GEORGE DID IT

Jurmain catches the Father of His Country wrestling with anxiety in this amusing historical anecdote. Having competently guided the Continental Army to victory and helped to shape the Constitution afterward, George longs for a well-earned retirement—but no, now he’s under pressure to become the fledgling country’s first president. Contemplating the job’s daunting challenges, he accedes only with great reluctance. Feeling (he writes) like a criminal “going to . . . his execution,” he borrows some money for travel expenses and undertakes the triumphal journey from Mount Vernon to the temporary capital in New York. There, after a few glitches (no one remembers to bring a Bible, for instance), he’s sworn in, delivers a stumbling, mumbling speech, then quietly walks back to his office and rolls up his sleeves. Day captures George’s nervousness, and the lighthearted tone of Jurmain’s account, with informal but respectful scenes of the tall, beak-nosed dignitary looking every inch the great leader even when sweating in summer’s heat or lifting up his diminutive wife for a farewell smooch. An unusually intimate point of view for this audience. (source list) (Picture book/biography. 7-9)