When I was a kid I never liked learning about history. So when my mom got me If The Walls Could Talk by: Jane O’ Connor I was a little less than thrilled. The book was fun trivia facts about each of the U. S. Presidents. I assumed it was just another history book so I wasn’t expecting anything amazing. That is why I was pleasantly surprised to find that I enjoyed the book.
The format of the book made the illustrations the focus of the pages which made it easier and more entertaining to read. Each president had little text bubbles giving one fact about each of their various experiences in office. Some of the facts were more well known such as when the White House burned down, but others were obscured such as William McKinley’s wife banning the color yellow in the White House because she didn’t like it. It was a fun and easy to read book that even my mom enjoyed reading to me.
Due to when it was published the book ended a With the 43rd president George W. Bush. Although the book is currently two presidents I would still recommend it. It is a short, fun book that is illustrated by Gary Hovland with fun caricatures of each president. If you are trying to get a child into reading more historical or non-fiction books I would recommend If The Walls could Talk Family Life at the White House by: Jane O’Connor Illustrated by Gary Hovland.
A Novel Idea 
History always tends to be a subject where kids lose interest easily. I think by adding fun facts like McKinley’s wife banning the color yellow can make it more relatable and more personable to children. This book seems like a great way to introduce children to presidents. I am glad that you found a book that changed your perception!
-SK
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This sounds like a really cool book. It’s important to have interesting books about history to educate young people about the world around them. Do you know if they’ve updated this book recently to include the newer presidents?
-SG
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