History Tipsters Sneak Into the Oval Office The Inside Scoop on the U.S. Presidency, by Blake Hoena

 Publication August 1, 2024

Done in comic/graphic style, this is a succinct, fun look at not just the Oval Office but some of the very important things that go into making our government work effectively. Illustrated by Manuel Molina Navarro, the artwork is at once both whimsical and realistic, not to mention not particular reverent toward its targets. Not insulting, just not necessarily always seriously respectful. Supposedly narrated by President Harrison, the various presidents are usually referred to by their number, ie Washington is #1 and so on and so on. And, yes, while it dwells on a handful, each president through Biden does get a mention, albeit the latter ones largely only a one-liner of their chief accomplishment as it draws closer to modern times.

Basically, what you'll get here isn't just a recitation of the presidents, however, but also how our nation was born, its government set up, Washington's role, er, #1's role, the importance of a peaceful transfer of power, the development and use/need for cabinet advisors, as well as exactly what executive orders and a veto are. For instance, as important as it was, it notes that the Emancipation Proclamation was an executive order. Interestingly enough, Theodore Roosevelt once held the record for the most executive proclamations with 1,081. Franklin D. Roosevelt would later use 3,721, not to mention having 635 vetoes. Of course, as noted, remember his term of office was long, which ultimately lead to the 22nd Amendment limiting a president to only two terms. In other words, precedents were being set, tweaked, and used as reference for future actions and, let's face it, inaction. My favorite quote, btw, was "No one wanted our president to be a bossy king". That's what I mean by the sometimes flip irreverence of the book.

Bottom line, while sparse on presidents after FDR, one where the entire world was frequently in turmoil, this is an informative, easy read for, oh, upper elementary and beyond. That said, given some of the rather inside jokes, so to speak, an in-the-know adult may need to explain some things to young readers. Timely given the upcoming election as I type, and manages to remain rather rather firmly in the middle without ignoring basic elements of the government established by the Founding Fathers. Thanks #NetGalley and #Capstone for refreshing my mind on our government basics and those who have wielded it in the most powerful office in the world. And, oops, readers, almost forgot. There's a glossary, Read More section, list of internet sites, and index at the end. This would make a great addition to school libraries and classrooms, not to mention our own bookshelves.