John, Paul, George & Ben by Lane Smith
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I'm accumulating a list of people with whom
I'd love to sit and visit over a bottle of wine. They inspire and intrigue
me--and I want to find out what makes them tick. Some of these people are
writers, some are artists, some are runners, some are great cooks... and some,
like Lane Smith, are on the list because they're so darn cute. And his latest
book, John, Paul, George & Ben, is a prime example of why he makes the
cut.
In a history book for children (and a humorous look at history for adults) Smith retells the stories of John Hancock, Paul Revere, George Washington, and Benjamin Franklin. Oh yeah, and Thomas Jefferson who was "annoyingly independent." We learn of their boyhood escapades, such as when John Hancock was reprimanded by his teacher for writing his name on the blackboard so large one could see it from space. Or when George Washington chopped down the cherry tree and was rewarded by his father for his honesty. Because of that reward, he decided to tell his father that he chopped down the whole orchard, took out the barn, and rendered the carriage useless. (This is why his presidency was served in New York... where there were few trees.) One of my favorites is the retelling of Paul Revere's story. He worked in a livery shop, and his vocal talents weren't appreciated by the customers. "EXTRA-LARGE UNDERWEAR? SURE WE HAVE SOME!" he'd yell to a horrified matron. "LET'S SEE, LARGE... LARGE... EXTRA-LARGE! HERE THEY ARE! GREAT, BIG, EXTRA-LARGE UNDERWEAR!" Or he'd say, "YOUR WIG? YES, IT'S COMING! AND YOUR POLKA-DOT SHIRTS ARE COMING! AND THE PINK BREECHES ARE COMING!" Yes, it was many years before Paul Revere was appreciated. Smith's writing is extremely entertaining and is surpassed only by his artistic abilities. This Caldecott-honored artist for "The Stinky Cheese Man" varies his style to perfectly illustrate each book. Smith's wife, Molly Leach, is the book's designer, and "John, Paul, George & Ben" has an antique look to it, with gilded frames and crackled portraits. John, Paul, George & Ben is history presented with humor. Recommended for ages 5 and up, it is perfect for any child, any classroom, and any adult who could use a laugh. Review by Beth Golay, May 11, 2006
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