The most presidential front list book I love this season is about a first lady: Miss Lady Bird’s Wildflowers: How A First Lady Changed America by Kathi Appelt, illustrated by Joy Hein (Harper, 2005)(ages 4-up).

I’m hoping to interview the Texas team behind this picture book biography, so cross your fingers for more info to come. I will mention now, though, that Kathi is from College Station, Joy is from San Antonio, and this is Joy’s debut book. Yay!

A couple more on-point titles are Abe Lincoln: The Boy Who Loved Books by Kay Winters, illustrated by Nancy Carpenter (Simon & Schuster, 2003)(ages 5-up) and A Woman For President: The Story of Victoria Woodhull by Kathleen Krull, illustrated by Jane Dyer (Walker, 2004)(ages 7-up)(see teacher’s guide).

Teachers and school librarians should also take particular note of Kay’s My Teacher For President, illustrated by Denise Brunkus (Dutton, 2004) and find out more about the “My Teacher For President” Contest.