Michelle by Deborah Hopkinson Illustrated by AG Ford
The world has come to know Michelle Obama as an elegant and strong woman. She is wife to President Barack Obama, mother to Malia and Sasha, but also a professional and passionate woman who has devoted her life to working to strengthen her community and country. This is the story of our First Lady. During her childhood, she learned to dream big, and throughout her life she has dared to take on challenges and suceeded in getting big things done.
This beautiful and thoughtful picture book by the award-winning author Deborah Hopkinson and with artwork by the New York Times bestselling AG Ford delivers the inspiring story of Michelle with grace and style.
Reviews-
With a cover design that echoes that of Jonah Winter's Barack, also illustrated by Ford, this streamlined picture book–biography of the first lady feels tailor-made to pair with that title. Writing with obvious admiration for the first lady, Hopkinson (Abe Lincoln Crosses a Creek) touches on Michelle's childhood years in a loving working-class family, her academic accomplishments, courtship, marriage, careers and role as devoted mother and active supporter of her husband's presidential campaign. The straightforward, accessible text at times assumes dramatic overtones, as when, on Barack Obama's election night, “this night of new beginnings, Michelle stood ready to keep working hard, to help her own children, and children and families across America, make their big dreams come true.” Ford's paintings offer likenesses of Michelle and her family, often capturing facial expressions and nuances of posture and gesture with uncanny realism. This warm, respectful portrait succeeds in presenting its subject as both inspirational and relatable. Ages 4–7. (Oct.)
--Publishers Weekly Review