| Title | : | Tad Lincolns Restless Wriggle: Pandemonium and Patience in the Presidents House |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 1635923158 |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9781635923155 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Hardcover |
| Number of Pages | : | 40 |
| Publication | : | Published October 5, 2021 |
Tad Lincolns Restless Wriggle: Pandemonium and Patience in the Presidents House Reviews
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This is a cute and child-friendly introduction to the youngest son of the Lincolns, Tad. Ultimately his tale is a sad one, but there were some fun things that happened in his life, including the first pardoning of the White House turkey. It's a good choice for beginning to teach young ones about Abraham Lincoln and his family.
This unbiased review is based on a complimentary copy provided by the publisher. -
Everyone knows about our sixteenth President, but few of us know much about his son Tad. Anderson's fun biography fixes that. The unruly boy brought some welcome chaos to the White House during the Civil War. He learned from the experience of accompanying his Commander-in-Chief father. Though Tad had trouble speaking and reading, he had no difficulty being kind to others. Lush illustrations in muted tones bring the story to life. An author's note adds historical photos and further details at a higher reading level.
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I did not know that much about Tad Lincoln; his life is another example of tragedy in his family. He died young after his brother Willie and his father. The explanations for his behavior and physical challenges are explained well for a child to read, and shows another side of his father. Resources in the back show quite a bit of research, and the author trying not to make false assumptions. The illustrations are playful, showing that Abraham Lincoln took delight in his son while others were in various stages of being appalled.
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This book which is ostensibly about Abe Lincoln's son gives us great insight into the character of our 16th president. The writing reflects the joy with which Tad Lincoln lived in spite of his many challenges.
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Tad Lincoln’s Restless Wriggle: This heartwarming yet fascinating story is a window into the father and son relationship between Lincoln and his restless son, Tad. Young readers will easily identify with the curious and wriggly Tad, who had difficulty in being understood by many, but not his father. Here we also learn that Tad’s heart was as big as his fathers, as well as his sense of justice, respect for all, and of duty in servicing the community. And you’ll be surprised to learn how the first presidential pardon for a turkey came about! Masterful illustrations by S.D. Schindler bring all gloriously to life!
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"I don't know but I may succeed in governing the nation, but I do believe I shall fail in ruling my own household." Abraham Lincoln
Author Beth Anderson uses that quote to draw readers into the life of Abraham Lincoln's boisterous son, Tad. You'll see why that quote is a fitting preface to another great picture book published by Calkins Creek.
"Thomas Lincoln wriggled from the moment he was born.
Like a tadpole, thought Abraham, and he called his son "Tad."
The name stuck.
So did the wriggle."
In that simple manner we meet Tad.
Since he was born with an opening in the roof of his mouth, Tad's words were hard to understand. Although he had difficulty communicating clearly, his energy was quite obvious.
Tad careened through the East Room in his chariot, scattering shrieking ladies not corners. "Get out of my way!"
The staff huffed. Children should not be seen--and certainly not heard!
The same was true in the classroom:
Tad ran through the house, yard, and stables, tore through his father's important meetings, and even went to a soldier's camp. Unlike today when presidents are closely guarded, Abraham Lincoln walked Washington's streets accompanied by his son. Tad learned how to comfort wounded soldiers and listened as his father chatted with storekeepers and war volunteers.
Visitors poured into the White House requesting time with the President. Lincoln didn't turn anyone away.
"Women requested passes across enemy lines.
Families begged for money.
Politicians wanted favors." Tad escorted the most deserving upstairs to see his father.
President Lincoln watched his young son's compassion for soldiers, homeless men, stray dogs and kids, and even for the Christmas turkey (who had become one of his pets). Despite his difficulty with language, Tad managed to convince his papa to rescue the turkey from being served as dinner.
When Tad received more books as Christmas presents than his father would have time to read to him, he decided to share them with injured soldiers. He filled a big box with books and goodies and delivered them to the hospital.
Although he couldn't write, "his message was clear as he filled the very big box... It was full of love, comfort, and a little sunshine.
BACKMATTER
Beth Anderson shares an interesting assortment of information in her Author's Note. She began researching the first presidential turkey pardon and became entranced with the close father-son relationship between President Lincoln and his fourth son, Tad. Readers will learn about how Tad's partial cleft palate would be surgically repaired today. Personally, I was intrigued by Beth's bibliography. Her primary sources include several books written in the 19th century as well as those published in the first part of the 20th century. -
Another NetGalley ARC complete!
