First family

The creators of Michelle widen their focus in this affectionate portrait of the Obamas. After describing the family's move into the White House and the various purposes that building serves, the book touches on details of the first family's daily lives. Readers will find much of the information familiar: Malia and Sasha make their own beds and walk their dog, Bo; the president and Michelle work out at the White House gym; the first lady visits schools and serves as White House hostess. Fresher tidbits include the family members' Secret Service code names and the fact that the president's desk is made of oak from a British ship. Hopkinson adds some gratuitous filler ("It's rewarding to eat a salad made with lettuce from your own garden") and heaps praise on Michelle ("With her winning smile, ready laugh, and big hugs, Michelle has warmth, glamour, and charm"). Though Ford's likenesses are recognizable and consistent, several images have a stilted wax museum quality, and the Obamas' heads sometimes have uneasy relationships to their bodies. Additional White House trivia wraps up the volume. Ages 4-7. (Jan.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved

K-Gr 5-Life in the White House captures the interest and hearts of America, and this book brings the Obama family into focus with fun details and realistic artwork. Starting with Inauguration Day, activities such as doing chores, eating dinner, and exercising show the Obamas' everyday routine. The artwork is expressive and nuanced in capturing the personalities in the family. The book ends with a statement that nicely summarizes their priorities. "For the Obamas, it's clear that just being together every day with the ones they love is the best part of all." Neat facts such as growing a garden on the South Lawn and playing with Bo the Portuguese water dog make this first family unique. Malia and Sasha are the main feature of the book, and they are shown getting to know the White House better by going on a scavenger hunt, going to school with their grandmother and secret service, and playing hide-and-seek in the hidden door and staircase. Facts about the White House and former presidents are incorporated seamlessly into the text.-Rachel Artley, Watertown Elementary School, TN (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Hopkinson describes the First Family's life in the White House. The Obamas walk their dog, exercise, work or go to school, weed the garden, eat dinner together, etc. Illustrations of the family members are unflattering, though pet dog Bo is sufficiently cute. A list of facts and trivia about the White House and first families is included. (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. All rights reserved.