“Presidents’ Day is an American holiday celebrated on the third Monday in February. Originally established in 1885 in recognition of President George Washington, it is still officially called “Washington’s Birthday” by the federal government. Traditionally celebrated on February 22—Washington’s actual day of birth—the holiday became popularly known as Presidents’ Day after it was moved as part of 1971’s Uniform Monday Holiday Act, an attempt to create more three-day weekends for the nation’s workers. While several states still have individual holidays honoring the birthdays of Washington, Abraham Lincoln and other figures, Presidents’ Day is now popularly viewed as a day to celebrate all U.S. presidents past and present.” History.com

Not only do I enjoy this holiday, I love looking back on the plethora of books I have reviewed in the past with a “Presidential theme.” To say the least, there are some wonderful books and activities out there on this topic that I know kids and families will enjoy. Here are some of my top picks:

Back in November 2012 of  I created a very fun booklist in honor of the upcoming elections season.

Presidential politics.

I Grew Up to Be President by Laurie Calkhoven, illus by Rebecca Zomchek.

From George Washington to Barack Obama, this child’s is a child’s perfect introduction to all of the U.S. Presidents. On every spread, readers will learn about the Presidents’ childhoods, families, careers, accomplishments in office, and life after the White House. Famous quotes, major events, and fun facts are all included. With simple text and full-color illustrations and photographs throughout, every parent, teacher, and child will want this essential reference for their bookshelf.-Amazon

Worst of Friends: Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and the True Story of an American Feud. By Suzanne Tripp Jurmain, illustrated by Larry Day.

John Adams was short, fat, and talkative. Thomas Jefferson was tall, thin, and quiet. Together, they made an excellent case for American Independence. But when Tom and John couldn’t agree whether a weak or strong presidency was better, they had a falling out that spanned their two presidencies and long into their retirements. Would they hold a grudge forever?-Amazon

See more of this presidential booklist blog post HERE.

In February of last year we enjoyed the Family Book Festival here on JIAB. AND one of my favorite young authors was kind enough to contribute a very fun book review. Felicia from Stanley & Katrina: Pet Authors   offered up her book pick; Duck for President. Read more about Felicia and here fun review of Duck for President HERE.

During the last presidential election there was a lot of discussion about political parties. How are they different ? How are they the same? Who, exactly would make the better leader of our country ?

Here is an entertaining book which helps answer these questions. Using the cat and dog in a brilliant analogy of what really happens during the political process, author Julia Dweck brings voting and campaigning to life through her creative rhymes and entertaining conclusions. Read more about Cat or Dog for President HERE.

During our Read Around the Continents series we spotlighted North America and in the process pinpointed some amazing kidlit books about our country’s founding fathers and leaders.

The United States is 3.79 million square miles or 983 million square kilometers. With 315 million people living inside it’s borders, the United States is the world’s most ethnically diverse and multicultural nation. As well as it’s people, the geography and climate of the U.S. are equally diverse, with deserts, plains, forests, and mountains that are home to a wide variety of wildlife. Read more about this topics and the books that go with it HERE.

Exciting news! Is the winter blues and cabin fever making your family a bit “cray-cray”I have a fun idea up my sleeve to help get everyone moving and reading. My latest book (co-written with Marilyn Scott-Waters) A Year in The Secret Garden is a gorgeous book inspired by the classic children’s tale Secret Garden. Within these pages your family will find new activities, crafts, recipes and lessons (inspired by the book) in a something-to-do-every month format. SO, for the next few months I will be pulling some “fun-ness” from the pages of A Year in the Secret Garden and sharing them here every Wednesday. Watch for Secret Garden Wednesday coming very soon!

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