RATS IN THE WHITE HOUSE

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.