From School Library Journal
Grade 3 Up-Published in cooperation with the White House Historical Association, this is a fascinating and beautifully produced gem for armchair travelers or for someone anticipating a trip to Washington, DC. More than 200 photographs and reproductions provide historical perspectives and behind-the-scenes looks at the officials and staff who make the place run. A tour of the famous rooms showcases the furnishings and history. The chapter called "Living at the White House" is particularly captivating. Readers learn that Tad Lincoln made extra money selling lemonade to visitors, Amy Carter built a tree house on the South Lawn, and that pet handlers take care of presidential animals. The epilogue chronicles each president who occupied the White House, including George Washington, who never lived there but who chose the site and selected the architect. This accessible volume is filled with many interesting facts, and is a handsomely designed tribute to a symbol of freedom and democracy.Jennifer Ralston, Harford County Public Library, Belcamp, MDCopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist
Gr. 4-8. George Washington never lived in it. Abigail Adams hung laundry to dry in the East Room. The president's desk, a gift from Queen Victoria, is made out of wood from a British whaler. These and many other quirky facts help bring the White House to life. The White House Historical Association lent its resources to this project, and it shows--in the wealth of historical and contemporary photographs, especially of First Families; in the breathtaking gatefolds showcasing paintings and photos; and in the access to people connected to the workings of the White House, such as the chief usher and the pastry chef, who describe their jobs in "Faces and Voices" segments throughout the book. Unifying this richly detailed and illustrated guide is the theme of "One Building, Four Functions." A supertour through a house and the history it embodies. Connie Fletcher
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Book Description
Through fascinating behind-the-scenes glimpses of the White House captured in more than 200 photographs, many of which were taken specifically for the book, and unprecendented personal interviews with the staff so that their faces and voices could be brought to life, weaved together with an engaging narrative that leads the reader through the lifespan of the house, The White House: An Illustrated is an all encompassing look at this famous American landmark. The author explores the four main roles of the White House:


Card catalog description
Explores the history, architecture, and symbolism of the White House, which serves as a museum, office, ceremonial site, and a home to presidents and their families.

ANNOTATION

Explores the history, architecture, and symbolism of the White House, which serves as a museum, office, ceremonial site, and a home to presidents and their families.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Through fascinating behind-the-scenes glimpses of the White House captured in more than 200 photographs, many of which were taken specifically for the book, and unprecendented personal interviews with the staff so that their faces and voices could be brought to life, weaved together with an engaging narrative that leads the reader through the lifespan of the house, The White House: The Official History for Children is an all encompassing look at this famous American landmark.

SYNOPSIS

Through fascinating behind-the-scenes glimpses of the White House captured in more than 200 photographs, many of which were taken specifically for the book, and unprecendented personal interviews with the staff so that their faces and voices could be brought to life, weaved together with an engaging narrative that leads the reader through the lifespan of the house, The White House: The Official History for Children is an all encompassing look at this famous American landmark.

FROM THE CRITICS

Publishers Weekly

The White House: An Illustrated History by Catherine O'Neill Grace takes a behind-the-scenes look at the White House, the building staff, the Oval Office, the First Family's living quarters and more. More than 200 photographs capture the people, places and events that are part of this famous building's past. Cutaway views and five gate-folds allow readers to "tour" the monument; brief interviews with such support staff as the pastry chef and the director of the Marine Band offer added perspective. Published in cooperation with the White House Historical Association, this book features an introduction by First Lady Laura Bush. Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.

Children's Literature - Lauren M. Zaring

The book opens with a brief introduction by First Lady Laura Bush. Then, the book describes many of the changes that have taken place throughout the history of the White House, such as building of a West Wing and reconstruction after the fire in 1814. The book includes an account about Theodore Roosevelt's construction of the West Wing and also of moving the Oval Office to its current location. One chapter describes the rooms within the White House. The furniture often consists of historic pieces. Each chapter features a description of people who help the White House run more smoothly. The back of the book features an album of the past presidents and their contributions to the White House. This book would be a great way to teach children about the history of the White House. 2003, Scholastic, Ages 8 to 12.

VOYA - Lucy Schall

This informative and motivating oversized volume records the history and current operations of the White House with clear descriptions, little-known facts, informative illustrations, and beautiful art and photography. Preliminary sections include a foreword by Neil W. Horstman of the White House Historical Association, an introduction by Laura Bush, an explanation of the White House as a symbol, a profile of the chief usher who supervises the household, and a general explanation of the house's multiple roles. Five sections, each introduced by a spectacular double-page foldout picture, deal with the descriptions and evolutions of the general physical plant, the use of each area of the house, celebrations, tours, and family life. "Faces and Voices" profiles introduce hard-working but little-known White House staff members whose jobs cross party lines—curator of the White House's 30,000 objects, President's photographer, First Lady's press secretary, pastry chef, grounds superintendent, Marine Band director, visitors' office director, tour officer, floral designer, horticulturist and pet handler, and director of presidential student correspondence. The "Epilogue: White House Album" includes all presidents and a brief comment on their relationships to the house. A list of Web sites connects the reader to more detailed information about both the White House and the Presidents. Characterizing this American symbol as a living piece of history, the reasonably priced volume moves far beyond The White House (Mason Crest, 2002). Appropriate even for the family coffee table, it is fun to read and a good middle school and junior high reference. VOYA Codes: 5Q 3P M J S (Hard to imagine it beingany better written; Will appeal with pushing; Middle School, defined as grades 6 to 8; Junior High, defined as grades 7 to 9; Senior High, defined as grades 10 to 12). 2003, Scholastic, 144p.; Index. Illus. Photos. Maps. Biblio. Chronology., Ages 11 to 18.

School Library Journal