I came across these wonderful Abraham Lincoln and George Washington paper portraits that Johnny made in kindergarten earlier this week, and it inspired me to write about some of our favorite President’s Day books. The craft is, of courses, these paper collage style portraits, although I am also partial to this Abraham Lincoln log cabin craft that Emma made when she was in kindergarten. Today is Abraham Lincoln’s birthday, so an excellent day to publish this post (even if I am barely making my self-appointed deadline)! I was surprised this evening to find myself behind a car with Illinois plates – complete with a portrait of Abraham Lincoln. A rare find in California, and fun to see on the day of this president’s birth.
Books About Abraham Lincoln
What You'll Find on This Page
Here are some picture books about Abraham Lincoln that my kids and I have enjoyed reading:
A Picture Book of Abraham Lincoln provides a nice overview of Abraham Lincoln’s life in a picture book format that is very accessible for children.
My book-loving nine-year-old is a fan of Abe Lincoln: The Boy Who Loved Books. I like the attention this book gives to Lincoln’s early life – so children can see that even the president was once small like them.
Looking at Lincoln is a quirky book that follows a young girl’s musings on the sixteenth president that are triggered by seeing a similar face on a walk in the park. The girl knows quite a lot about this president, and following along with her train of thought brings the president to life in a very human way.
Books About George Washington
My kids and I recommend these picture books about George Washington:
A Picture Book of George Washington provides a nice overview of George Washington’s life in a picture book format that is very accessible for children.
George Washington and the General’s Dog introduces kids to a human side of the first United States president that is rarely seen.
George Did It is a fun picture book that will help children understand why George Washington was chosen to be the first President of the brand-new United States.
Other Books to Read on President’s Day
These picture books are great for getting kids thinking about presidents and what it would be like to be president. They are especially great to read in a year like this one – with a presidential election!
If I Were President provides a wonderfully child-friendly overview of what the job of being President of the United States really looks like.
So You Want to Be President? shares the realities of being President of the United States with a more humorous angle. This book is also full of anecdotes about different presidents, and it shares interesting observations like the fact that more presidents were named James than any other name.
Do you have favorite books about George Washington or Abraham Lincoln or the job of being President of the United States that we should add to our list?
MaryAnne is a craft loving educator, musician, photographer, and writer who lives in Silicon Valley with her husband Mike and their four children.
I love the art projects!!
George Washington’s Teeth, the kids loved it when I read it to them.
Hmmmm for Lincoln, there’s one about a girl writing a letter to him, and I love it, not remembering the name offhand.
I saw that one recommended in Amazon when I was pulling links for this post. I’ll definitely look for a copy now that I know you like it, too!
Those great books! I am partial to Looking at Lincoln too!
It’s such a fun, unique book.
The portraits are great, and I like how the books you recommend look at the presidency from different angles.