This curated list of President’s Day Books for Children of multiple ages contains inspiring stories from the lives of Washington and Lincoln.
With President’s Day around the corner, it’s a great opportunity to spark, or kindle, a love for learning patriotic history in our children. One of the best ways to bring the stories of our nation’s leaders to life is through wholesome living books tailored for children of multiple ages. From picture books to chapter book biographies, these engaging books not only educate but also inspire our future generation. Young patriots will enjoy the books on this curated list of President’s Day books that are perfect for young patriots to learn about the extraordinary lives and timeless lessons of two of America’s most famous commanders-in-chiefs: George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. I have also included a short bonus list of our favorite books about the Constitution if you wish to take a little rabbit trail in that direction.
Books About George Washington:
George Washington Written and Illustrated by Ingri and Edgar Parin D'Aulaire
The beautiful illustrations and lively text of this book form a glowing description of George Washington’s colonial life from boyhood through manhood. A lovely read aloud biography filled with illustrations to bring each page to life.
Meet George Washington Written by Joan Heilbroner
George Washington grew up in the English colony of Virginia. He was tall and strong, fair in judgment, and respected by his friends as a good leader. This simple chapter biography gives a brief overview of his life for elementary grades.
George Washington: True Patriot by Janet and Geoff Benge
This engaging and detailed biography focuses on George Washington’s life as Command in Chief of the Continental Army and first president of United States of America. A chapter book biography for middle school and up.
A Picture Book of George Washington Written by David Adler and Illustrated by John & Alexandra Wallner
A fully illustrated picture book of the life and legacy of our nation’s first president, also known as commander of the Continental Army, husband to Martha, and an avid farmer and equestrian. A great choice for younger elementary grades.
George Washington Written and Illustrated by Cheryl Harness
This engaging picture book of George Washing is filled with detailed highlights of his life and timeline maps. This is a fabulous book for late elementary and middle schoolers, the illustrations alone are highly engaging for a wide range of ages.
A Parade for George Washington Written by David Adler and Illustrated by John O' Brien
Follow George Washington’s journey from his home in Virginia to take the oath of office to become the first president of the United States of America. A lovely picture book describing the celebration and journey of the first president.
Farmer George Plants A Nation Written by Peggy Thomas and Illustrated by Layne Johnson
Before he was president, George Washington was many things including a forward thinking farmer. Learn about his legacy as a founding farmer through detailed illustrations, personal letters, and diary entries in this unique book.
When Washington Crossed the Delaware by Lynne Cheney
The wintertime story of Washington and his troops and how the defeated their and finally put an end to the Revolutionary War. Detailed but not boring, story filled with beautiful illustrations that help bring the reality of this sobering story to life.
Books About Abraham Lincoln:
Abraham Lincoln by Ingri and Edgar Parin D'Aulaire
The beautiful illustrations and engaging text of this picture book biography are sure to inspire young hearts as they learn about one of America’s most beloved presidents: Abraham Lincoln. A lovely read aloud biography filled with illustrations to bring each page to life.
Meet Abraham Lincoln by Barbara Carey
Abraham Lincoln grew up in the wilds of Illinois and was known for his hard work, honesty, and love of books; he grew up to become the president of the United States during the tumultuous time of the Civil War. This simple chapter book gives a brief overview of his life for elementary grades.
Abraham Lincoln: A New Birth of Freedom by Janet and Geoff Benge
This engaging and detailed biography focuses on Abraham Lincoln’s life from a young boy to president of the United States with a passion for keeping the country together amid heartbreaking times. A chapter book biography for middle school and up.
A Picture Book of Abraham Lincoln Written by David Adler and Illustrasted by John & Alexandra Wallner
A fully illustrated picture book of the life and legacy of one of our nation’s most well-known presidents: Abraham Lincoln. A wonderful picture book style biography for younger elementary grades. (Please not there is an illustration of John Wilkes Booth pointing a firearm at President Lincoln’s head. Use your discretion.)
Abe Lincoln Goes to Washington Written and Ilustrated by Cheryl Harness
This engaging and detailed biography focuses on Abraham Lincoln’s early years in politics and as president of United States of America. A chapter book biography for middle school and up.
Lincoln and His Boys Written by Rosemary Wells and Illustrated by P.J. Lynch
In this precious book, William and Tad Lincoln share stories about their father Abraham Lincoln when they came to Washington with him. This book is neither a chapter book nor a true picture book but somewhere in between; it has 3 parts and would make a wonderful family read aloud or an individually read book for middle school and up. There are stunning illustrations scattered throughout.
Mr. Lincoln's Whiskers Written and Illustrated by Karen Winnik
Abraham Lincoln was the first president of the United States to wear a beard. This is an adorable story of Grace Bedell, including her letter which appears to be what gave Lincoln the idea to grow his whiskers. A beautiful fully illustrated picture book.
Abe Lincoln Remembers Written by Ann Turner
In this book, Abe Lincoln looks back on his life with fondness and shares his recollections. He tells his life story through his words in a simple fashion. Lovely illustrations on each page make this a touching story.
Books About the Constitution:
We the People: The Story of Our Constitution by Lynne Cheney
The 13 colonies were squabbling, and needed a way to get along after the Revolutionary War. Delegates from around the country gather to create the Constitution: a new framework for the government for a fresh new country. Beautiful, detailed illustrations bring the story to life.
A More Perfect Union: The Story of Our Constitution Written by Betsy Meastro and Illustrated by Giulio Meastro
Here is the unforgettable story of the fifty-five men and the Constitution they created in 1787 to give the struggling new government a foundation that has held strong ever since. Liberty and justice for all.
Shhh! We're Writing the Constitution Written by Jean Fritz and Illustrasted by Tomie dePaola
It’s the summer of 1787, and it’s hot! This entertaining and historically accurate account includes many little-known facts about the summer our Founding Fathers came together to overcome their differences and compose our nation’s Constitution.
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