Starred Review ALA Booklist (Mon Jan 01 00:00:00 CST 2018)

Starred Review In the spirit of their own winsome Action Philosophers! (2006) and Comic Book History of Comics (2012), Van Lente and Dunlavey launch a new middle-grade series featuring, as the cover proclaims, "Real history! Fake jokes!" The blurb, however, does no justice to either the density of historical facts or the breathless pace of the humor. Turns out much of what we know about our first president is hooey (the cherry tree? Never happened. They didn't even grow cherries on the Washington tobacco farm). Van Lente takes us through Washington's early career as surveyor and spy, his numerous retreats and losses at war, his slave ownership, incomparable fortitude, heroism, moral evolution, and sometimes reluctant service to his burgeoning nation. It's a complex portrait, and it doesn't make for a quick read. Every panel is packed to the edges with neatly structured and narratively interesting historical facts. So, too, is every panel packed with written and visual humor, a shockingly high percentage of which is actually funny. While this balances the information somewhat, the energetic feel of the pages is down to Dunlavey's art. His jaunty figures and kooky faces leaven even the most solemn moments e Constitutional Convention, Washington's moral struggle over his own slave ownership th manic levity that lightens what could have been a plodding exercise into a sheer joy.

Kirkus Reviews

From the creators of Action Philosophers comics comes this first in a series of graphic biographies about American presidents beginning, appropriately, with George Washington. With the assistance of two kids, a black boy and a white girl, and a muscular turkey who move readers in and out of the historical storyline, Van Lente and Dunlavey cover the whole of Washington's life, with highlights on his roles as a slave owner, officer in the French and Indian War, commander of the Continental Army in the War for Independence, and first president of the United States. Amid the jokey narrative is solid biographical information about Washington and historical facts about his times. Particularly insightful is the depiction of Washington's presidency, which readers might be surprised to find had plenty of detractors. The creators reveal that partisan politics has been a part of America from the beginning. The black-and-white art is exaggeratedly cartoonish and fun. Readers who appreciate a goofier approach to history, such as Nathan Hale's Hazardous Tales, will enjoy this graphic biography. One unfortunate oversight is the omission of recommendations for age-appropriate further reading.A light, comical approach to biography and history that makes it more palatable for those who find more traditional approaches hard to swallow. (maps, timeline, glossary, bibliography) (Graphic biography. 8-12)

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

In a project that evokes Larry Gonick-s Cartoon History series and follows in the vein of Van Lente and Dunlavey-s Action Philosophers! comics, the author and artist deliver a highly irreverent look at the life of George Washington, narrated by a turkey named Noah the Historkey. They highlight pivotal moments and challenges in Washington-s life and poke fun at his leadership struggles, moral contradictions (such as owning slaves while fighting for independence), and reluctance to assume the role of president. Illustrating in the loose, exaggerated style of his previous books, Dunlavey mixes tense sequences of military battles and political confrontations with caricatured reactions and a few contemporary references-a hired Hessian soldier is portrayed as a -G.I. German- action figure (-Break in case of war,- reads the packaging). Van Lente aims to contextualize historical figures who are often blindly lionized (-He wasn-t some mythological demigod,- notes Noah the Historkey), a goal that comes through clearly amid a flurry of gags and jokes. Book two, about Abraham Lincoln, arrives simultaneously. Ages 8-12. Agent: Jason Yarn, Jason Yarn Literary. (Feb.)

School Library Journal (Fri Dec 01 00:00:00 CST 2017)

Gr 5-8 Debunking myths of chopped-down cherry trees and wooden teeth, this delightful, educational spin on history includes well-known stories of the United States' first presidentand plenty of jokes. Expressive illustrations make it easy to distinguish characters, and contain hidden details and references for keen eyes. Serious subjects and matters, such as deaths during battles and Washington's attitudes toward slavery, are handled with care, exploring a side of the man that many titles for young readers overlook. There is a lot of material in this small book, and though the panels are generally well laid out, at times the text overwhelms the illustrations. While the book lacks chapters or defined sections, the humor keeps the densely packed pages accessible. Teachers and parents might hesitate at the over-the-top, in-your-face tone, but it's ideal for those seeking excitement. Additional information, maps, and further reading round out the book. VERDICT More for pleasure than serious research, this is an entertaining introduction to Washington and an easy sell for reluctant readers. Thomas Jonte, Pensacola State College, FL