CCBC Booklists

CCBC Review:

A picture book history explores fact versus fiction is a cleverly entertaining lesson in not believing everything you read. Margaret McNamara’s playful, imagined day-in-the life on George Washington’s seventh birthday offers up a series of contrasting facts and myths, including the famous—and fictional—chopping down of the cherry tree incident. For every myth or inaccuracy intentionally referenced in the main narrative, McNamara provides a “fact” box pointing out the truth, including clarification on Washington’s adult life. So when young Washington’s father tells him to powder his wig, the boxed fact explains that Washington never wore a wig as either child or adult. But he did powder his hair. As for Washington crossing the Delaware? After young George crosses an icy creek he declares that he never wants to do anything like that again. In the fact box, readers learn that General Washington’s crossing of the Delaware was not a single trip, but comprised of multiple crossings as he went back and forth as the Revolutionary Army prepared for what became a key battle in the war. Barry Blitt’s illustrations are a blend of period detail and whimsy perfectly matched to McNamara’s story. ©2012 Cooperative Children's Book Center

Illustrated by Barry Blitt

CCBC Age Recommendation: Ages 6-10
Age Range: PreK-Early Elementary (Ages 4-7) Grades 3-5 (Ages 8-10)
Format: Picture book
Subjects: 18th Century Historical Fiction Humor Presidents Rumor, Myth and Misinformation

On CCBC Booklist: Between Fact and Fiction: Selected Picture Books to Encourage Critical Reading/Thinking  

Publisher: Schwartz & Wade
Publish Year: 2012
Pages: 32
ISBN: 9780375844997
CCBC Location: Picture Book, McNamara

Add To My List