If You Want a Friend in Washington: Wacky, Wild & Wonderful Presidential Pets

by Erin McGill

Book Overview

A clever, funny, and informative look at the pets--from Calvin Coolidge's wallaby to Teddy Roosevelt's flying squirrels--that have passed through the White House gates. Perfect for fans of I Am George Washington and So You Want to Be President?

President Truman famously said, "If you want a friend in Washington, get a dog." And a dog is what many presidents got. From James Garfield to Calvin Coolidge to Richard Nixon, presidents often found a friend in Fido (in fact, Abe Lincoln's pup was actually named Fido). Others preferred cats, horses, small critters, or even big, ferocious animals like bears and alligators. With a catchy refrain ("If you want a friend in Washington . . ., "), this is a funny, educational book about the animals that have passed through the White House. Whether it's favorite dogs like Barbara Bush's Millie or the Obamas' Bo; Abraham Lincoln's cat, Dixie; Calvin Coolidge's hippo, Billy; or Andrew Jackson's foul-mouthed parrot, Poll, Erin McGill brings to life a menagerie of presidential pets in this entertaining, whimsical, and carefully researched picture book that's perfect for animal lovers and history buffs alike.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0593122690
• ISBN13: 9780593122693
• Release Date: July 2020
• Publisher: Schwartz & Wade Books
• Length: 44 Pages
• Weight: 0.05 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 10.2" x 11.1"
• Age Range: 5 to 9 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 4