If You Want a Friend in Washington

By Erin McGill

Discover the quirky pets that have roamed the White House, from dogs to alligators.

3.9/5 Goodreads · 197 ratings

44 pages

$17.99Save 7%

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Bookroo's summary

Explore the whimsical world of presidential pets, from Calvin Coolidge's wallaby to Teddy Roosevelt's flying squirrels. Meet the unusual companions that have shared the White House, like Andrew Jackson's parrot and Calvin Coolidge's hippo. This entertaining journey reveals the surprising friendships between presidents and their animal allies, offering a unique glimpse into history. What other unexpected creatures have called the White House home?

From the publisher

A clever, funny, and informative look at the pets–from Calvin Coolidge’s wallaby to Teddy Roosevelt’s flying squirrels–that have passed through the White House gates. Perfect for fans of I Am George Washington and So You Want to Be President? President Truman famously said, If you want a friend in Washington, get a dog. And a dog is what many presidents got. From James Garfield to Calvin Coolidge to Richard Nixon, presidents often found a friend in Fido (in fact, Abe Lincoln’s pup was actually named Fido). Others preferred cats, horses, small critters, or even big, ferocious animals like bears and alligators. With a catchy refrain (If you want a friend in Washington . . ., ), this is a funny, educational book about the animals that have passed through the White House. Whether it’s favorite dogs like Barbara Bush’s Millie or the Obamas’ Bo; Abraham Lincoln’s cat, Dixie; Calvin Coolidge’s hippo, Billy; or Andrew Jackson’s foul-mouthed parrot, Poll, Erin McGill brings to life a menagerie of presidential pets in this entertaining, whimsical, and carefully researched picture book that’s perfect for animal lovers and history buffs alike.

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