Abe Lincoln Loved Animals by Ellen Jackson
Children's Book
Publisher: Albert Whitman and Co.
ISBN: 9780807501238
Reviews:
From Kirkus - 8-15-2008:
"There is a wealth of anecdotal and scholarly evidence that Abraham Lincoln abhorred cruelty to animals in a time when that was not a popular sentiment. From saving a nest of birds, to having a photo taken of his long-time pet dog Fido, to the hijinks of his sons and their White House pets, to the pardoning of the Thanksgiving turkey, Jackson selects the most authentic of these stories about Lincoln's love of creatures great and small and incorporates them into a charming biography for young readers. Not meant to be a complete account of Lincoln's life, it includes many of the salient facts and historical events, but others are omitted, most notably the deaths of two of his sons. Ettlinger's meticulous, warmly colored illustrations work seamlessly with the text, emphasizing Lincoln's humanity by focusing on facial expressions and gestures toward the animals. The result is an accessible, documented introduction to a seminal figure in American history from a perspective that will appeal to young readers. Well done. (author's note, bibliography) (Picture book/biography. 7-10)"
From Booklist - 9-15-2008:
Grades 1-3. This well-sourced picture book depicts a series of anecdotes from the Lincoln’s life that show how the great man was a lover of all forms of life. His deep appreciation and respect for animals began in childhood. He scolded the other children for torturing a turtle, and he was so upset after shooting a wild turkey to help feed the family, he swore to never hunt again. He kept all manner of pets—“rabbits, dogs, cats, and even a few goats”—while living in the White House, and even during the most trying of times during the Civil War he would spend time with his animals. The annual tradition, still alive today, of the President pardoning a turkey on Thanksgiving originated when his boy Tad befriended a turkey slated to become dinner. The bright, cheery artwork stands in contrast to the often gloomily portrayed Lincoln. A very different look at a figure who is as well covered as any, this book will endear Lincoln to young animal lovers, swelling the ranks of his many admirers.
