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book_concierge's review
4.0
This Caldecott-winner is a biography for young children. There is a fair amount of text, but also many detailed illustrations. It follows Lincoln from his birth to the end of the Civil War, though it does not mention his assassination.
I like the focus on his early life; he is shown to have a strong work ethic and a great desire to learn. There are several scenes depicting his efforts to get educated, including reading on his own. He is depicted as a man of strong moral courage, as well as a loving father. If I have any complaint, it is the depiction of the Blacks and Indians. I understand that this was first published in 1939, but I cringed at those illustrations.
The d’Aulaires were immigrants to America, and when the book was written the world was anxiously watching the events in Germany that would lead to a world war. They may have erred on the side of hero-worship in their portrayal of Lincoln, but I like that they portrayed a man willing to stand up against injustice.
All told, it’s a fine introduction to American history and particularly to the life of possibly the best President this nation has ever had.
I like the focus on his early life; he is shown to have a strong work ethic and a great desire to learn. There are several scenes depicting his efforts to get educated, including reading on his own. He is depicted as a man of strong moral courage, as well as a loving father. If I have any complaint, it is the depiction of the Blacks and Indians. I understand that this was first published in 1939, but I cringed at those illustrations.
The d’Aulaires were immigrants to America, and when the book was written the world was anxiously watching the events in Germany that would lead to a world war. They may have erred on the side of hero-worship in their portrayal of Lincoln, but I like that they portrayed a man willing to stand up against injustice.
All told, it’s a fine introduction to American history and particularly to the life of possibly the best President this nation has ever had.
cathyolibrarian's review
4.0
In reading Caldecott books, this is the first year (1940) that I have been really impressed with the illustrations, as well as the stories. This book beat out Madeline (an honor book in 1940), and I can see where that happened. This book is much more text heavy, which fits with earlier winners of the medal.
kitsuneheart's review
3.0
For it's printing in 1939, this was an okay book, I think. It certainly supports that "anyone can become president" ideal we really need to return to. The book focuses about half of its pages on Lincoln pre-presidency, and most of those speak of Lincoln's desire to read and learn, which is a good message for kids. The rest, his presidency, shows the deep conflicts surrounding the Civil War, and Lincoln's efforts to avoid fighting while also freeing the slaves. I imagine that makes the book a bit less-than-loved in the South....
The art is...okay. It deserved its 1930s Caldecott win, with it's full-page, multi-color illustrations, but in the modern day, it's very awkward and bland. Not something that would even be in the running now.
Overall, I'd say this only really has a place in an academic library, and one for Library Sciences. It's not really going to be appreciated by most modern audiences, and, by now, there are plenty of better biographies of Lincoln to show your kids. Though if you can find a copy, by all means, buy it. You might be making a good find for sale to a rare book dealer.
The art is...okay. It deserved its 1930s Caldecott win, with it's full-page, multi-color illustrations, but in the modern day, it's very awkward and bland. Not something that would even be in the running now.
Overall, I'd say this only really has a place in an academic library, and one for Library Sciences. It's not really going to be appreciated by most modern audiences, and, by now, there are plenty of better biographies of Lincoln to show your kids. Though if you can find a copy, by all means, buy it. You might be making a good find for sale to a rare book dealer.
wintermote's review
adventurous
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
3.5
I think this was a very interesting retelling of a lot of the mythology around Abraham Lincoln. I think some of what was being presented as fact has maybe been better researched, and proven as more than mythology. The illustrations are beautiful as benefits, a Newberry award-winning book. Obviously for an 80+ year old book some of the language is dated, particularly referring to enslaved peoples, though it did emphasize some of the horrors of family separation that was a result of slavery in America. But it also reduced the Civil War to the single issue of slavery, which was a bit more complex in that. I recognize that this is a children’s book, but there could’ve been some other simple language, noting that it was more complex and/or Abraham Lincoln did not agree to lead the country into war, simply to free the slaves.
cstoeger's review
Color must have been very expensive when this book was written. The pictures are made with pencil, with every other set of pages in color. The color pictures are almost given more attention to the reader, because of how the picture tends to blur together in black and white.
motherteresareads's review
5.0
All of the D'Aulaire biographies are so well done. This one is my favorite.
crystal_reading's review
2.0
1940 Caldecott Winner
I think it was okay. I found it a bit dull overall. I also think that his death needed to be there and they avoided it entirely. The book showed him in only a good light. I understand they were trying to make it appropriate for young children, but the guy had to have flaws too. It seemed he was almost a larger than life hero if this book is the only one you read.
I think it was okay. I found it a bit dull overall. I also think that his death needed to be there and they avoided it entirely. The book showed him in only a good light. I understand they were trying to make it appropriate for young children, but the guy had to have flaws too. It seemed he was almost a larger than life hero if this book is the only one you read.
hldillon's review
3.0
Caldecott award winner - biography of Abraham Lincoln: where he grew up, went to school, and how he got started in politics.