President Taft is Stuck in the Bath
by Mac Barnett
illustrated by Chris Van Dusen
published by Candlewick Press
The Blurb
"Blast!" said Taft. "This could be bad."
George Washington crossed the Delaware in the dead of night. Abraham Lincoln saved the Union. And President William Howard Taft, a man of great stature — well, he got stuck in a bathtub. Now how did he get unstuck? Author Mac Barnett and illustrator Chris Van Dusen bring their full comedic weight to this legendary story, imagining a parade of clueless cabinet members advising the exasperated president, leading up to a hugely satisfying, hilarious finale.
My Two Cents
I have waited patiently to read this book. And it DID NOT disappoint! I absolutely love these imaginative re-creations of historical events, though the author clearly states that we aren't completely sure that this happened at all!
The illustrations are out of this world. No, really! I absolutely love the robust rolls of Taft, the bushiness of his mustache, and even the shine of his nose. So perfect. Van Dusen is awesome. In fact, if ever I were proud enough to have my rolls documented, I would call him. Check out his website and be blown away...
It is no wonder that it was a Junior Library Guild Selection. I implore you, check this one out!
A little quote for my writing friends...taken out of context, I'm sure, but applicable to the writing life nonetheless!
And speaking of writer friends, you will certainly want to follow Mac Barnett on Twitter and check out his website! I mean, look how fun this guy is:
Labels: author, historical, illustrator love, love of reading, picture book
