Thomas Jefferson: Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Everything

Kalman turns her gaze on America's third president, without the unconditional adoration she brought to Looking at Lincoln. Jefferson was "a terrible speaker but a great writer," Kalman explains, lingering on his Declaration of Independence's notions of equality: "It would be many years until most Americans were treated equally but it was the ideal on which America was founded." Initially, Kalman focuses on Jefferson's genius for collecting, architecture, and gardening, but halfway through, she reveals, "The man who said of slavery 'This abomination must end' was the owner of about 150 slaves. The monumental man had monumental flaws.... What did they do? Everything." She pictures "the beautiful Sally Hemings" smiling and suggests that "some of" Jefferson and Hemings's children "were freed and able to pass for white." Other elephants in the room include Jefferson's antiquated attitudes toward Native Americans and land grabs. Kalman dwells in conflict and raises questions to the end, pronouncing Monticello a symbol of all that is "optimistic and complex and tragic and wrong and courageous" about America. Includes author notes, not seen by PW. Ages 5-8. Agent: Charlotte Sheedy Literary Agency. (Jan.)■

Copyright 2013 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

Gr 1-4--The inimitable Kalman brings her wit, wisdom, and beautifully unique artwork to one of America's most complex founding fathers: Thomas Jefferson. A thinker, a gardener, a writer, a statesman, and so much more, Jefferson cultivated many interests and pursuits. His ability and need to balance the cerebral with the physical is evident in how he lived, the advice he gave, and the friends he made. Kalman does not shy away from Jefferson's ownership of slaves and relationship with Sally Hemings, which are handled directly and effectively. Bits of historical context are included, but the focus here is on the man and his "pursuit of everything." The text alternates between facts, which appear in a more traditional font, and asides to the reader and Kalman's own thoughts, which are highlighted in large, hand-lettered print. Kalman's distinctive, bold-stroked gouache paintings keep the tone light and fresh, providing plenty of details that garner a closer look. Share this along with the author's picture-book biography of Abraham Lincoln, Looking at Lincoln (Penguin, 2012) to inspire young historians and artists alike. --Jody Kopple, Shady Hill School, Cambridge, MA

Copyright 2014 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

* "Beautiful and a little sad: the complex, brilliant, flawed nature of the third U.S. president. . . . Rich, impressionist colors and lively lines. . . . Poetic presentation. . . . Conveys clearly [Jefferson's] contribution to the growing nation as founding father and president. . . . Kalman's intimate address to listeners and readers works well. . . . Impressive complexity put artfully and respectfully within the grasps of young readers." — Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW

* "The inimitable Kalman brings her wit, wisdom, and beautifully unique artwork to one of America's most complex founding fathers: Thomas Jefferson. . . . Kalman's distinctive, bold-stroked gouache paintings keep the tone light and fresh, providing plenty of details that garner a closer look. Share this along with the author's picture-book biography of Abraham Lincoln, Looking at Lincoln (Penguin, 2012) to inspire young historians and artists alike." — School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW

* "Vibrant gouache paintings. . . . The voice is that of a curious child reporting fascinating research findings . . . allows Kalman to supply a wealth of information. . . . Playful but informative, as quick witted as Jefferson himself, this will inspire young readers to learn more." — Booklist, STARRED REVIEW

"Kalman dwells in conflict and raises questions to the end, pronouncing Monticello a symbol of all that is 'optimistic and complex and tragic and wrong and courageous' about America." — Publishers Weekly

"Striking picture book biography. . . . A colloquial, occasionally arch, and whimsical narrative, heavy with historical import and dotted with trivia. The vibrant imagery, frank content, and disarming language combine in a nuanced portrait that respects its subject and its audience in equal measure. At a time when the Founding Fathers are invoked frequently as heroes of lost, black-and-white propriety, a biography of such candor is welcome indeed. Direct, objective author's notes about the people and places involved round out this substantial offering." — The Horn Book

"Arranged to pique children's interest even as it covers salient textbook facts. Kalman reprises some elements of her marvelously innovative picture-book biography Looking at Lincoln, including an accessibly informal tone, a fruit bowl of vibrant colors, a frequent focus on a single telling artifact, and plenty of holes punched through the fourth wall to invite readers into the conversation. . . . Her candid discussion of Jefferson's contradictory views on slavery is particularly well handled, and a closing observation gives kids permission to be perplexed by this complicated guy." — The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"A beautiful look inside the makings of a great American, with all of his achievements, quirks, and mistakes laid out for the reader. . . . Infused with interesting details. . . . The watercolor illustrations are striking, with bright colors and playfulness that appeals to younger readers. . . . A sensitive, thought-provoking book about one of our country's greatest leaders that uniquely talks about his strengths and weaknesses." — Library Media Connection