Bones in the White House

Bones in the White House: Thomas Jefferson's Mammoth by Candice Ransom, Jamey Christoph
ISBN: 0525646078
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Thomas Jefferson was the 3rd President of the United States. He was also an avid fossil collector. This picture book sheds light on this often unknown side of Jefferson. Once he learned of large fossils present in the US, he was determined to collect as many bones as possible and to learn as much as possible about the mammals that once (or hopefully still) roamed our country.

This book was very interesting, and will be well received by budding scientists. The text is detailed but not so much as to bog down readers with too much information. The illustrations are colorful and fit well with the time period depicted in the book. There is additional information at the end of the book about Jefferson as well as about the fossils and includes suggestions for further reading. This book is best for 2nd grade and older readers. A recommended purchase for libraries where nonfiction picture books circulate well.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

four-stars