Structure and Formatting 4/5
Keeping in mind this is a children's picture book, I just felt like this was a little all over the place. Maybe it will keep children's attentions, but Tad goes immediately from being born to running around the White House. It just felt sudden and abrupt. I blame my adult brain for having issues with that.
Thoroughness of Research 3.5/5
It's always hard to gauge sources and citations in a picture book, but this one in particular left me wondering a little bit. I don't know how much information is available on Tad's short life, but it felt too anecdote-y.
Storytelling/Writing 3.5/5
I'm going to blame my adult brain again for this one. This story seemed to lack a focus or narrative direction. Maybe that works for little kids. Maybe it just reinforces the "restless wriggle" side of Tad. It just didn't have a "beginning to end" feel while reading. The pictures are fantastic in the book though, and they really help to bring what the words are saying to life.
Level of Enjoyment 4/5
This was definitely cute, and it has piqued my interest to try to learn more about Lincoln's kids.
Prior Knowledge Needed 3* (with the addition of the author's notes, I would bump this to a 4)
The author's notes definitely helped to make a more complete picture of Tad's life and the family dynamics going on in his short life. Without that added context, this book just kind of falls flat. The author's note helps fill out the story a little more and could definitely be helpful when sharing this story with young kids who always want to ask "why?" while reading.
Overall 3.6-3.8
This was such a cute picture book. I don't know much about Lincoln's kids. I knew he had kids, but for some reason, I never pictured him as a president with young kids in the White House when he was President. This was a fun way to learn about Tad, and by extension Lincoln. -
All About Tad Lincoln
In the author's note, she states this book began as one about the tradition of pardoning the Thanksgiving turkey at the White House. But she found Tad Lincoln to be a fascinating subject and so refashioned the story to be about him. It appears as though Tad had a special relationship with his father. The young boy was beset with some problems, likely a partial cleft palate as well as learning difficulties. He was also a rambunctious but kind-hearted boy. This story gives glimpses of all that, and Tad comes across as quite the character with a generous spirit. At the end of the book, the author provides more details about Tad and the Lincolns and even has photographs of the young boy. And yes, while it didn't happen at Thanksgiving turkey, the Lincolns’ Christmas turkey was saved from being eaten by Tad's intervention. He asked his father to spare the turkey, which was like a pet to him. This is a great story about a young boy whom we would call “special needs” today, but a patient father allowed him to be his high-spirited, loving self. Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review. -
This heartwarming story provides an intimate and fascinating portrait of Lincoln's first son, Tad. Author Beth Anderson originally set out to tell the story of the first presidential turkey pardon, but a deeper story of the love between Lincoln and his son hooked her instead. The wriggly Tad was bubbling with ideas, but due to what was likely a language-based learning disability, many people had trouble understanding him. However, his father understood him and seemed to deeply understand him and appreciate his buoyant energy and enthusiasm. And Tad wanted to do his part to help, finding unique ways to raise funds for the war effort and sending books and other supplies to soldiers in the hospital. Throughout the story, his father's love shines through. The character illustrations are engaging, with expressive (and sometimes humorous) facial expressions. An author's note at the end rounds out this fascinating story.
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Such a sweet and heartwarming story! My kids really enjoyed this one! I found it fascinating that the author's original aim was to write a story about the first presidential turkey pardon, yet upon his research, it shifted into a story about Abraham Lincoln's son, Tad. Learning about Tad's personality and the relationship between his father was intriguing, and kept both my, and my children's interest throughout. I especially loved how extensive the sources section was at the end of the book, as opposed to bordering on historical fiction, as several children's book about well known historical figures do. The artwork was fun and vibrant as well.
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Kids, especially those born with a restless wriggle like Tad Lincoln, will enjoy this picture book based on the son of President Abraham Lincoln. Although Tad had physical and learning challenges, Anderson focused on his empathy for others, his intelligence, and his special relationship with his famous father. Tad and his father formed a special bond after losing his older brother, Willie. And he also brought joy to his father during a devastating time in U.S. history - the Civil War. The illustrations capture Tad's energy as he bounces off the pages! A wonderful story all children will enjoy.
