Vinnie and Abraham

This is a beautifully written book... and the illustrations are delightful for young people or adults. I must admit, Vinnie Ream is an ancestor... a cousin at best, and we have a lot of interest in knowing more about her. I have Grandchildren and I thought it wuld be fun to share this book with them. I have read to them or had several of them read the book themselves. They were delighted and the book stimulated some discussion about the topic. Adults have also looked at the book... with the immediate response "The Illustrations are beautiful!". Because it is really a childrens book, the detail is not great, but it does present a lovely picture of the era, perhaps a bit more glowing than deserved, but it makes it very readable.

What a wonderful childrens' book! Dawn Fitzgerald's telling of the story of Vinnie Ream is inspirational, the presence of Abe Lincoln is magical, the mix of artistic achievement, youthful determination, and living history is opulent, and Catherine Stock's illustrations enliven the story and make the book sparkle. To me this book is perfect proof of the power of a story for children about people who were real and who did great things.