So You Want to Be President?

St. George's romp through history, pointing out the similarities and peccadilloes of our famous forefathers, is absorbing and entertaining, offering little bits of presidential trivia. Touching subjects pertinent to kids, like presidential pets, homework, and the negatives and positives of the job, St. George's text is full of fascinating detail. Next, add an excellent score--jaunty, bouncy versions of a variety of patriotic songs--and a perfect narrator. Stockard Channing narrates like an old-time barker and manages to be slightly irreverent as well. She changes moods easily while pointing out the all-too-human highs and lows of our presidential history. Although some of the humor and vocabulary make this appropriate for older students, younger students will definitely enjoy the illustrations and information. W.L.S. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award, 2003 ALA Notable Recording (c) AudioFile 2003, Portland, Maine


Judith St. George shares delightful details--the "good things" and the "bad things" about United States presidents from Washington to Clinton. The traits include the definitive, such as a discussion of presidential size; the humorous, such as a description of the bathtub of William Howard Taft; the catchy, such as the number of presidents with the name John; and the intimate, such as the antics of Teddy Roosevelt's children. She poignantly touches on deeper issues: presidents who have not been prepared for the office, those who have not been honest, and the responsibilities and possibilities of the job. Brain Keeler sets a fast, dignified pace, and it takes multiple listenings to assimilate all the details. As this title was a Caldecott winner, the listening experience is enriched by having the book in hand. David Small's illustrations add such detail to the narration that the listener comes away with a much more comprehensive appreciation of the presidential office. A.R. (c) AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine