From School Library Journal Kindergarten-Grade 4—Known for her "beauty, her stunning gowns, and her delightful banquets," Dolley Madison first served as the premier Washington, DC, hostess while her husband, James Madison, was secretary of state under Thomas Jefferson because the president was a widower. She continued to throw "wonderful dinner parties" during her husband's subsequent eight-year presidency. While First Lady, she redecorated the President's Mansion, ensuring that Gilbert Stuart's portrait of George Washington was prominently displayed. However, it was during the War of 1812 that she earned the gratitude of her nation when, despite the fact that the 100 soldiers assigned to protect the mansion ran off, she bravely remained behind to make sure that the painting as well as important government documents were saved from otherwise certain destruction by British forces. Pen and ink and watercolors effectively depict the simplicity and roughness of Colonial life and convey with humor the spirit of the time and characters; however, the facial features are for the most part bland. An author's note provides additional information about Stuart and Dolley Madison. Readers will enjoy this exciting picture-book biography of an important First Lady.—Kirsten Cutler, Sonoma County Library, CA Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Read more From Booklist *Starred Review* Brown has made something of a cottage industry providing children with lively biographies of figures as diverse as Mary Anning and Neil Armstrong. Here he focuses on Dolley Madison, who grew up as a simple farm girl, married James Madison, and later became a hostess for widower Thomas Jefferson. Dashing line-and-watercolor artwork captures the flair of the woman who had a smile and a pleasant word for everybody, but who shows her mettle in 1814, when the British attack the White House. The soldiers guarding the house flee, but Dolley refuses to leave until a valuable painting of George Washington is saved with the help of other citizens. Although Brown might have used this high point to end the book, to his credit, he extends the text, showing the anger and fear of the populace as the battle rages. A powerful spread shows women shaking their fists at Dolley, a surrogate for the president, on whom they blame the war. A last page shows Dolley surrounded by cameos of the first 11 presidents, all of whom Dolley knew, while an author's note gives more information about her. A sure-handed wedding of text and art that brings history to life. A brief bibliography is appended. Cooper, Ilene Read more See all Editorial Reviews
B**V
Granddaughters love it!
Because there seems to be so little written in short form for children regarding First Ladies, I was particularly happy with this book. The pictures are a little quirky but I think that type of humor added to my granddaughter's interest in the story line. The story reveals human nature in people during war and peacetime. For instance, the people love Dolly before the War of 1812 but are shown as turning on her because her husband had their family members engaged in another war. It shows the disadvantage of being the wife of a President as well as the joys ~ which I believe is very wise. I highly recommend this book. My grandchildren are 4 and 6. Had one of them not been so interested in George Washington, I don't know if I'd have thought to check it out from the library. But, after seeing how wonderful it was, I purchased it because she loved the story so much. (I'm not brianmdv. I'm his wife.)
K**S
Good for young school-aged kids
Fun little book about Dolley and her saving the portrait. Not 100% historically accurate but only in a minor way. Pretty artwork. Appropriate for early elementary. Would have liked more detail about her but still a pretty good book.
D**S
Great book for kids
This was read for a book report good informationPerfect for a second grader gave us all the information we needed!
D**R
Dolley Madison, the hostess with the mostest, was not just a simple farm girl, she was a national hero!
Dolley Madison was one of those types of people who seemed to have everything going for her. She was charming, graceful, stylish and an excellent hostess with the mostest. "Everybody loves Mrs. Madison. That's because Mrs. Madison loves everybody." When she was young, she was just a simple farm girl, but later on she met and married James Madison who was seventeen years older than she was. He couldn't have made a better choice because everyone just loved sweet Dolley!She held weekly parties or "drawing rooms" where she greeted everyone as if they were "family or a long-lost friend and she had a 'smile and a pleasant word for everybody.'" She was also a fine decorator and saved a spot in the dining room for Gilbert Stuart's lifesize portrait of George Washington. But soon something ill was in the wind. In 1814 the British invaded America and the jolly Dolley and her parties were no more. Soldiers had to guard the presidential mansion, but soon were spooked, deserted and left Dolley alone. She too needed to escape, but oh, my ... how was she going to rescue poor George?This is nonfiction the way it should be. Exciting with a bit of drama thrown in for good measure. This book was easy to read and the simple, but novel topic pulled me right into the tale. I've always enjoyed Don Brown's inimitable art work that adds just the right amount of pizazz to his books. If you want a bit of history for your youngster, especially the reluctant reader, this book will fill the bill. I'm sure you'll be wondering just how Dolley managed to save good old George Washington too!
S**I
A nice read to share with elementary kids when covering the ...
An entertaining picture book giving a little bit of information on Dolley Madison's personality and life, the War of 1812, and Gilbert Stuart's famous painting of George Washington. A nice read to share with elementary kids when covering the War of 1812 or just for a fun read. I especially enjoyed all the additional information provided in the afterward.
H**N
A sweet surprise
We really enjoyed this book. In just a few pages the author tells the story of how Dolley Madison saves a painting of George Washington. And we learned a lot about her bravery, determination and importance in the early years of our country.The illustrations were a bit odd. As in they could have been MUCH better. But the text is so engaging that we can't complain too loudly.We'll use this again.*taken from my review at goodreads
M**S
Get to know a First Lady better
Powerful and ladylike. Dolley Madison was both. This book focuses on Dolley as first lady during the War of 1812, her bravery and her escape from the British. She preserved a full-size portrait of George Washington as the White House was being overrun and burned.This is a good historical story. Our library has it in the biographies section, but it does not serve as a full biography of this remarkable woman. Check with your child's teacher before choosing this for a biography book report.
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