Teddy, Eleanor and Franklin

 

 

If you enjoyed watching Ken Burn’s PBS series, “The Roosevelts: An Intimate History”, which is now available on dvd, you may also enjoy sharing these picture book biographies:

 

“My Tour of Europe by Teddy Roosevelt, Age 10”  is a collection of excerpts from Theodore Roosevelt’s childhood diary. Catherine Brighton’s illustrations bring to life the year Teddy spent with his family in Europe from May 1869 - May 1870. The diary presents Teddy’s initial homesickness, his illnesses, fun with siblings, and the sense of adventure that would always remain part of his character. This book is a great way to introduce primary resources to children.

Barbara Cooney’s “Eleanor” is illustrated in the artist’s signature style. The first illustration includes Uncle Ted as Eleanor’s Godfather and uncle. The story follows Eleanor from shy child, who lost her parents at a young age, to confident young woman. We learn that one of Eleanor’s most cherished possessions was a collection of letters written to her by her father. She carried these letters with her throughout her life, from home, to Allenswood boarding school, and to the White House. 

“A Boy Named  FDR: How Franklin D. Roosevelt Grew  Up To Change America”, written by Kathleen Krull and illustrated by Steve Johnson & Lou Francher,

carefully describes how a boy born to wealth became president for the “ordinary people”. The book begins with Franklin’s youthful pastimes and interests and continues with the boarding school and college years. Later, we learn how Franklin’s relationships with his cousins, Theodore Roosevelt and Eleanor Roosevelt, inspired him to become involved with politics and public service. The last pages of the biography present FDR’s challenges to re-enter politics after being afflicted with polio. 

--Teresa R., Sachs