Monica Kulling

The delightful biography of Eleanor Roosevelt introduces young readers to one of the most memorable first ladies of the United States. Beginning with her childhood, it continues throughout her life to her death. Educated at a boarding school in England where she spoke French, she came back to New York wanting to help those less fortunate than herself. This continued throughout her life and made her one of America's most beloved first ladies. Illustrations are a mix of mostly watercolors and photographs. The book is a step 4 book in the Step into Reading series.… (more)

Review for copy of hardcover book.
This is an informative juvenile picture book biography celebrating the accomplishments of Lillian Gilbreath, the mother in the true story Cheaper by the Dozen. As a homemaker with 11 children, she applied her learning and creativity as an electrical engineer and psychologist to make home and commercial enterprises function more efficiently. By necessity she became a working mother in the workforce. Some of her innovations we still use today, but I don't want to spoil the discovery.
The writing is staighforward and clear. The illustrations make this a beautful book.… (more)

Francis Scott Key was a very busy man. He and his wife had 11 children. He was a lawyer and many people came to him for advice. But whenever he had a moment, he would jot down a line of poetry. He loved writing poems. When the War of 1812 broke out, Francis became even busier. He was well-respected and often called upon to help keep the peace as the war between the United States and England raged on. One fateful night Francis and his friend helped talk the British Navy into releasing a prisoner of war. But they couldn't return home just yet because the Battle of Fort McHenry was starting! If the British captured the fort, America might very well lose its independence. Francis and his friends could only sit on a boat and observe the battle. For 25 hours they watched in awe. What Francis saw inspired him to write a poem that would become America's national anthem!… (more)