First Mothers
Colorfully illustrated and surprisingly entertaining, this large-format volume gives the mothers of presidents their due. The presentation spotlights each “first mother” in a half-page, full-page, or double-page presentation combining a paragraph or more of text and at least one illustration. Descriptions of the women run the gamut from doting to disapproving, from supportive to domineering, and from unschooled to highly educated. Though little is known about some presidents’ mothers, Gherman brings her many subjects to life with a combination of narrative, description, quotes, and anecdotes. Created with watercolors and colored pencils, Downing’s graceful illustrations have an amiable irreverence that suits the tone of the text well. A bibliography is appended, but the book lacks source notes, even for quotes. Still, this lively, attractive volume offers information that young readers are unlikely to find elsewhere. Grades 2-4. --Carolyn Phelan