Thomas Jefferson: Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Everything

Renowned artist Maira Kalman sheds light on the fascinating life and interests of the Renaissance man who was our third president.

Thomas Jefferson is perhaps best known for writing the Declaration of Independence--but there's so much more to discover. This energetic man was interested in everything. He played violin, spoke seven languages and was a scientist, naturalist, botanist, mathematician and architect. He designed his magnificent home, Monticello, which is full of objects he collected from around the world. Our first foodie, he grew over fifteen kinds of peas and advocated a mostly vegetarian diet. And oh yes, as our third president, he doubled the size of the United States and sent Lewis and Clark to explore it. He also started the Library of Congress and said, "I cannot live without books." But monumental figures can have monumental flaws, and Jefferson was no exception. Although he called slavery an "abomination," he owned about 150 slaves.

As she did in Looking at Lincoln, Maira Kalman shares a president's remarkable, complicated life with young readers, making history come alive with her captivating text and stunning illustrations.

Binding Type: Hardcover
Publisher: Nancy Paulsen Books
Published: 01/07/2014
ISBN: 9780399240409
Pages: 40
Weight: 1.15lbs
Size: 11.00h x 9.30w x 0.50d
Award: Jefferson Cup - Honor Book
Award: Alabama Camellia Award - Nominee

Review Citations: Publishers Weekly 10/28/2013
Kirkus Reviews 11/15/2013
Horn Book Magazine 01/01/2014 pg. 111
School Library Journal 01/01/2014 pg. 114
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 02/01/2014
Shelf Awareness 01/10/2014
New York Times Book Review 01/12/2014 pg. 14
New York Times Book Review 01/19/2014 pg. 22
Booklist 02/15/2014 pg. 75
Kirkus Best Picture Books 11/15/2014 pg. 65
Hornbook Guide to Children 07/01/2014 - Superior,Well Above Average

Accelerated Reader Quiz #/Name: 163053 / Thomas Jefferson: Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Everything
Reading Level: 4.7 / Interest Level: Lower Grade / Point Value: 0.5