Synopsis
When the President finds the many pressures of his job to be frustrating and overwhelming, he returns to kindergarten and is reminded of the important lessons he learned there and how they can help him in his current role.
Children's Literature
The broad humor, silly language and exaggerated illustrations of this comic story are certain to engage youngsters, whether it is read to them or they read it for themselves. Because the president is having a bad day, he dons a long raincoat, floppy hat, a Groucho Marx type nose and glasses and sneaks out of the White House. He heads for a nearby elementary school where the kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Appletree, makes him most welcome. He says his name is Louis and immediately becomes engrossed in finger painting. At recess he spins wildly on the whirligig and chases a squirrel up a tree. After snack time and a nap, Louis sits in the circle for storytime. He even politely raised his hand and answers some of Mrs. Appletree's questions. The wonderful climax of the day is dancing the hokey pokey. Much refreshed, Mr. President heads back to the White House to deal with the feuding ministers of Snortburg and Bulrovia. After milk and cookies, finger painting and doing the hokey pokey (twice), the ministers agree to work out their differences. The colored pencil and watercolor pictures are the heart of the story and will certainly elicit giggles. Definitely buy this for the picture book collection. Reviewer: Sylvia Firth