Children's Books about Abraham Lincoln

Happy  Birthday Abe!

Abraham Lincoln was our 16th president, and an interesting person for children to read about.  Take a look at the books that have  recently been published that take a look at the different aspects of this president’s life.

The life of Abraham Lincoln is accessible to young children in Jim Aylesworth's new book Our Abe Lincoln. Aylesworth uses an adaptation of a traditional folk song “The Old Grey Mare“ to tell Lincoln’s story. It is presented by a cast of schoolchildren in this picture book. The music and lyrics are included on the end pages. A lively approach to history!

 In Ellen Jackson’s book Abe Lincoln Loved Animals, we are treated to a unique perspective regarding our sixteenth president; his compassion for all living things. Among many anecdotes told in this beautifully illustrated picture book is the story of how he was the president who initiated the “pardoning” of a turkey that was supposed to be dinner. This tradition still takes place at the White House every Thanksgiving. Jackson provides many stories while avoiding the more serious issues of Lincoln’s life providing a book that can be enjoyed by children of all ages.

Abe’s Honest Words: The Life of Abraham Lincoln by Doreen Rappaport is an overview of Abraham Lincoln’s life. Major events such as the Civil War and the Gettysburg Address as well as societal issues including slavery and civil rights are accompanied by powerful illustrations that enhance the text. This nonfiction account is written so eloquently that it can be used as a read aloud for a group, but be sure to give the audience ample time to experience the illustrations, includes author’s and illustrator’s notes, timeline, suggested reading and a selected bibliography of sources.

Abe Lincoln Crosses a Creek: a Tall Thin, Tale (Introducing His Forgotten Frontier Friend) by Deborah Hopkinson is a picture book account of an incident that occurred when Lincoln was seven years old. Abe and his childhood friend Austin Gollaher went to Knob Creek and decided to cross it although neither of them knew how to swim. The fable style story includes colorful cartoon-like illustrations that inject humor into a story that leaves us wondering what if Austin wasn’t with Abe that day.

For children who are interested in learning about Lincoln’s childhood and family try Stand Tall, Abe Lincoln by Judith St. George. The story is told from the day he was born to a farming family in Kentucky, his school years, his eventual climb out of poverty, and provides us with an understanding of the man he became. In fact, it was Sally Bush Johnston who married Abe’s father, brought a library of books to their log cabin home, and believed in Abe from the beginning. She was an inspiring turning point for young Abe. Matt Faulkner’s watercolor illustrations illuminate the story with energized depictions of Lincoln’s early life. And provide a glimpse of how any human can rise to surprising heights

Older children who love nonfiction in an unconventional format are sure to spend endless hours enjoying The Lincolns: a Scrapbook Look at Abraham and Mary by Candace Fleming. The pages are filled with everything from baby pictures, to newspaper clippings, the contents of their pockets, and even the recipe for the cake that Mary would bake for her husband on special occasions. This is a comprehensive look at the lives of our 16th president and his wife, the first woman to actually be called the “First Lady.”