Lisa Von Drasek
…a clever picture book portrait of a little girl who fantasizes about what it would be like to be president…The girl's deadpan declarations—"A president has special privileges. One word: Veto!"—perfectly balance Smith's animated cartoon art.
—The Washington Post
Kirkus Reviews
A deadpan text outlines a president's extensive duties, while Madam-a ponytailed girl in a snappy pin-striped pantsuit-trips through an exhausting day, bestowing small American flags as she goes. Smith's illustrations combine cartoonish figures, mod interiors and stylized landscapes a-swirl with fall leaves. A whimsical double-page spread proclaiming "A president must choose a capable cabinet" pairs toys with their official titles: Mr. Potato Head is Secretary of Agriculture, for instance, and a winged unicorn is "Secretary of Fantasy." Such retro elements as a deck of Old Maid cards and a Ruth Buzzi button will tickle adults, as might a Duck Soup-derived reference to "[t]he ambassador of Freedonia." Children can squint at the spines of Madam Prez's library (which leans to American history) and spot scores of visuals signaling her obsession (presidential busts, a pet cat doubling as a Secret Service agent). Though the Oval Office here is no more than a messy bedroom, this funny romp lightly delivers a hefty message for today's girls: The White House is yours for the taking. (Picture book. 4-8)
From the Publisher
* "As in Smith's other spoofs, this book blends message with medium for maximum delight.... Hail to the chief!"—School Library Journal, starred review
* "Although there's some winking at adults, this book is very much for kids, who might even come away having learned a bit about presidential duties."—Booklist, starred review
"Though the Oval Office here is no more than a messy bedroom, this funny romp lightly delivers a hefty message for today's girls: The White House is yours for the taking."—Kirkus Reviews
"This is a must-have title that will unite both sides of the (lunchroom) aisle."—The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
"Smith gazes into the national future and just as ably skewers the pitfalls of political office."—Publishers Weekly
