He Has Shot the President by Don Brown is a new picture book for kids ages 6-12....

Looks good -

http://www.amazon.com/He-Has-Shot-Presid...1596432241

I was just thinking about the designated age groupfor this new book. I dont think i would want, for instance, my 6 year-old grandson to read it. It might require that i would have to explain what death, killing,and murder mean. I would be uncomfortable with it. Why not let him enjoy his childhood more? He is only six. He doesn't know what these things are. How would you all feel if in a similar situation?

I agree somewhat. I do remember that our 3rd grade Virginia history text books told in extremely limited detail about the Lincoln assassination. Basically it was Booth shot Lincoln and escaped into Virginia with "an accomplice" - no names; no conspiracy; no details....

I remember the first horrid thing I ever heard of ... the first murder I ever heard of. The "In Cold Blood" Clutter family murders in 1959 Kansas. I was 5 years old. I remember my parents discussing it; seeing it on the evening news; seeing it in the news papers as I was learning to read.

I was so young it didn't really touch me at all. It was fleeting. I also remember the Kennedy assassination when I was 10 years old . That too is a fleeting memory. I had a wonderful childhood full of fun, love, joy and learning.

An in depth study of the assassination may be more appropriate for ages 9 or 12 and up....

Hi Betty,

I read "In Cold Blood" when I was about 14. I frequently snuck into my parents bedroom and rifled around for things to read. I was never a Nancy Drew kind of girl, honestly.

Anyway, if there is ever a book out there to destroy one's innocence and keep you awake at night Truman Capote's "Cold Blood" is it. I really, really wish that book had been based on fiction. I have never been able to forget it.

My grandson knew enough about the Lincoln assassination by the time he was eight to give a decent tour at Surratt House. Unfortunately, evil things are happening all around our children and given high priority by the media -- at least for a few days. We cannot shelter them completely; we can only attempt to explain evil people and teach them how to (hopefully) avoid bad situations.

Don Brown's new book looks really good. The artwork looks great, I love the colors and the watercolor effect.

Quote:Don Brown's new book looks really good. The artwork looks great, I love the colors and the watercolor effect.

The artwork is good....but you're a much better artist, Mike!

You're so sweet Betty....you just made my day!

Your characters are vibrant and colorful - and look like the actual charcters while showing emotion, etc. Very well done, Mike -

They are more than just illustrations.

(04-23-2014 09:35 AM)BettyO Wrote:  Your characters are vibrant and colorful - and look like the actual charcters while showing emotion, etc. Very well done, Mike -

They are more than just illustrations.

I second Betty. Mike, your book is terrific.

I agree, and I especially appreciate it because you have taken into account techniques in its layout that serve educational principles. I posted previously on this, I believe, when your book first came out.

Thank you. You guys are making me blush. You are all too kind. I hope I can fit into my hat tomorrow.

Our book distributor just sent the new children's book by Don Brown for us to review. It is nicely done, and I enjoy the watercolor effect of his drawings; however, I would still go with Mike's book if I were deciding which one to buy for my grandson.

Brown's book is basic, short, routine history -- except for at least four silly errors that I have already found. It is part #5 of a series called Actual Times.