A Picture Book of Eleanor Roosevelt

Bibliography

Adler, David A. 1991. A Picture Book of Eleanor Roosevelt. Ill. by Robert Casilla. New York: Holiday House. ISBN 9780823411573

Plot Summary

This is a picture book biography about the life and accomplishments of Eleanor Roosevelt. It succinctly highlights the important parts of her life, from birth to death, through short paragraphs and detailed, usually multi-page, illustrations. 

Critical Analysis

Adler concisely presents the life of Eleanor Roosevelt. This book is a potpourri of fact mixed with veneration. For example, the date of her death is listed next to a reference of Eleanor Roosevelt as “the most important, most loved woman of her time.” There is no bibliography, or author note, so it is unclear how Adler developed his insight. Declarations, such as Eleanor Roosevelt’s reaction to Franklin’s mother, is unsubstantiated: “Eleanor didn’t complain, but later she refused to be bossed around.” How does Adler draw this conclusion? The reader doesn’t know, which compromises this book’s credibility.

On the plus side, there is the logical sequence expected in a biography. Adler starts with her birth and ends with her death. He presents an interesting look at her life, but it’s the illustrator who really shines in this book. Casilla’s painted illustrations fill the pages and bring a strength to the text. The images are attractive and inviting. 

Since she is a modern, historical figure, it would have added value to include photos of the first lady, perhaps in the back. There is no additional information beyond the text, except for the back page listing nine key dates in her life. It felt overly simplified for the reader.  There were no follow up questions, or supporting documents, to inspire critical thinking or further study. 

Review Excerpts

This book has not received any awards.

School Library Journal

“The few flaws are worth noting. The sentence, "Eleanor's mother was beautiful, but Eleanor was not a pretty child," is contradicted by the illustration. The text also states, "In 1921 Franklin was stricken with polio. He couldn't walk after that." More accurately, he couldn't stand or walk unassisted (without braces, cane, or help from another person). The summary table of important dates is more about Franklin than Eleanor until 1945. 

Kirkus Reviews

“Adler presents the essential facts here in a style so succinct that it can verge on parody (``Franklin's mother Sara often told Franklin and Eleanor what to do...Eleanor didn't complain, but later she refused to be bossed around''). Casilla's skillfully composed watercolors capture the pathos in many of the situations, though his figures are sometimes wooden and he emphasizes Eleanor's tendency to appear unprepossessing. Adequate but, of necessity, superficial.”

Connections

-  Students have other books to chose from to learn more about first ladies or women in politics. 

-  Other First Lady books:
          -  Ideals Editors. First Ladies of the White House: Their Lives and Stories (2012 Edition). ISBN    

             9780824959173

          -  Harris, Bill. The First Ladies Fact Book: The Stories of the Women of the White House from    

             Martha Washington to Laura Bush. ISBN 9781579124687

          -  Pastan, Amy. First Ladies (Eyewitness Books). ISBN 9780756649425.