A picture book history exploring fact versus fiction is a cleverly entertaining lesson in not believing everything you read. Margaret McNamara’s playful, imagined day-in-the-life on George Washington’s seventh birthday offers up a series of contrasting facts and myths, including the famous—and fictional—chopping down of the cherry tree incident. For every myth or inaccuracy intentionally referenced in the main narrative, McNamara provides a “fact” box pointing out the truth, including clarification on Washington’s adult life. So when young Washington’s father tells him to powder his wig, the boxed fact explains that Washington never wore a wig as either child or adult. But he did powder his hair. As for Washington crossing the Delaware? After young George crosses an icy creek he declares that he never wants to do anything like that again. In the fact box, readers learn that General Washington’s crossing of the Delaware was not a single trip, but comprised of multiple crossings as he went back and forth as the Revolutionary Army prepared for what became a key battle in the war. Barry Blitt’s illustrations are a blend of period detail and whimsy perfectly matched to McNamara’s story. (Ages 6–10)

A perfect picture book biography from award-winning author Margaret McNamara and New Yorker artist Barry Blitt comes this partly true and completely funny story of George Washington's 7th birthday. In this clever approach to history, readers will discover the truths and myths about George Washington. Did George Washington wear a wig? No. Did George Washington cut down a cherry tree? Probably not. Readers young and old who are used to seeing George Washington as an old man, will get a new look at the first president—as a kid. Perfect for classrooms, Presidents' Day, or as a birthday gift.