Teaching about historical figures can be difficult for teachers. Learning about historical figures can be difficult and boring for students. But when young learners can see the human side of famous people, it enhances learning.
“Dear Mr. Washington” is a new book written by Lynn Cullen and illustrated by Nancy Carpenter. It describes George Washington’s sitting for his portrait in Gilbert Stuart’s studio. The story is based on historical events. Washington did go to the studio, Stuart did have difficulty painting the portrait, Stuart did have twelve children, and Washington did write a book called “Rules of Civility& Decent Behavior in Company and Conversation.” Whether the children were responsible for getting Washington to smile is, of course, not in any historical records.
Young learners will enjoy this story because it deals with devilish children and their very funny interactions with the Father of Our Country. The very colorful watercolor illustrations add to the fun of the story. Couple this with Deborah Chandra’s “George Washington’s Teeth” for a fun and informative picture of a very famous man.