(Book Cover Source: WorldCat at http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/39763889&referer=brief_results, accessed September 13, 2008)BIBLIOGRAPHY:
St. George, Judith. 2000. So you want to be president? Ill. by David Small. New York: Philomel Books. ISBN 0399234071
2. PLOT SUMMARY:
Rather than write a traditional history book, St.George has crafted an entertaining look at the more human side of the presidents. St. George begins by telling the good and bad aspects of being the President, including life at the White House and dealing with angry citizens. She goes on to discuss common Presidential first names, those born in log cabins, and differing physical appearances and personalities. Filled with anecdotes about Presidential virtues and vices, talents and former careers, St. George covers a lot of ground in a fast-paced, lively manner. David Small's humorous illustrations, reminiscent of political cartoon caricatures, add an amusing, comical tone to the book. However, the book closes on a more serious note. Citing Grover Cleveland's motto "Tell the truth," St. George relates the cautionary tales of Nixon and Clinton. The final pages sum it all up with a discussion of the oath of office and encouragement for the reader to pattern oneself after the best of the Presidents. Following the text, the book concludes with a page listing the Presidents featured in each illustration, a brief biography of each President, and a Bibliography.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS:
The word "irreverent" comes to mind when reflecting upon the style of this book. Although the tales are true, it feels a bit like Mad Magazine meets the Presidents. Much of the text and illustrations were rather unflattering, with the exception of a page about Thomas Jefferson. If one is looking for an unbiased account of our Presidents, one should probably keep looking. It is interesting to note that out of all the incidents from which St. George could choose, she rarely speaks of any positive progress various Presidents made. Instead, we are treated to their weakest moments. While this makes for interesting reading in a National Enquirer kind of way, it seems to cheapen the overall impression with which one is left. Perhaps that is why St. George closes the book with a more general discussion of the best attributes of the Presidents and an admonishment to pattern oneself after those. It leaves one with a more lofty image, which overshadows the skinny-dipping and the brawling.
David Small's illustrations are quite clever. His caricatures are dead-0n exaggerations of the Presidents' most notable traits. He uses color and composition to good effect. The Presidents' heads are as large as their bodies, and colors are mostly mild, watercolor washes of pastels, so as not to detract from the vivid portrait of the caricature. Little visual jokes abound, such as the dog intrigued by Washington's discarded shoe, and George Bush painted green with envy behind the curtain while Reagan is on stage. Like Betsy Lewin's final scenes in Duck for President, Small uses deep blues to denote the serious nature of a chastised Clinton and Nixon departing from the Lincoln Memorial. He does the same for the final, serious pages of the book where St. George discusses the oath of office and the tremendous responsibility a president must bear.
Overall, one has to speculate about the target audience of this book. The text is fairly challenging, suitable for older children. Many of the subtleties of the illustrations will escape all but adults, who will recognize Kissinger watching Nixon bowl, or Jesse Jackson barred from the gathering of Presidents. Thus, it is probably not all that suitable for younger children. With its rather irreverent nature, perhaps that's just as well.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS:
The Horn Book: "Arranging historical tidbits in an attractive buffet, this well-timed book offers anecdotes both cautionary and guaranteed to attract attention and arouse interest."
School Library Journal: "This title will add spark to any study of this popular subject."
Booklist: "Thoughtful composition and layout both contribute to the lively visual presentation of this most original look at the presidency."
5. CONNECTIONS:
*As stated above, this book is probably more suitable for older children and adults. With the upcoming national election, it might be an interesting way to launch a discussion with older children about leadership qualities and personalities. One might also discuss some history about political cartoons, given the nature of the illustrations in the book.
*Like the connections previously mentioned for Duck for President, this book could also be paired with other election books for a more in depth look at the electoral process. Other titles might include:
Christelow, Eileen. VOTE! ISBN 0618247548
Granfield, Linda. America Votes: How our president is elected. ISBN 1553370864
Winters, Kay. My teacher for president. ISBN 0525471863
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