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| Delightful children’s story highlights Abe Lincoln’s love of learning and respect for all people. |
History buff Robert Bloch has given children whole new perspective on the early life of one of America’s best known Presidents. ‘My Best Friend, Abe Lincoln’, looks at the early life of Abraham Lincoln (11-14 years old, 1820-1823) through the eyes of a fictional best friend, as he grows up in southwestern Indiana and changes from a young country boy with pants always too short to the sixteenth President of the United States!
I’m excited to be able to review ‘My Best Friend, Abe Lincoln’ for Outnumbered! I have to say that I love a good children’s book- and one that can combine history as well as an entertaining read is a true gem. It’s important to teach our kids about where we came from- how we got to where we are- and who the important people are in our history. Personally I feel that it is never too soon to talk about heroes of our society- and this book provides parents that opportunity. In our house, President Lincoln is one of those important people in history. His name is dear to my heart as we named one of the twins Lincoln after my grandfather.
The book ‘My Best Friend, Abe Lincoln’ is told from the point of view of Sam- the fictional best friend of Abe. It is an interesting perspective, one that can resonate with children and their own ‘best friends’. The story follows the relationship that the two shared in their early school years, up until the went their separate ways and Abe went on to become one of the most revered men in American history.
I really like where the author, Mr. Bloch, found his inspiration: “His inspiration for the book came in part from a family legacy. His great-great-grandfather, Jonas Wollman, a distinguished abolitionist who was one of fifty two Leavenworth, Kansas merchants and business people, who signed a letter asking Mr. Lincoln to come and visit Leavenworth, Kansas. Leavenworth became the site of Lincoln’s first campaign speech in December 1859. “
This story is something special to share with your children- and will hopefully spark some meaningful conversations regarding who Abe Lincoln was and what he stood for. As a former teacher- I can say that many children today are lacking in knowledge about who we are and where we came from- not to mention the people in history that got us here. I highly recommend this book for you and your children to share. Recommended ages are 5-8 years, however this story is great for any age with the beautiful illustrations by former Walt Disney Studios animation artist, John Ewing who is known for working on many Disney films including Winnie the Pooh and Jungle Book.
About the author:
Robert L. Bloch has worked at the H&R Block Foundation since 1989. His passions are Art History and American History. Bob graduated from Menlo College in Menlo Park, California, (1974) and the University of Missouri at Kansas City (1979). He lives in Mission Hills, Kansas, and has four sons and a wonderful wife.
About the Illustrator : John Ewing attended Chouinard Art School in Los Angeles before joining the team at Walt Disney Studios in Burbank. In his eleven years there, he worked on many projects, including Winnie the Pooh and The Jungle Book. In addition to John’s illustration work with Dragonpencil, he is also an art professor and an avid flight enthusiast.
List $13.95
Hardcover $13.95 (32pp)
ISBN 978-1-60131-074-3
Published by Big Tent Books
Official date of publication is June 1, 2011
Available in bookstores online and wherever books are sold. I found it at Amazon for $9.77. For more information visit this interactive website: http://www.mybestfriendabelincoln.com/
I received a sample for the purpose of reviewing. Opinions expressed are my own or my families and are not influenced by any form of compensation. Take it or leave it. Click here to view my full acknowledgment policy.
