LINCOLN TELLS A JOKE (genre 4 book 3)

One of the most frequently mentioned names in history, Lincoln is a figure whom many only know of his role in politics.  Lincoln tells a Joke: How Laughter Saved the President by Kathleen Krull and Paul Brewer uses humor to connect with a wide age range of readers. This connection will foster an interest in learning more about Lincoln and the history that surrounds him. 

This picture book biography is an excellent introduction to the man as a personality. Commonly known facts are presented such as his birth in a log cabin, his vocation as a lawyer, and his wife Mary Todd. However, it is the addition of the humor that infused Lincoln's life, shared within this book, that brings the pages to life.  

The acrylic illustrations by Stacey Innerst are done in a non-literal fashion. The resulting stylized images resound in a contemporary fashion. However, the historical feel is still maintained within the book such as with the creation of a parchment like texture. The addition of Lincoln's well known quotes such as "Four score and seven years ago..." as part of the illustrations create interest and reinforce the importance of literacy in his life. This adds to the text creating interest for the reader.  The resulting whole of this work is informational and entertaining. It will draw readers in and leave them thirsting for more knowledge.

Review excerpts:
"A positive portrait that humanizes the lionized man for whom it was a love of laughter that kept him going." -Booklist

"Krull is an expert at teasing out the fun, quirky sides of her subjects and sharing them in a way that is both genuine and engaging." -School Library Journal

Connections:
*Discuss how people can use humor to make a difficult subject easier or to make fun of someone while trying to hide it in a joke.

*Have students find other facts about Lincoln. Alternately, they can take a fact given in the book and do further research on it. 

Krull, Kathleen. Brewer, Paul. Lincoln Tells a Joke. Ill. by Stacy Innerst. Boston: Harcourt Children's Books. 2010. ISBN  9780152066390