Farmer George Plants a NationILLUSTRATED BY Ages: 8 and up Grades: 4–6 Pages: 40 List Price: 17.95 Cover: Hardcover Published: 2/1/2008 ISBN: 1-59078-460-X ISBN-13: 978-1-59078-460-0 |
George Washington as he’s rarely seen. Besides being a general and the first president of the United States, George Washington was also a farmer. His efforts to create a selfsufficient farm at Mount Vernon, Virginia, mirrored his struggle to form a new nation. Excerpts from Washington’s writings are featured throughout the book, which also includes a timeline, resource section, as well as essays on Washington at Mount Vernon and his thoughts on slavery. Both illustrator and author worked closely with the staff of Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens to render an accurate portrait of Farmer George at work. Reviews
"Thomas (Joshua the Giant Frog) and Johnson (Remembering Grandpa) depict George Washington as a forward-thinking farmer dedicated to making Mount Vernon a self-sufficient, profitable plantation. ... Thomas's history is extremely detailed, full of facts that bring the 18th-century farm to life. ... Johnson's representational paintings, all of them flattering, incorporate symbols like bald eagles but also illuminate the workings of the plantation; a cutaway view of the 16-sided barn is especially helpful. A useful look at a lesser-known aspect of Washington's achievements." "A pleasing new picture book looks at George Washington's career through an agricultural lens. Thomas integrates Washington's military and political adventures into her account, making clear that it was his frustration as a farmer that caused him to join the revolutionary cause." |
"This picture-book biography focuses on George Washington’s life as a farmer, inventor, and scientist; however, the author also draws many parallels between his role as farmer and as leader. ... Thomas’s enthusiasm for her subject is evident in her storytelling-style text. She not only used primary sources in her research, but also included several quotes from Washington’s diaries and letters. ... Johnson’s oil paintings support the text while adding a feel of the 18th century. The balanced placement allows both the art and narrative to shine. ... Students will find this title useful for reports, but will also find it a great nonfiction read."