Check It Out

I have been thinking about what the White House will be like when a family with two girls take occupancy in January.  If the Obama girls are anything like Alice Roosevelt, it could be a lively place.

What About Aliceby Barbara Kerley explores the life of Alice Roosevelt, daughter of President Theodore Roosevelt. Alice never what anyone’s pity , therefore she  took charge of her life at a young age.  Her mother died two days following her birth, dad remarried and had more children.  But Alice always remained his favorite.

Her predicaments are laugh out loud funny like insisting that her father give her a piggy back ride each morning,  joining an all-boys club, and gallivanting around Washington, D.C. on her bicycle.  As young adult, her travels overseas gave something for people to talk about.

When Roosevelt became president he commented that , “I can be be president of the United States, or I can control Alice.  I cannot possibly do both!”

Alice became an advisor to her dad. Her love of politics, good will with people, and curious mind helped her to lead an interesting life.

Edwin Fotheringham’s illustrations are whimsical and capture the tone of the book.   There is an author’s note at the end of the book. This would be a great addition to any library.  It is a timely book.

Book: What About Alice
Author/Illustrator: Barbara Kerley
Publisher: Scholastic
Date Published: 2008
Pages: unpaged
Grade: K-5
ISBN: 978-0-439-92231-9
Source of Book: Publisher sent for CYBILS consideration.

Head over to Picture Book of the Day to see what else is available this week.

Happy REading.

MsMac