Dolley Madison Saves George Washington

September 1, 2007
K-Gr 4-Known for her "beauty, her stunning gowns, and her delightful banquets," Dolley Madison first served as the premier Washington, DC, hostess while her husband, James Madison, was secretary of state under Thomas Jefferson because the president was a widower. She continued to throw "wonderful dinner parties" during her husband's subsequent eight-year presidency. While First Lady, she redecorated the President's Mansion, ensuring that Gilbert Stuart's portrait of George Washington was prominently displayed. However, it was during the War of 1812 that she earned the gratitude of her nation when, despite the fact that the 100 soldiers assigned to protect the mansion ran off, she bravely remained behind to make sure that the painting as well as important government documents were saved from otherwise certain destruction by British forces. Pen and ink and watercolors effectively depict the simplicity and roughness of Colonial life and convey with humor the spirit of the time and characters; however, the facial features are for the most part bland. An author's note provides additional information about Stuart and Dolley Madison. Readers will enjoy this exciting picture-book biography of an important First Lady."Kirsten Cutler, Sonoma County Library, CA"

Copyright 2007 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from September 1, 2007
Brown has made something of a cottage industry providing children with lively biographies of figures as diverse as Mary Anning and Neil Armstrong. Here he focuses on Dolley Madison, who grew up as a simple farm girl, married James Madison, and later became a hostess for widower Thomas Jefferson. Dashing line-and-watercolor artwork captures the flair of the woman who had a smile and a pleasant word for everybody, but who shows her mettle in 1814, when the British attack the White House. The soldiers guarding the house flee, but Dolley refuses to leave until a valuable painting of George Washington is saved with the help of other citizens. Although Brown might have used this high point to end the book, to his credit, he extends the text, showing the anger and fear of the populace as the battle rages. A powerful spread shows women shaking their fists at Dolley, a surrogate for the president, on whom they blame the war. A last page shows Dolley surrounded by cameos of the first 11 presidents, all of whom Dolley knew, while an authors note gives more information about her. A sure-handed wedding of text and art that brings history to life. A brief bibliography is appended.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2007, American Library Association.)