Based on a little-known tale from Abraham Lincoln’s childhood, this charming picture book written by debut author Shari Swanson and illustrated by acclaimed artist Chuck Groenink tells a classic story of a boy, his dog, and a daring rescue.
Deeply researched and charmingly told, this is the true story of one extra-special childhood rescue—a dog named Honey.
Long before Abraham Lincoln led the nation or signed the Emancipation Proclamation, he was just a barefoot kid running around Knob Creek, Kentucky, setting animals free from traps and snatching frogs out of the jaws of snakes.
One day, young Abe found a stray dog with a broken leg and named him Honey. He had no idea that the scruffy pup would find his way into Abe’s heart, become his best friend, and—one fateful day—save his life.
Abraham Lincoln is an adventurous young boy, but his exploring causes him to get stuck in a cave without anyone besides his dog, Honey, knowing where he is. While happily he is saved, what lessons about safety in the outdoors can be learned from his experience?
Lincoln loved and was very kind to animals throughout his life. He even kept many animals at the White House when he was president. What is your favorite kind of animal, and why?
Shari Swanson is a debut author who has been a middle school language arts teacher as well as an appellate lawyer. She received her MFA in writing for children and young adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts, where she wrote her thesis on musicality in picture books. She’s a member of SCBWI, and she lives in Simi Valley, CA, with her husband and their dog, Honey.
Chuck Groenink hails from an overgrown village among the peat bogs in the north of the Netherlands, where he spent his formative years climbing trees, drawing, reading, and cycling. He’s a history buff who attended the ArtEZ Academy of Art & Design in Kampen and now lives in Kinderhook, NY, with his wife, dog, and two cats. Look for him at www.chuckgroenink.com.
For Lily and Ella
“The well-paced text includes invented dialogue attributed to Abe . . . This story focuses on . . . Abe’s rescue; a more complete look at Lincoln’s life is included in an appended timeline . . . which include[s] references to Lincoln’s kindness to animals . . .
“This heartwarming story of a boy and his beloved dog opens the door for further study of our 16th president.”
“Swanson’s story reads aloud well. Groenink’s appealing digital illustrations portray young Abe and Honey within idyllic Kentucky landscapes and haunting, torch-lit cavern scenes. An enjoyable, Lincoln-themed picture book.”