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RATS IN THE WHITE HOUSE

A well-researched, engaging, child’s-eye view of U.S. presidential history.

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Theodore Roosevelt’s son Archie wants to solve the problem of rats in the White House in this illustrated children’s book based on a true story.

When Roosevelt becomes president in 1901, his family brings 43 pets to the White House. One is a rat, but 7-year-old Archie’s rodent would never cause problems in the kitchen. When cook Annie O’Rourke discovers a kitchen invader, Archie goes to his dad for help. But first Roosevelt is busy with paperwork, then with famous guests (including Booker T. Washington) and big projects (the Panama Canal, a coal strike, plans for national parks, and more). Each time, Archie knows the rats will have to wait. Inspired by one of his father’s favorite sayings, Archie encourages his siblings to hit pans in the kitchen with big sticks, trying to scare away the rats. It’s only a temporary solution, and eventually the rodents are back—until the president brings home rat terrier Skip to be Archie’s new friend: “Soon, not a rat remained in the White House.” Presenting a simplified version of many events from the Roosevelt presidency, Tabler makes the historical events approachable, whether union struggles, antitrust laws, or the invention of the teddy bear. Archie, who is a witness to both the mundane problem of rodents and the larger historical events of his father’s administration, serves as an appealing viewpoint character. The simple sentence structure makes the text accessible, and the inclusion of unfamiliar vocabulary words (hominy, a mischief of rats) will challenge independent readers. Lätti’s eye-catching illustrations are based on period photographs and closely depict the historical figures and Skip while also allowing Annie and Archie a wide range of expressions that add comedy to the events. Vivid details, including the full contingent of pets owned by the famous family and a moose head hanging from the dining room wall, enhance the feeling of what it might have been like to live in Archie’s White House. Copious notes, recipes, and references are provided for readers who want further details and citation information about the Roosevelts’ adventures.

A well-researched, engaging, child’s-eye view of U.S. presidential history.

Pub Date: Nov. 14, 2020

ISBN: 978-1-73-591270-7

Page Count: 88

Publisher: Basil Books

Review Posted Online: July 12, 2021

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 2021

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THE WILD ROBOT PROTECTS

From the Wild Robot series , Vol. 3

Hugely entertaining, timely, and triumphant.

Robot Roz undertakes an unusual ocean journey to save her adopted island home in this third series entry.

When a poison tide flowing across the ocean threatens their island, Roz works with the resident creatures to ensure that they will have clean water, but the destruction of vegetation and crowding of habitats jeopardize everyone’s survival. Brown’s tale of environmental depredation and turmoil is by turns poignant, graceful, endearing, and inspiring, with his (mostly) gentle robot protagonist at its heart. Though Roz is different from the creatures she lives with or encounters—including her son, Brightbill the goose, and his new mate, Glimmerwing—she makes connections through her versatile communication abilities and her desire to understand and help others. When Roz accidentally discovers that the replacement body given to her by Dr. Molovo is waterproof, she sets out to seek help and discovers the human-engineered source of the toxic tide. Brown’s rich descriptions of undersea landscapes, entertaining conversations between Roz and wild creatures, and concise yet powerful explanations of the effect of the poison tide on the ecology of the island are superb. Simple, spare illustrations offer just enough glimpses of Roz and her surroundings to spark the imagination. The climactic confrontation pits oceangoing mammals, seabirds, fish, and even zooplankton against hardware and technology in a nicely choreographed battle. But it is Roz’s heroism and peacemaking that save the day.

Hugely entertaining, timely, and triumphant. (author’s note) (Fiction. 8-12)

Pub Date: Sept. 26, 2023

ISBN: 9780316669412

Page Count: 288

Publisher: Little, Brown

Review Posted Online: Aug. 26, 2023

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 15, 2023

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THE LION OF LARK-HAYES MANOR

A pleasing premise for book lovers.

A fantasy-loving bookworm makes a wonderful, terrible bargain.

When sixth grader Poppy Woodlock’s historic preservationist parents move the family to the Oregon coast to work on the titular stately home, Poppy’s sure she’ll find magic. Indeed, the exiled water nymph in the manor’s ruined swimming pool grants a wish, but: “Magic isn’t free. It cosssts.” The price? Poppy’s favorite book, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. In return she receives Sampson, a winged lion cub who is everything Poppy could have hoped for. But she soon learns that the nymph didn’t take just her own physical book—she erased Narnia from Poppy’s world. And it’s just the first loss: Soon, Poppy’s grandmother’s journal’s gone, then The Odyssey, and more. The loss is heartbreaking, but Sampson’s a wonderful companion, particularly as Poppy’s finding middle school a tough adjustment. Hartman’s premise is beguiling—plenty of readers will identify with Poppy, both as a fellow bibliophile and as a kid struggling to adapt. Poppy’s repeatedly expressed faith that unveiling Sampson will bring some sort of vindication wears thin, but that does not detract from the central drama. It’s a pity that the named real-world books Poppy reads are notably lacking in diversity; a story about the power of literature so limited in imagination lets both itself and readers down. Main characters are cued White; there is racial diversity in the supporting cast. Chapters open with atmospheric spot art. (This review has been updated to reflect the final illustrations.)

A pleasing premise for book lovers. (Fantasy. 9-12)

Pub Date: May 2, 2023

ISBN: 9780316448222

Page Count: 320

Publisher: Little, Brown

Review Posted Online: Feb. 24, 2023

Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 2023

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