In the past, I have shared our favorite books to encourage creativity and books to make you laugh. Today I am sharing some our favorite books about historical figures. I love love love this “genre within the genre”. Sometimes, a biography is still a little too much, you know? That’s when a good picture book comes in.
One of the common threads in most of these biographical picture books is that they bring to life what these people were like as children. Of course, that is captivating for any child. Especially when they know that this person did great things with their life. Another common thread is seeing these little people follow their passions and curiosity intensely.
Here are some that we have loved. These are not our favorites because of we particularly loved these historical figures before, they are favorites because the stories are so well done. And that is what it takes to captivate both parent and child:
1. Me…Jane by Patrick McDonnell. This is one of two books about Jane Goodall on this list. That might lead you to believe we are big Jane Goodall fans. Not particularly. But both books are excellently done. This is a beautifully illustrated account following Jane as a child who loved animals and her dream to travel to Africa to work with them. A touching and inspiring read.
2. Manfish: A Story of Jacques Cousteau by Jennifer Berne. This book starts at the childhood of Jacques Cousteau and his deep curiosity for the sea. It takes you along as he follows his dream to explore the ocean and in doing so develops many of the equipment still in use today. Children are so fascinated with the world under the sea. Learning about the man who scratched the itch to know about this mysterious frontier is very exciting.
3. Young Frank Architect by Frank Viva. This book sounds a lot like another favorite of ours, Iggy Peck Architect. Although there are a few common threads in the two about creativity and thinking outside the box, this one actually references two famous architects named Frank – Frank Ghery and Frank Lloyd Wright. The boy in the book starts creating structures that don’t fit the mold, and is told by his grandfather that he is doing things incorrectly. They take a visit to the Museum of Modern Art, where the boy studies the work of the two Franks and realizes that it’s okay to not fit the mold.
4. Abe Lincoln’s Dream by Lane Smith. Of all the people highlighted in these books, Abraham Lincoln is my favorite. I am in awe of his story and his character. This book’s strength is the illustrations. The story revolves around a little girl who meets the ghost of Abraham Lincoln. He shares that he is restless over not know what happened to his country before he died. He flies with her over the nation while she fills him in on how we have changed since he left. It’s a heartwarming story.
5. On a Beam of Light: A Story of Albert Einstein by Jennifer Berne. Until this point, I never realized that this book and Manfish share the same author. They subject in both books are extremely curious and passionate. This story starts with Albert Einstein as a baby where we learn that he didn’t speak for the first three years of his life. We come to see he did not fit in at school or with other children. But by following his extremely inquisitive mind, he made a huge impact on the world. Lovely book all the way through!
4. The Watcher: Jane Goodall’s Life with the Chimps by Jeannette Winter. This is the second book about Jane Goodall’s life on this list. It’s illustrations and tone are completely different. This one has more details and is a little less whimsical. But definitely another fantastic way to introduce this important figure to children. Hopefully they will be inspired by the impact one person can have by following a childhood dream.
Bravo to all of the children’s book authors and illustrators creating these awesome books. It is clear that when you put your focus on creating a good book and don’t feel the need to “dumb it down” for kids, it is a win-win.
Have you read any great picture books lately? Do tell!
Julie
Ale- just catching up on your blog. Always love your children’s book recommendations! One we got from library recently kids loved was Sam and Dave dig a hole. Your boys would enjoy!
Ale Post author
Oh yeah! I loved that one. It’s the same author as “I Want My Hat” back, which we love. I actually read it for myself at the bookstore and never read it to the boys 🙂 We will have to check it out at the library. Thank you Julie!