Keys To Knowledge

"A capacity, and taste, for reading, gives access to whatever has already been discovered by others. It
is the key, or one of the keys, to the already solved problems. And not only so. It gives a relish, and
facility, for successfully pursuing the [yet] unsolved ones."
- Abraham Lincoln*

Presumably by Charles Hogeboom
Via Pratt Institute Libraries Collection

*Lincoln's Address before the Wisconsin State Agricultural Society, September 30, 1859

Abe Lincoln's Hat

Abe Lincoln's Hat,
Written by Martha Brenner,
Illustrated by Donald Cook

"A book which is well and thoughtfully illustrated provides a richer experience for a child by supporting the words of the printed text with concrete images which communicate action, express emotion, and satisfy a child's need to engage his / her senses. With love and magic, an illustration transforms a story into a living, tangible world which a child can explore and revisit as often as he or she wishes."

- Donald Cook, artist/educator

interior art by Donald Cook

Abe Lincoln's Hat is a chapter book written by Martha Brenner and illustrated by Donald Cook.

Abe Lincoln's Hat was published by Random House in 1994 as part of their Step Into Reading program.  This book is a Step 3, which means it is recommended for readers in grades first through third who are just beginning to read on their own.  The sentences are very simple, though some of the vocabulary is more challenging.  It reads like a reader, rather than a chapter book story.  This book uses the detail of Abraham Lincoln's stovepipe hat to relate important events in his career.  I like the way the author introduced lesser known elements from his life and focuses on his time as a lawyer.  This book appeals to my author side because it is these kinds of unusual details that are able to get a manuscript out of the slush pile.  The illustrations by Donald Cook are very appropriate to this book.  He has skill in varying the layout and point of view to give interest to the subject matter.  Cook's soft pencil-and-wash art lends a vintage air.

From Abe Lincoln's Hat, courtesy Donald Cook

Vinnie Ream and Lincoln

Vinnie and Abraham was written by Dawn FitzGerald  and illustrated by Catherine Stock.  It details the true story of sculptor Vinnie Reams.  Reams was a prodigy and had a rare opportunity to sculpt a bust of Abraham Lincoln.  This picture book chronicles their meetings and the subsequent commissions.

Vinnie and Abraham,Written by Dawn FitzGerald
Illustrated by Catherine Stock

Published by Charlesbridge in 2007,  Vinnie and Abraham is a picture storybook which includes biographical data on the actual historical figures.  Although recommended for readers 7 and up, the text is quite long, with a word count of 2377.  Don't let that deter you from reading this great story.  It deserves the accolades it has received.

Courtesy Susan M. Sherman
and 7 Impossible Things

I know I'm partial to historical characters, but Vinnie and Abraham is a great story.  The art of Catherine Stock is an additional blessing.  Her versatile style means every book she illustrates is full of surprises. She is represented in the US by Red Fox Literary.  

As fine artist as well illustrator, she sets the bar very high.  The vibrancy and skillful handling of her watercolors combined with her solid knowledge of page design, make each of Ms. Stock's children's books a treat.

Lavinia Ream Hoxie (1847-1914)

Abraham Lincoln,
by Vinnie Ream, 1871
US Capital

interior illustration by Catherine Stock

A Book I Have Not Read

"My best friend is a person who will give me a book I have not read."

-Abraham Lincoln

Courtesy Stowe Vintage