ABOUT THIS BOOK

JUST IN TIME for the 200th anniversary of his birth comes this ingenious picture book of historical fiction about our 16th president of the United States. It’s a tale of two boys who get themselves into more trouble than bear cubs in a candy store during the year 1816. Abe is only seven years old, and his pal, Austin, is ten.

Abe and Austin decide to journey down to Knob Creek. The water looks scary and deep, and Austin points out that they don’t know how to swim. Nevertheless, they decide to traverse it. I won’t tell you what happens, but let’s just say that our country wouldn’t be the same if Austin hadn’t been there to help his friend.


REVIEWS

Starred Review, School Library Journal, September 2008:
"What you can know for sure is that this is a book you should add to your shelves."

Starred Review, The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, October 2008:
"[J]ust how do you handle a legend? Deborah Hopkinson has found a way, and it's a winner."

Starred Review, Booklist, September 15, 2008:
"This unusual and often amusing picture book offers much more than an illustrated reminiscence."


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Deborah Hopkinson is most recently the author of Sky Boys: How They Built the Empire State Building. She is also the author of the ALA Notable Book, Apples to Oregon. She lives in Coravilis, Oregon.

John Hendrix recently illustrated the chapter book How to Save Your Tail by Mary Hanson. He is currently teaching illustration at Washington University in St. Louis, where he lives with his wife, Andrea, and son, Jackson.


AWARDS

WINNER 2008 - Booklist Children's Editors' Choice
WINNER 2008 - Bulletin Blue Ribbon Book