Book Concierge's Reviews > Abraham Lincoln

This Caldecott-winner is a biography for young children. There is a fair amount of text, but also many detailed illustrations. It follows Lincoln from his birth to the end of the Civil War, though it does not mention his assassination.

I like the focus on his early life; he is shown to have a strong work ethic and a great desire to learn. There are several scenes depicting his efforts to get educated, including reading on his own. He is depicted as a man of strong moral courage, as well as a loving father. If I have any complaint, it is the depiction of the Blacks and Indians. I understand that this was first published in 1939, but I cringed at those illustrations.

The d’Aulaires were immigrants to America, and when the book was written the world was anxiously watching the events in Germany that would lead to a world war. They may have erred on the side of hero-worship in their portrayal of Lincoln, but I like that they portrayed a man willing to stand up against injustice.

All told, it’s a fine introduction to American history and particularly to the life of possibly the best President this nation has ever had.