Tots to Teens & in beTween

Title: Madam President

Author & Illustrator: Lane Smith

Publisher: Hyperion Books for Children

Publication Date: 2008

Format: Hardback, 40 pages

Genre: Children's book, Picture book, politics

How I Got It: the library

Summary from book:
A little girl imagines what her day would be like if she were Madam President. There would be executive orders to give, babies to kiss, tuna casseroles to veto… and so much more! Not to mention that recess would definitely require more security.

With deadpan wit and hilarious illustrations, best-selling picture book creator Lane Smith introduces readers to an unforgettable new character.

Smith has created a spunky and precocious little girl practicing for the day that she'll be president.

Katy rushes through her day (wearing a flared pant suit, no less) giving executive orders, approving lunches, negotiating treaties between cats and dogs, being diplomatic (which is why she's not commenting on that hat), and most importantly - vetoing!

Even though it's exhausting, she really gets into the veto groove. Recess requires more security...

… and oral reports become press conferences.

"That's top secret.

No comment.

I'll get back to you on that.

I won't dignify that question with a response.

C'mon Tiffany, get real!

No comment.

Let me think about that.

I know you are, but what am I?

Next question.

No comment!"

She has chosen the appropriate toys to fill her cabinet. There are the normal positions plus the Secretary of Fantasy, Pizza, and Pets Who should Be in Their Cages just to name a few. She's so full of spunk and the go get 'em attitude that I was instantly reminded of the little boy from Bob Shea's Big Plans which was illustrated by Smith (reviewed). I was pleased to see that when Katy had to respond to the disaster that was her messy room, underneath presidential biographies was a copy of Big Plans . (In fact there are a lot of neat details hidden in her room and on her shelves.) Smith's sense of humor and fantastic collage style illustrations are in full force in this book. Madam President makes a wonderful read aloud as well as a book kids can simply sit and enjoy the visuals.

Verdict:

Madam President is a great picture book with a fun story. It's a good one to teach with as well as spark the imagination. And while I recommend that you pick it up right away, unless this book really grabs your child, I suggest getting it from the library.