Presidential books for kids
My official bibliography contains only grown-up books, so I pulled this list together for younger presidential buffs and history fans. I’ll keep adding to this list as I discover new treasures.
To see most of these books and their beautiful covers all in one spot, visit my Bookshop list. If you have any recommendations, please drop them into the comments below!
Picture books
The Next President: The Unexpected Beginnings and Unwritten Future of America's Presidents
written by Kate Messner
illustrated by Adam Rex
This is one of my favorites. It’s everything. Beautiful. Informative. Inspiring. Santa bought it for my daughter last Christmas, but I’m pretty sure it was meant for me.
Parker Looks Up: An Extraordinary Moment
written by Parker Curry & Jessica Curry
illustrated by Brittany Jackson
Stunning. Absolutely stunning.
So You Want to Be President?
written by Judith St. George
illustrated by David Small
President Taft Is Stuck in the Bath
written by Mac Barnett
illustrated by Chris Van Dusen
These illustrations. I can’t even. Best presidential nudies I’ve ever seen.
Also, the only presidential nudies I’ve ever seen. But that’s neither here nor there.
Madam President
written and illustrated by Lane Smith
John, Paul, George & Ben
written and illustrated by Lane Smith
Abe Lincoln's Dream
written and illustrated by Lane Smith
The ghost of Abe Lincoln takes a little girl on a tour. It’s a sweet story. But also … the illustrations, page layout, and typography… love, love, love.
Looking at Lincoln
written and illustrated by Maira Kalman
Thomas Jefferson: Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Everything
written and illustrated by Maira Kalman
Impossible for me to read this without peppering it with my own commentary, but that’s kinda how it goes when I’m the one reading aloud anyhow. This book is beautiful and different and unexpected in the best ways.
Grace for President
written by Kelly DiPucchio
illustrated by LeUyen Pham
Beautiful endpapers.
(I drew them on day 211 of my Covid journal.)
Grace Goes to Washington
written by Kelly DiPucchio
illustrated by LeUyen Pham
Abe Lincoln’s Hat
written by Martha Brenner
illustrated by Brooke Smart
Dancing Hands: How Teresa Carreño Played the Piano for President Lincoln
written by Margarita Engle
illustrated by Rafael López
Sofia Valdez, Future Prez
written by Andrea Beaty
illustrated by David Roberts
Inspirational. Poetic. I’ve read this book countless times and still discover details in the illustrations I’d never noticed before.
Bold & Brave: Ten Heroes Who Won Women the Right to Vote
written by Kirsten Gillibrand
illustrated by Maira Kalman
When Penny Met POTUS
written by Rachel Ruiz
illustrated by Melissa Manwill
President Squid
written by Aaron Reynolds
illustrated by Sara Varon
This is a blast to read. Several presidents make subtle appearances.
Now & Ben: The Modern Inventions of Benjamin Franklin
written and illustrated by Gene Barretta
Who Wins?: 100 Historical Figures Go Head-To-Head and You Decide the Winner!
written by Clay Swartz
illustrated by Tom Booth
Brilliant. You just have to watch the trailer for this book. Trust me. This book is beyond cool.
Fandex Family Field Guides: Presidents
written by Steven Aronson
Mine is vintage, ending at Bill Clinton. (And an amazing surprise from a POTUS Notice subscriber!) But the new version goes nearly until present-day.
Chapter books and graphic novels
I’ve only read a few of the books below so far, but find myself wanting to dive into these books right this second.
Ken Jennings’ Junior Geniuses: U.S. Presidents
written by Ken Jennings
illustrated by Mike Lowery
Kid Presidents: True Tales of Childhood From America's Presidents
written by David Stabler
illustrated by Doogie Horner
Action Presidents #1: George Washington!
written by Fred Van Lente
illustrated by Ryan Dunlavey
Action Presidents #2: Abraham Lincoln!
written by Fred Van Lente
illustrated by Ryan Dunlavey
Action Presidents: Theodore Roosevelt!
written by Fred Van Lente
illustrated by Ryan Dunlavey
Action Presidents: John F. Kennedy!
written by Fred Van Lente
illustrated by Ryan Dunlavey
Two Miserable Presidents: Everything Your Schoolbooks Didn't Tell You about the Civil War
written by Steve Sheinkin
illustrated by Tim Robinson
Everything You Need to Ace American History in One Big Fat Notebook: The Complete Middle School Study Guide
Lily Rothman
Philip Bigler (Guest Editor)
It’s compact, with a fun design and cool details.
Benjamin Franklinstein Lives
written and illustrated by Matthew McElligott
written by Larry David Tuxbury
King George: What Was His Problem?: Everything Your Schoolbooks Didn't Tell You about the American Revolution
written by Steve Sheinkin
illustrated by Tim Robinson
Have a favorite that didn’t make the list?
Drop it in the comments! 👇
Full disclosure: I’m a Bookshop affiliate and (whenever possible) have used affiliate links through this post. Any purchases from affiliate links help support my project.
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