Madam President.

Mon, 12 May 2008 03:20:12 GMT

Smith, Lane (author). Illustrated by Lane Smith.
July 2008. 40p. Hyperion, hardcover, $16.99 (1423108469). K-Grade 2.
REVIEW. First published May 1, 2008 (Booklist).

Whether the U.S. gets a woman president is still in doubt, but here a female narrator has already taken the role. In this sly, witty recitation of a president’s responsibilities, a ponytailed girl has the list down pat: give executive orders (to her cat); negotiate treaties (between said cat and dog); kiss babies; and veto, veto, veto. There’s no story, and the list of responsibilities does grow rather long. But the stretch can be forgiven because it provides more opportunity to enjoy Smith’s amazing artwork. Madam President, with her boxy head and triangular body appears against a variety of backgrounds—some plain white, others packed with interesting things—with disparate uses of materials and images that often give the look of collage. Particularly amusing is the two-page spread showing rows of cabinet secretaries inside a cabinet (e.g., a piggy-bank Secretary of the Treasury, a Mr. Potato Head Secretary of the Agriculture). Kudos to Molly Leach, whose design makes everything from the lettering to end pages look fabulous. Although there’s some winking at adults, this book is very much for kids, who might even come away having learned a bit about presidential duties.

— Ilene Cooper

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Madam President.