Madam President
By (Author) Lane Smith
Disney Publishing Worldwide
Disney Publishing Worldwide
29th July 2008
United States
Children
Fiction
Short-listed for Black-Eyed Susan Award (Picture Book) 2009
Hardback
40
Width 222mm, Height 272mm, Spine 12mm
400g
A little girl imagines what her day would be like if she were Madam President. There would be executive orders to give, babies to kiss, tuna casseroles to veto (or VETO!)and so much more! Not to mention that recess would definitely require more security.
With deadpan wit and hilarious illustrations, best-selling picture book creator Lane Smith introduces readers to an unforgettable new character.* Smith's understated text is accompanied by clean, cleverly designed compositions... In what appears to be mixed media involving digital and hand-painted scenes as well as collage, the artist creates a '60s feel with earth-toned backgrounds that resemble the faux grass wallpapers so evocative of the period... As in Smith's other spoofs, this book blends message with medium for maximum delight.... Hail to the chief!--School Library Journal, starred review
* Whether the U.S. gets a woman president is still in doubt, but here a female narrator has already taken the role. In this sly, witty recitation of a president's responsibilities, a pony-tailed girl has the list down pat: give executive orders (to her cat); negotiate treaties (between said cat and dog); kiss babies; and veto, veto, veto.... Kudos to Molly Leach, whose design makes everything from the lettering to the end pages look fabulous. Although there's some winking at adults, this book is very much for kids, who might even come away having learned a bit about presidential duties.--Booklist, starred review
Most kids merely dream what they'll be when they grow up; Smith's heroine Katy lives the fantasy, charging through her day as self-proclaimed President of the United States.... There's a richness to this zany picture book in its respect for big dreams -- Katy is clearly inspired by the national heroes from Frederick Douglass to Susan B. Anthony who populate her books and adorn her walls.... Katy is a square-jawed force to be reckoned with, by turns smug, determined, conciliatory, outraged, and sweetly childlike.... This is a must-have title that will unite both sides of the (lunchroom) aisle.--The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
Smith, who slyly recast U.S. history in John, Paul, George and Ben, introduces a zealous, freckled girl with presidential aspirations. Refreshingly, Katy skips the hand-wringing and never questions whether a girl could become commander-in-chief-instead, she behaves as if she is president already, fulfilling official duties at home and in school.... Smith gazes into the national future and just as ably skewers the pitfalls of political office.--Publishers Weekly
Though the Oval Office here is no more than a messy bedroom, this funny romp lightly delivers a hefty message for today's girls: The White House is yours for the taking.--Kirkus Reviews
Lane Smith is a Caldecott Honor-winning illustrator for The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales. His latest book, John, Paul, George & Ben, received countless honors, including three starred reviews, a New York Times Best Illustrated Book of the Year, a Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year, and Child Magazine and Parenting Magazine Best Book of the Year.
Lane's collaborations with Jon Scieszka include the seminal children's book The True Story of the Three Little Pigs, as well as Math Curse, Science Verse, and many more. Lane lives in Connecticut.