THE GREAT WHITE HOUSE BREAKOUT
by Helen Thomas & illustrated by Chip Bok
Sam feels pretty sorry for himself. With the President of the United States for a mother, Sam can’t just go out and play like a regular kid; he has to stay close to home, protected by many bodyguards who look very serious and have many gadgets. Sam’s pet rat, Leonard, proves that they’re not so great at their jobs when he helps Sam and his cat, Warren, run away. After the great escape, Sam, Warren and Leonard explore Washington, D.C., to their hearts’ content, finally settling down for the night on the lap of the Lincoln Memorial. Predictably, the trio is homesick by morning. Leonard tries to get them home via kite, but they crash into the Washington Monument—SPLAT—which necessitates a helicopter rescue. A silly adventure from a member of the White House Press Corps, with some educational stops along the way. Bok’s dynamic, detail-crammed illustrations will prove great fun for kids and a treat for adults alike, as they are done in the wry, witty style of his political cartoons. (Picture book. 6-10)