{"product_id":"george-washingtons-spectacular-spectacles-isbn-9781662680434","title":"George Washington's Spectacular Spectacles","description":"\u003cb\u003eDid you know that George Washington had a secret? He wore glasses! While initially embarrassed by his reliance on this reading aid, Washington’s spectacles proved to be nothing short of spectacular in this charming, funny, and little-known picture book story from American history.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Revolutionary War was over, but Washington’s officers had not received their wages from the Continental Congress in years. Afraid they would never get their money, the officers planned to storm Congress and demand it right away. Luckily, George Washington found out about the plot just in time. He delivered a passionate speech to his men, but they were unaffected. It was only when he struggled to read aloud a letter from Congress and had to put on his glasses, that they realized how much he had sacrificed for their country along with them. The officers dropped their plan and pledged their loyalty to America and to Washington.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSelene Castrovilla’s carefully researched yet playful prose and Jenn Harney’s energetic, original illustrations bring George Washington’s more human side to life in this humorous but important story about true American loyalty.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eA great read for Presidents' Day!\u003c\/b\u003e\"Selene Castrovilla recounts a little-known historical moment with humor, compassion and suspense...(her) story reminds us that even the most revered figures have insecurities — and revealing them can be the bravest act of all — while Jenn Harney’s illustrations balance a child-friendly aesthetic with timeless charm.\"—\u003ci\u003e\u003cb\u003eThe New York Times Book Review\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e★ \"The author of many children’s books based on research into American history, Castrovilla tells her latest story with wit, pathos, and attention to detail. Harney’s quirky illustrations suggest the look of the period while capturing the amusing tone of the narrative.\"—\u003ci\u003e\u003cb\u003eBooklist, \u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cb\u003estarred review\u003c\/b\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Taking a page from the \u003ci\u003eSchoolhouse Rock!\u003c\/i\u003e playbook, Selene Castrovilla (\u003ci\u003eRevolutionary Friends\u003c\/i\u003e) and Jenn Harney (\u003ci\u003ePirate \u0026amp; Penguin\u003c\/i\u003e) offer a fine nonfiction picture book... this take on true historical events--known as the Newburgh Conspiracy, according to an author's note--finds George Washington behaving not so much like the father of his country as like America's dorky dad... \u003ci\u003eGeorge Washington's Spectacular Spectacles\u003c\/i\u003e is written in the language not of history books but of we, the everyday people... with her caricaturish Photoshop art, Harney both captures and contributes to the humor of the situation... this take on true historical events revolving around George Washington's poor eyesight is a fine and funny nonfiction picture book.\"—\u003ci\u003e\u003cb\u003eShelf Awareness\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Allowing readers to experience this event through Washington’s lens, literally, makes for an original, thought-provoking framing... An enlightening tale, enlivened by droll, retro illustrations.\"\u003ci\u003e\u003cb\u003e – Kirkus Reviews\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“Selene Castrovilla has written a story of George Washington’s act of humility that transforms an almost disaster at Newburgh into an epic moment in our country’s beginning. This is an account of commitment and humanity coming from a remarkable source: a pair of spectacles.”—\u003cb\u003eDebra Demers, Teacher Learning Coordinator The George Washington Teacher Institute\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“Through history, George Washington has been placed on a pedestal, far above us common citizens. In this book, Selene Castrovilla shines a light on one small event in this man’s momentous life, but in doing so, she allows us to view him as the human he was—fearful, embarrassed, and unsure, yet still brave, courageous, and devoted to America. What an incredible gift to children everywhere.”—\u003cb\u003ePatricia L. Maclay, MD, Board of Governors, American Friends of Lafayette\u003c\/b\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/i\u003eGeorge Washington’s extraordinary character caught Selene Castrovilla’s eye years ago, and she set her sights on penning \u003ci\u003eRevolutionary Friends: General George Washington and the Marquis De Lafayette\u003c\/i\u003e. Her enthusiasm for the Father of our Country has never weakened. See what this revolutionary writer, native New Yorker, and mother of two sons is all about at selenecastrovilla.com.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eJenn Harney has illustrated more than twenty books, including \u003ci\u003eCool Off and Ride\u003c\/i\u003e by Claudia Friddell, \u003ci\u003eHornswoggled!: A Wacky Words Whodunit\u003c\/i\u003e by Josh Crute, \u003ci\u003eCATastrophe!: A Story of Patterns\u003c\/i\u003e by Ann Marie Stephens. She is also the author and illustrator of \u003ci\u003eUnderwear!\u003c\/i\u003e and \u003ci\u003eSwim Swim Sink\u003c\/i\u003e.","brand":"Calkins Creek","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46301405020389,"sku":"NP9781662680434","price":18.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1842\/7735\/files\/9781662680434.jpg?v=1767727950","url":"https:\/\/k12savings.com\/products\/george-washingtons-spectacular-spectacles-isbn-9781662680434","provider":"K12savings","version":"1.0","type":"link"}