A Picture Book of Eleanor Roosevelt

May 1, 1991
K-Gr 2- A crisply written biography enhanced by realistic watercolors. Key events are highlighted, from Roosevelt's early childhood to her role as representative to the United Nations. A list of important dates is included. The few flaws are worth noting. The sentence, "Eleanor's mother was beautiful, but Eleanor was not a pretty child," is contradicted by the illustration. The text also states, "In 1921 Franklin was stricken with polio. He couldn't walk after that." More accurately, he couldn't stand or walk unassisted (without braces, cane, or help from another person). The summary table of important dates is more about Franklin than Eleanor until 1945. And an opinion is stated as fact: "She was the most important, most loved woman of her time." Despite these problems, the book is enjoyable. Other titles that explore Roosevelt's personal and professional life in greater depth are Eleanor Roosevelt (Crowell, 1970; o.p.) by Jane Goodsell and Eleanor Roosevelt: First Lady of the World (Viking, 1985) by Doris Faber. -Renee Blumenkrantz, Davis Community Lib ., Bethesda, MD