This one is as much a tribute to books as to Theodore Roosevelt's life. I knew he wrote several books but have to admit to being astonished at just how many when I reached the end material and list of his written works. Wow. He's always been a favorite president, heck, historical personality to me, so I have to admit that there was little here I hadn't heard but it's an excellent encapsulation of his life and times. While targeting young readers, I think readers of any age will enjoy this one.
I found the illustrations interesting. Not quite realistic, not quite cartoonish. They even appear to be in a sorta soft focus, simple but doing an excellent job of capturing the mood and stories behind them. While Roosevelt is obviously the focus of the story, the book keeps the spotlight on his love of learning and books. An asthmatic child, he lived vicariously through books, yearning to one day live the adventures he was only then able to read about. For a man who faced so many tragedies and hardships through his life, including illness and the early loss of his wife and mother (on the same day), he seemed to always be looking forward to the next challenge and adventure. The book uses his quotes throughout and they add to the overall sense of him as a human, not an untouchable icon. I even learned here that he boarded a submarine for an underwater jaunt, not to mention his early glee at flying, so there's much to learn here. Even better, it's an enjoyable, interesting read.
Bottom line, this would make a great addition to just about anyone's bookshelf, especially in schools. Definitely read the after material. My favorite section there was probably the one titled "Why Should I Read and Write Like Theodore Roosevelt?" but there is lots more information to be found throughout. There's also a detailed timeline and bibliography, not to mention photo credits. Yes, there are scattered b/w photos used as appropriate to go along with the color illustrations. If you're unaware, you'll learn how his own writing saved his own life, too! Thanks #AstraPublishingHouse for the early peek at this interesting, fun look at a bigger than life figure. Asthmatic child, cowboy, family man, politician, president....he did it all with gusto while still finding time to read and learn more. I'd have liked to have known him, if only at the time he's pictured in a western cabin doorway with a book.
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