A Picture Book of Dolley and James Madison

by David A. Adler, Michael S. Adler, Ronald Himler (Illustrator)

Overview

Known as the Father of the Constitution, James Madison served two terms as the fourth president, from 1809 until 1817. When the British set fire to Washington D.C., in 1814, Dolley saved one of our country's greatest treasures, a portrait of George Washington, before fleeing for her life.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780823420094
Publisher:	Holiday House
Publication date:	03/12/2009
Series:	Picture Book Biography Series
Pages:	32
Product dimensions:	9.90(w) x 8.10(h) x 0.40(d)
Lexile:	AD870L (what's this?)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

David A. Adler and Michael S. Adler have collaborated on several biographies, including A Picture Book of Cesar Chavez, which Kirkus Reviews called "a sturdy, worthwhile addition to the series." They both live in the New York City metropolitan area.

Ronald Himler has illustrated more than a hundred books for children, including several books in the Picture Book Biography series. He lives in Arizona.

Editorial Reviews

An escape from a burning White House opens this picture-book biography on a thrilling note. Unfortunately, the attention-grabbing anecdote soon yields to a more predictable parade of dates and facts about America's fourth president and his equally famous wife: "Dolley was born May 20, 1768, on a farm in New Garden, North Carolina. She was the third of nine children.... Future president James Monroe later described her as a tomboy." Following the pair from their birth dates and courtship to their achievements as a political power couple, the narrative is concise and accurate, but falls short of bringing these historical figures to life. Himler (teamed with the father/son Adlers for A Picture Book of Samuel Adams) helps animate the story with his softly sketched illustrations, but their strength lies in evoking the dress, furnishings and architecture of the period. Ages 4-8. (Feb.)

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Publishers Weekly

Gr 3-5

Adler's picture-book biography focuses mainly on the War of 1812, but also mentions Madison's contributions to the Constitution and the creation of the three branches of government. Although this is a biography of the couple, there is more specific information on James Madison than on Dolley. Still, readers do learn some interesting facts about her, such as how she rescued a portrait of George Washington while the Executive Mansion burned. Adler's writing is clear yet not oversimplified, and is without fictionalization. An interesting book to read while studying the Constitution and the different branches of government, this is a reliable source for students to kick-start their presidential and/or governmental history research as well as a good choice for general reading.-Sarah O'Holla, Village Community School, New York City

School Library Journal

America's "most underrated President" and his "Queen Dolley" receive star treatment in this latest entry in Adler's Picture Book Biography series. Two double-page spreads introduce Dolley Madison's heroic retrieval of White House valuables during the War of 1812. After this dramatic opening, the action turns to a young James Madison and his education. The couple's youths are described equally, as well as the courtship between this widowed mother and the short, balding politician. The crucial events regarding Madison's presidency, including the War of 1812 and its flawed Embargo Act, are clearly conveyed, historical complexities intact. Of the resulting 1814 peace treaty, the narrative duly notes that it "didn't address the issues that started the war, but at least it ended it." Himler's soft watercolors and wispy lines suit the historical setting and balance the substantial text. Concluding with Dolley's passing, the final illustration displays their imposing Montpelier home, a commanding reference to the family's influence. An impressive list of source notes and recommended resources provide background support for young readers and researchers alike. (timeline, notes, bibliography, recommended websites) (Picture book/biography. 7-10)

Kirkus Reviews