HONEST ABE LINCOLN
by David A. Adler and illustrated by John Wallner
Seven chapters introduce early readers to the life of Abraham Lincoln. Short declarative sentences recount the iconic stories that gave the 16th president the moniker “Honest Abe.” There are the stories of the three-mile walk to return six cents and the balance of a tea order to a customer and of how Lincoln stored mail in his hat for delivery. Lesser-known tales about how Lincoln freed a mud-trapped pig, told great stories and grew a beard to please a little girl work together to add depth and detail to this early reader. Adler addresses more serious topics when he mentions Lincoln’s feelings about slavery and the assassination. Wallner’s soft watercolors reflect both the humor and seriousness of this compact biography. At times, the number of words per page might overwhelm the newest readers, but children with an interest in Lincoln will find the information fascinating. The timeline and source notes may be unusual in an early chapter book, but they’re a welcome addition for the budding historian. (Early reader/biography. 5-8)