Renowned artist Maira Kalman sheds light on the fascinating life and interests of the Renaissance man who was our third president.
Thomas Jefferson is perhaps best known for writing the Declaration of Independence—but there’s so much more to discover. This energetic man was interested in everything. He played violin, spoke seven languages and was a scientist, naturalist, botanist, mathematician and architect. He designed his magnificent home, Monticello, which is full of objects he collected from around the world. Our first foodie, he grew over fifteen kinds of peas and advocated a mostly vegetarian diet. And oh yes, as our third president, he doubled the size of the United States and sent Lewis and Clark to explore it. He also started the Library of Congress and said, “I cannot live without books.” But monumental figures can have monumental flaws, and Jefferson was no exception. Although he called slavery an “abomination,” he owned about 150 slaves.
As she did in Looking at Lincoln, Maira Kalman shares a president’s remarkable, complicated life with young readers, making history come alive with her captivating text and stunning illustrations.
Customer Reviews
Most helpful customer reviews
12 of 13 people found the following review helpful.
"FASCINATING, INTERESTING, CAPTIVATING, AND EDUCATIONAL!"
By Geraldine Ahearn
Maira Kalman delivers a fascinating book for young readers as she highlights the life of Thomas Jefferson, and historical events. The author presents interesting information about the third President of the U.S. and other important historical figures as she described what a strong leader Jefferson was, and all that he believed in.Marira Kalman teaches young readers about Jefferson's true definition of life, liberty, and the pursuit of everything. The author includes dates of historical events, the love Jefferson had for music and flowers, and how much he enjoyed to read. In addition, the reader learns about Jefferson's collections, his vegetable garden, and what he taught his daughter.The author also sheds light on John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and George Washington as Maira Kalman points out that they all shared one thing in common, as she discusses how much they all believed in freedom. This book is educational, interesting, and inspiring. The colorful illustrations compliment the story, as the reader learns fascinating historical events. Highly recommended for young readers, teachers, and parents!
6 of 7 people found the following review helpful.Wonderful and appropriate book for children
By chs
Excellent book for kids. Knowledgeable about Jefferson. Deft and sensitive handling of the slavery issue and the historical and scientific evidence to date (that must be weighed together) on the Hemings question.
2 of 3 people found the following review helpful.
He plays the violin
By wogan
Thomas Jefferson was truly a renaissance man and this book describes the many things he was interested in. It also mentions his flaws - his slaves.The illustrations are colour and in an almost American primitive style. Many details are omitted concerning his life. In a short book they obviously could not all be included; but one wonders why, in a book that strives to be factual they have to make statement such as Jefferson had 20 freckles or why a snide statement such as Meriwether Clark had a pointy nose are made.Some words are defined, such as plantation and there is a note section in the back that gives information on some of the historical figures and places mentioned.This is an interesting book that does give lots of specific details about Thomas Jefferson.
