Common Sense Media Review
By Darienne Stewart
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based on child development research. How do we rate?
Girl's journey with Lincoln's ghost applauds U.S. progress.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 5+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
On a tour of the White House, a young schoolgirl named Quincy approaches a tall, sad-looking figure and asks if he's lost. \"I don't think so,\" he answers, and walks through a wall. Lincoln's ghost explains that he's haunted by a dream that he's sailing to an unknown destination, and he frets over all the work left undone in 1865. Taking his hand, Quincy leads him on a floating tour of the United States to reassure him how much has changed for better: The states are united and equality for all is \"getting better all the time.\" As for fighting and conflict: \"We're still working on that one,\" Quincy acknowledges, watching a chair hurled through a window of the Capitol. She shows him one of the American flags on the moon, and Lincoln lets out a giddy \"Three cheers and ballyhoo!\"
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Is It Any Good?
Author and illustrator Lane Smith has a well-earned reputation for wonderfully risky books. ABE LINCOLN'S DREAM doesn't have the edgy humor found in some of Smith's other works, but it has a different kind of daring: It's so dreamy, it might float over the heads of young readers, much like Lincoln sails over America in its pages. But this invites adults reading with children to help provide context, providing opportunities to reflect the book's themes and explore details. Smith captures both Lincoln's famed melancholy and his wit. Lincoln's questions to Quincy bore into some of the central themes of American history, providing a springboard to learn more.
Smith and his wife, designer Molly Leach, have created another beautiful book. The muted palette, antique textures, and typography evoke 19th century publications and U.S. currency. The publisher's website offers an activity guide for children to share dreams and reflect on characteristics of a good president.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the future. Ask children what they think America will be like when they're grown up, or when their grandchildren are grown up.
How does this picture of Abe Lincoln compare with what you've heard about him at school or in other books and movies?
Choose another person from the past -- perhaps an ancestor, or another historical figure. What would you want that person to know about how the world has changed?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Lane Smith
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , History
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Roaring Brook Press
- Publication date : October 16, 2012
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 5 - 9
- Number of pages : 32
- Available on : Hardback
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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