Book Descriptions
for The Painter and the President by Sarah Albee and Stacy Innerst
From Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC)
Conjure a mental image of George Washington and it will likely resemble his serious, unsmiling profile picture on the one-dollar bill. How we picture the first president is the legacy of 18th-century portrait painter Gilbert Stuart, whose experience painting the now iconic portrait was a challenge. George Washington’s dislike of having his portrait painted, and the dental pain he was experiencing, made him resistant to sit for Gilbert Stuart on the eve of his retirement from the presidency. This eventful portrait session is retold with a quick wit and fast pace for young readers. Funny details about how and why portraits were made at the time offer historical insights with modern meaning. For example, a page describing Gilbert Stuart as a celebrity painter includes an image with the text: “Here’s his selfie. (In the eighteenth century it’s known as a self-portrait.).” Acrylic, pencil, and digital illustrations evoke the time period and painting style in an unfussy, accessible, and entertaining manner. A timeline follows, as well as an explanation of George Washington’s tooth troubles, and more on the dollar bill engraving.
CCBC Choices 2025. © Cooperative Children's Book Center, Univ. of Wisconsin – Madison, 2025. Used with permission.
From the Publisher
George Washington hated having his portrait painted, but as president of the United States, he knew his image needed to live on. This nonfiction picture book explores how artist Gilbert Stuart created Washington’s most lasting and recognized portrait—the one that’s used on the one-dollar bill.
★ Kirkus Reviews, starred review
★ Publishers Weekly, starred review
★ Booklist, starred review
George Washington and artist Gilbert Stuart didn’t always see eye-to-eye, but both men knew the importance of legacy and the power of art. Though George disliked having his portrait painted—which took days and days to complete—he knew his place in history would require people to know his face. Fortunately, Gilbert Stuart’s unique way of painting didn’t compel his subjects to sit for hours on end—in fact, he encouraged them to move around and even bring friends to chat with. Capturing the soul of each subject, his portraits were unlike any other artists’. And Gilbert Stuart’s one-of-a-kind portrait of Washington stands the test of time—it’s the one that’s used on the one-dollar bill.
A great read for President's Day!
★ Kirkus Reviews, starred review
★ Publishers Weekly, starred review
★ Booklist, starred review
George Washington and artist Gilbert Stuart didn’t always see eye-to-eye, but both men knew the importance of legacy and the power of art. Though George disliked having his portrait painted—which took days and days to complete—he knew his place in history would require people to know his face. Fortunately, Gilbert Stuart’s unique way of painting didn’t compel his subjects to sit for hours on end—in fact, he encouraged them to move around and even bring friends to chat with. Capturing the soul of each subject, his portraits were unlike any other artists’. And Gilbert Stuart’s one-of-a-kind portrait of Washington stands the test of time—it’s the one that’s used on the one-dollar bill.
A great read for President's Day!
Publisher description retrieved from Google Books.
