Presidential Pets

April 30, 2012
From Washington to Obama, Moberg explores U.S. presidents’ relationships with various animals while giving background about each commander in chief’s term in office, accomplishments, and other tidbits. Each spread opens with brief verses that, with their awkward rhymes and rhythms, are the weakest part of this project (Abigail Adams’s “mixed-breed dog,/ Much to everyone’s chagrin,/ Was unfortunately given/ The odd name Satan”). The best part: the sheer quantity of information provided about the presidents and such memorable animals as Andrew Jackson’s foul-mouthed parrot, Poll, or Calvin Coolidge’s raccoon, Rebecca, which was fed “green shrimp, chicken, eggs (her favorite), and expensive cream.” Albrecht’s digital cartoons have an exaggerated, frenetic energy that keeps the mood light. Ages 8–up.