by ourselves.)
The illustrations are beautiful and the facts mixed with off handed speculations of pet names between Mary and Abe Lincoln and what should he buy his son for his birthday open you up to want to know more. A delightful introduction to Lincoln that should appeal to children and leave a pleasant taste for more.
The illustrations are beautiful and the facts mixed with off handed speculations of pet names between Mary and Abe Lincoln and what should he buy his son for his birthday open you up to want to know more. A delightful introduction to Lincoln that should appeal to children and leave a pleasant taste for more.
May 30, 2018
Looking at Lincoln tells a great story about his life that will keep children interested. The illustrations are very colorful and realistic you can visualize what is going to happen next. The text in the book makes you wonder what Maria Kalman was thinking as she changes the text and the text color throughout the book. Kalman also list her notes and sources at the end of the books. The book could be used by students who are in 1st to 5th grade. Teachers can have students pair up in groups divide the book in different parts and have students list important facts. Then put information together and combine it to make a paragraph or more about Lincoln life.
March 19, 2021
The artwork is good but childlike in is artistic style. The story/information was good until the end when the author stated that Abe Lincoln’s body was taken from the theater and “People carried him across the street to the home of a friend.” To my recollection, this was a boarding house and Lincoln had never met the owner/manager.
It is an okay basic introduction to Abe and his life but the misstatement about the friend bothers me so much that I find myself hoping this book will not win an award … and I opted to not buy it for my nephew.
It is an okay basic introduction to Abe and his life but the misstatement about the friend bothers me so much that I find myself hoping this book will not win an award … and I opted to not buy it for my nephew.
February 17, 2024
Beautiful as always from the genius hand of Kalman but emotionally reverberating w “But a great man is never really gone. Abraham Lincoln will love forever. And if you go to Washington DC in the spring you can walk through the cherry blossoms and visit him. At his memorial you can read the words he wrote near the end of the war: with malice toward none, with charity for all.” Reflective of our times today-it was hard going then as it is now but change must be made for it to someday get better. A reminder of how slow progress can be, infinite struggle throughout.
October 31, 2016
"Looking at Lincoln" is a Biography book by Maira Kalman. It is written at the third grade reading level. The book gives facts about Abraham Lincoln and also gives a child's perspective on those aspects of his life. It is a fun way to learn about Lincoln while not be bored by only facts. This story could be used in researching Abraham Lincoln for a writing assignment or for reader's theater. There is no content concerns for this book.
February 14, 2020
While on vacation in Washington, DC, I was moved by the majesty of the Lincoln Monument. This book helped remind me of the greatness of one humble man: a leader who believed in dignity and compassion, who strove to keep his country united in violent and troubling times.
Kalman is always a great author, but this is my favorite. Read it today to be reminded what our country can be when its leaders value the strength of the people and the hope of the real American Dream.
Kalman is always a great author, but this is my favorite. Read it today to be reminded what our country can be when its leaders value the strength of the people and the hope of the real American Dream.
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