ALA Booklist (Tue Nov 01 00:00:00 CDT 2016)

This picture-book biography unabashedly celebrates the life of Abraham Lincoln. Laudatory in nature, the text consists of conjured first-person narration combined with judiciously chosen quotes (although there are no source notes). Coverage begins with the impoverished childhood of "humble Abraham Lincoln" and goes through his presidency and the North's victory during of the Civil War. Much of the early narration emphasizes Lincoln's passion for reading and self-­improvement; once he begins his public life, the emphasis switches to his desire for equality and the preservation of the Union. Each page of text (simple, declarative sentences in a large font) faces a lush, full-color oil painting. These full-page illustrations provide details and context and help humanize the sometimes dry declarations appearing on corresponding pages. The book aptly concludes with the Gettysburg Address. This tribute would serve as a good introduction to our sixteenth president and help counteract the sensationalism surrounding his assassination. A worthy addition to children's collections, the book's oversize format and vivid illustrations make this a natural choice for February displays and read-alouds.

Horn Book (Tue Aug 01 00:00:00 CDT 2017)

This picture book biography spans Abraham Lincoln's life, emphasizing his passion for books, learning, and sharing knowledge. The first-person narrative is both an asset (for the strong voice) and a liability (for the potential confusion caused by fictionalizing Lincoln's thoughts yet still using direct quotes). Full-page, earth-toned oil paintings extend the simple text. The Gettysburg Address is appended. Bib.

Kirkus Reviews

Following Theodore (2006) and George (2012), Keating adds a new face to the Mount Rushmore series.In a first-person narrative that incorporates many quotations of his own words, the 16th president looks back on his life and accomplishments and presents himself glowingly in the process. He's Honest Abe, liberator of slaves, savior of the union, protector of the Constitution. There's no room here for or even a hint at complex issues and moral decisions; the icon is paramount. Wimmer's oil-on-canvas paintings are the star, with stately full-page images complementing the text, though they too elide complexity. A slave-auction image feels rather like an exercise in illustrating period dress (fashionable white men and auctioneer), with only a dangling shackle to indicate the enslaved human foregrounded but placed discreetly to the side, back to readers. The dramatic Civil War image is reminiscent of Mort Kunstler's famous war scenes in drama and palette. The narrative and the many quotations are an uneasy mix, the sometimes-stately tone of speech excerpts jarring with Keating's straightforward narrative voice, and quotations sometimes overwhelm the text. Backmatter includes the text of "The Gettysburg Address" and a brief bibliography of scholarly works but no guide to the many fine works on the subject for young readers. Like the faces on Mount Rushmore, this entry in the series provides a face but falls short on substance. (Picture book/biography. 6-9)

Publishers Weekly (Fri Oct 06 00:00:00 CDT 2023)

Following George and Theodore, Keating and Wimmer continue their Mount Rushmore series with an intimate recounting of the life of Abraham Lincoln. The first-person narration creates a great deal of that intimacy, as Lincoln recounts his humble upbringing, lifelong love of reading, and years of work that preceded his political life. Direct quotations are included, though sometimes dropped unceremoniously into the narrative (-I once walked twenty miles to borrow a book. -The things I want to know are in books- -). Wimmer-s oil paintings skillfully represent Lincoln at several stages of life, and Keating ends on a hopeful note at the close of the Civil War. Ages 6-9. (Jan.)

School Library Journal (Tue Nov 01 00:00:00 CDT 2016)

Gr 2-5 This attractive biography is sure to please presidential fact finders. Keating begins with Lincoln's early life as a poor child, and he emphasizes the man's love of books and learning. Lincoln's career as a lawyer and politician is also highlighted, with the story covering his election as president and the Civil War. Details of the war and Lincoln's assassination are kept to a minimum. The text is written in the first person, with actual quotes from Lincoln interspersed throughout. A copy of the Gettysburg Address is included in the back matter. Wimmer's paintings are gorgeously detailed and elevate the text while providing context, especially for young ones. VERDICT Libraries that own the other installments of this series as well as anyone looking for a great presidential biography will want this addition for primary grade collections. Ellen Norton, Naperville Public Library, IL