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I really enjoyed this book. I knew nothing about President Lincoln's family life, and I appreciated learning about his son Tad and the relationship they shared. For me the book further illuminated why Lincoln was so successful as a leader, particularly during a time of great conflict. He clearly had compassion, empathy, and patience, and the ability to see people as whole human beings. The story made me want to learn more about Tad, and more about this aspect of President Lincoln. This story would especially appeal to young learners who themselves are restless in traditional learning environments, and/or those with learning disabilities or difficulties with verbal communication.
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This story starts with Tad’s disruptive presence in the White House, and develops into a story about Tad's big heart and wanting to help people in need, as well as turkeys. And above all, it's a really charming portrayal of the loving relationship between a son and his father who encouraged his spirit and helped him achieve things beyond the limitations of his disability. This story is all about spirit and it shines with it. The text is concise and lively. The illustrations are elegant and enhance the action of the narrative. These are the kinds of illustrations you can get lost in for all their fascinating detail. Definitely a book to enjoy over and over again.
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"I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."
I thought it was interesting that this story began with researching the first turkey pardon. Overall I liked the story and I appreciated the interaction between Tad and his father. I wish Tad's abilities had been of more focus than his disabilities, even though they were painted in a favorable light. Overall I think it was a worthwhile read for a living history picture book. This would be a good supplement for history study. -
Before reading this book, I knew very little about Tad Lincoln, but this lively story fascinated me! The author clearly did exhaustive research on the Lincolns but managed to share these historical facts while keeping the narrative kid-friendly and digestible. Kids will not only learn about a piece of history but also about compassion for animals and the gifts that people with special needs have to offer.
NOTE: I received a digital ARC via NetGalley. -
"Papa scooped up his son and carried him to bed," I loved reading this book about President Lincoln's son, Abe. The author beautifully expresses the father-son relationship. Children would relate to the father's tender affection for his son, Abe's feelings of losing a pet, and interesting facts like the Presidential Turkey Pardon. The gorgeous illustrations float effortlessly with the text, offering insights into life at that time.
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What began, according to the wonderfully detailed author's note, as a story about the first "turkey pardon," became a touching tribute to the relationship between Abraham Lincoln and his son, Thomas "Tad" Lincoln. A loving relationship that encouraged a boisterous, big-hearted young man to help soldiers and others with his " love, and comfort, and a wriggle of sunshine!" A great addition to books about our country's history, the Lincolns, and kids who have lived in the White House.
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Thanks to Netgalley and Astra Publishing House, Calkins Creek for a free digital copy for my review.
A wonderful historical story of the love between Abraham Lincoln and his son Tad. Tad gets up to all kinds of antics that will keep you wanting to turn the page. Laced with fun as well as historical fact, this book is a delight. -
What a wonderful kid-friendly picture book biography! This is beautifully written with great illustrations and the story is just what we all need. You can feel the love between father and son and see that not all children are created equal. Everyone beats beautifully to their own drummer. Loved it! Kids will love it. Perfect for teachers to share with their elementary classrooms.
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Children who have "wriggles" will relate to President Lincoln's son Tad. The President is shown as an understanding and patient father, and Tad's exploits are presented in an entertaining way with many short paragraphs and colorful detailed illustrations.
Compare with Thanksgiving in the White House.
ELA tie-in: biography unit.
February tie-in: Presidents' Day. -
Tad Lincoln’s speech impediment is well documented. The book implies he also had a learning disability (LD). However, he did not have much formal schooling in his younger years. So he may have not had the opportunity to learn (in contrast to having difficulty learning). Therefore I would question an LD posthumous diagnosis.
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Well-researched and kid-friendly peek into the Lincoln family!
A nice addition to the classroom library and for young history buffs. -
4 stars - interesting to find out that Tad Lincoln was such a lively child with a cleft palate
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A brilliant, sensitive, and important profile that reveals sides to Lincoln's family that are little-known. More extensive review to come!
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Very nice story about Tad. Such a rambunctious and sweet kid. The things he did to help raise money for the soldiers during the Civil War was heartwarming.
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Almost perfect picture biography of Thomas "Tad" Lincoln, focusing on the year 1863 in the White House. Wonderful!
