The class loved this book so much, probably the exuberant illustrations by Chris Van Dusen contributed to their glee. The problem of a real president stuck in the tub nude, tastefully painted with a three dimensional quality, made the book come alive. Mac Barnett's clever pacing of how to solve this delicate problem had the students riveted to their seats. Barnett explained his research for this title at the end of the book including a factual timeline to accompany it. A sure fire winner as a read aloud! 3 and a halfI liked the fact list at the end about what we actually know, but seeing there is no proof whatsoever that President Taft got stuck in the bathtub (it actually seems unlikely to me since he seems to have had custom bath tubs made regularly--but then again, if one had once been stuck in a tub, one might take precautions in the future)--anyway, seeing there is no proof and this was a great man who went on to be the Chief Justice of the Supreme court, it just doesn't seem right that what we teach children about him is this pretty rude folkloric story.
Funny, funny! I did not know this story about President Taft. Great pictures!
—kdavis238
Another fun one from Mac Barnett! Plan to read, re-read, and re-read again.
—steven
Quirky story, but the naked Taft pictures on every page were a bit much.
—nanz
My kids and I thought this book was hilarious.
—Steve
The illustrations are worth it.
—faikau
