Description
When the president of the United States has a frustrating day, he decides to go back to where he learned the most important lessons of all.
When his day starts off badly, Mr. President decides he needs a time-out from running the country. Sneaking out of the White House, he hurries to the local school and enrolls in Mrs. Appletree’s class. There, Mr. President spins on the merry-go-round, and practices saying “please” and taking turns. But when he returns to the White House, he is greeted by panic and two angry world leaders. Fortunately, Mr. President recalls what he learned in Mrs. Appletree’s class, and he comes up with just the right approach to avoid an international crisis.
Children will delight in Rick Walton’s laugh-out-loud story and its over-the-top take on conflict resolution. Brad Sneed’s watercolor illustrations capture the humor of the story with their exaggerated, outsized characters and playfully distorted compositions.
Reviews
“The art, which looks a bit like that of Patricia Polacco, scoops all the inherent silliness out of the story but has a tender side too.” ―Booklist
“Sneed’s attention to detail makes the book fun to look at over again and again. Overall, a fun introduction to the great things that can be learned in school.” ―School Library Journal
“In this hilarious look at problem solving, Mr. President (of the United States) dons a Groucho Marx disguise and sneaks away to a place where life seemed a whole lot simpler…This wise, funny tale, with its warm-toned pictures, deals humorously with school issues such as working through conflict and taking turns. It is sure to spark spirited discussion, laughs and exuberant rounds of hokey pokey in classrooms across the country.” ―Washington Parent
“Kids will get a kick and a chuckle out of this tall tale about the president.” ―Hickory Ridge Reader
“An adorable book that readers of all ages will fall in love with.” ―OC Family Magazine
“Humorous, exaggerated sketches paint a happy tale that emphasizes the importance of play and silliness, even among important adults. Preschoolers and younger elementary students will enjoy seeing an esteemed man being human and childlike” ―The Voice-Tribune
“A prime example of what great picture books are all about” ―Picture Book Depot
Awards
Children’s Choices ―International Reading Association, Children’s Book Council, 2011
Read Aloud Book Award (Finalist) –Center for Excellence in Literacy Instruction, 2010
Kansas State Reading Circle Recommended Reading List (Starred, Primary) ―Kansas National Education Association, 2011
Alabama Camellia Awards (Nominee, Grades K-1) ―Alabama Department of Education, 2011-2012
Charlotte Award Suggested Reading List (Primary) ―New York State Reading Association, 2012
Utah Book Award (Finalist, Children’s Division) ―Utah Center for the Book, 2010
Washington Children’s Choice Picture Book Award (Nominee) ―Washington Library Media Association, 2012
More Details
AR Level: 3.1
F&P: GRL N, Gr 3, Genre F
Lexile: AD500L
Themes: Manners, Mutual Respect, Sharing
BISAC 1: JUV035000 JUVENILE FICTION / School & Education
BISAC 2: JUV051000 JUVENILE FICTION / Imagination & Play
BISAC 3: JUV019000 JUVENILE FICTION / Humorous Stories