Washington's Birthday is a United States federal holiday celebrated on the third Monday of February in honor of George Washington, the first President of the United States. Many Americans refer to the holiday as Presidents' Day as a way of honoring all past presidents. Contrary to popular belief, neither Congress nor any President has ever officially changed the name of the holiday to "Presidents' Day."
Another very important American President shares a February birthday with Washington, Abraham Lincoln. President's Day is a wonderful time to learn about America's past and celebrate the achievements and contributions made by Washington, Lincoln and other American Presidents.
You can learn more about the history of Washington's Birthday at the National Archives website . The History Channel has a webpage with facts about the holiday.
To aide in your exploration of American Presidency, some stellar books are available to read and study. These books will entertain you with interesting facts, educate you with important historical bits and dazzle you with fun, expertly-rendered illustrations.
President's Day by Anne Rockwell (Harper Collins, 2007). In this picture book perfectly suited for the preschool through first grade set, students put on a school play with American Presidents and then vote for their own class president. A great primer for young learners!
Abe Lincoln's Dream by Lane Smith (Roaring Book Press, 2012). Lane Smith, a Caldecott award-winning author and illustrator, provides a taste of American history complete with wonderful illustrations and some laughs in this picture book. Inspired by Abraham Lincoln's dream life, Abe Lincoln's Dream shows what happens after
a little girl on a tour of the White House meets the troubled and restless ghost of
the 16th president in the Lincoln bedroom.
Barack Obama : Son of Promise, Child of Hope by Nikki Grimes ( Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2008). The moving story of our 44th President told by Coretta Scott King Award winner Nikki Grimes. This title is beautifully illustrated and a great choice for early school-age students interested in our current President.
George Washington's Teeth by Deborah Chandra and Madeleine Comora (Farrar Straus Giroux, 2003). This story told in rhyme depicts George Washingtons's lifelong struggle with bad teeth using his own diary entries and other non-fiction sources to construct the book's timeline. A fun route to learning more about the nation's first President and his notoriously horrible teeth!
First Mothers by Beverly Gherman (Clarion Books, 2012). In a celebration of the women behind the famous Presidents who have lived in the White House, author Beverly Gherman provides readers with plenty of fun facts about the famous first mothers and their sons. A good choice for school-age students interested in the family background of America's leaders.
Stop into the library and grab one of these awesome books to take home with you today!