New Children’s Book Celebrates the Achievements and Contributions of the First Ladies of the United States
New York, NY – On January 10, 2017, Penguin Young Readers will publish What’s the Big Deal About First Ladies, written by Ruby Shamir and illustrated by Matt Faulkner. Aimed at readers ages 4-8, this colorful and fact-filled picture book introduces young readers to the women who occupied the White House alongside this country’s forty-four presidents. The book will also reference our new first spouse, following the 2016 election.
Filled with fun, kid-friendly facts that bring each first lady to life on the page, this picture book written by a member of a former first lady’s staff, shows us just how much our nation’s first ladies have accomplished, from Martha Washington to Michelle Obama. In addition to being hostesses, ambassadors, activists, educators, historians and role-models, each first lady put her own stamp on the White House and her husband’s presidency.
Kids will learn that Mary Todd Lincoln played a huge role in fighting to end slavery, and that Edith Wilson decoded secret messages from our allies during World War I! They’ll also discover some of these women’s quirkier sides. Did you know that Grace Coolidge had a pet raccoon? Or that Dolley Madison loved oyster ice cream?
“I’m so excited to offer young readers a window into the important contributions this diverse array of patriotic women have made to our culture and history. Even when women’s opportunities were hampered by custom or law, America’sfirst ladies turned an ill-defined, very public role into an opportunity to serve our country and shine a spotlight on our finest ideals.”
Following in the footsteps of Judith St. George and David Small’s So You Want to Be President?, this first book in a new series features fun, kid-friendly facts about America’s first ladies and shows young readers just why they’re such a big deal.