When Abraham Talked to the Trees

by Elizabeth Van Steenwyk

A glimpse of Abraham Lincoln--who at a young age had to overcome hardship and loss to learn to read and write--reveals the achievements of a boy who grew up to become an American president known for his brilliance, wit, and humanity.

Genres: Biography, Picture Books, History

32 pages, Paperback

First published September 29, 2000

About the author

Elizabeth Van Steenwyk is the award-winning author of more than seventy published books for young people. After graduating from Knox College, she went on to spend ten years writing for radio and television with a concentration on children's programming. She lives in California.

Reviews

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully told story of Abraham Lincoln's youth; his love of books and words, and his development into becoming a public servant and orator (and President!) Beautifully told and gorgeously illustrated, this book brings another side of the amazing Mr. Lincoln to life for young readers.

[Maddy Roth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Genre: Historical Fiction
Date: 11-21
Grade Range: 2-5

This book describes Abraham Lincolns love for reading, writing, and speaking. He learned to read on his own with little education and memorized sermons of all sorts. The book shows students how someone can come from almost nothing. They are to set their goals high and work hard to achieve them. It is a good book to use to show kids that even some of the most famous and well known people in our country, people who made changes, were once just like them, students.

[Shelli · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of the things most enduring about Abraham Lincoln was his passion for reading. I have no doubt that this love of books is what eventually got him to the White House and into the hearts of millions for generations to come. This is a fun book to share with young readers, showing Abe's humble upbringings and determined spirit. The illustrations are also beautifully done showing both the time period and emotions perfectly.

[Carly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book with a beautiful story. It tells about a small period of time during Abraham Lincoln's life. It has got a great message and beautiful illustrations. I think kids would love it because every child knows who Abraham Lincoln is and it talks about him in a way they have probably never heard before. It would be great for a Wax Museum or History unit.

[Morgan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved this book. I feel it tied into the biography so nicely. I was able to pick out facts in it. Like his love for knowledge, his practice public speaking, his mothers death, his dad remarrying. I absolutely loved the illustrations and his story was told simply and beautifully for a children audience.

[Austin Francis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this book was beautifully written. It was a take on Abraham Lincoln's life i had never heard before. We hear a lot about his presidency, but it was refreshing to read about what he was like as a boy and young man. I think the book might be a little to flowery, but it is a children's book so it is supposed to be flowery.

[Curtiss · Rating 5 out of 5]

A charmingly illustrated introduction to the early life of Abraham Lincoln; to share with children ages 6-12. I enjoyed it even though I was 54 when I first read it.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

love how it goes through lincoln's young life and how his love for reading helped him verbalize his thoughts and beliefs in a poetic way he would later use as president

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story of Abraham Lincoln. Beautifully illustrated and very moving.

[Gideon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another book about Abraham Lincoln.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Favorite Quote
"Reading took last place in Abraham's day, but it was always first place in his heart."