George Washington's Mother (Penguin Young Readers, L3)
Grade 2-4-- Fritz brings the excitement of history to newly independent readers. They will easily relate to teenaged George having to obey his mother, but may not understand her continual meddling and kvetching once her son be- comes an adult. Using factual data and funny incidents, the author humorously depicts Mary Ball Washington as a manipulative and stubborn worrywart. The numerous, half- and full-page, pencil-and-watercolor illustrations are reminiscent of Margot Tomes's work; they complement the text and extend the humor. However, the paintings lack the visual crispness associated with Fritz's earlier biographies illustrated by Trina Schart Hyman and others. Still, George Washington's Mother gives youngsters an enjoyable introduction to our nation's first president from a unique perspective. --Gale W. Sherman, Pocatello Public Library, IDCopyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.