Picture Book Review: Honey, the dog who saved Abe Lincoln by Shari Swanson

Image: HarperCollins Publishers

Honey, the dog who saved Abe Lincoln by Shari Swanson. Illustrated by Chuck Groenink. unpgd. HarperCollins Publishers, January, 2020. (Review of finished copy courtesy of Blue Slip Media.)

What better day is there than President Lincoln's actual birthday to review a sweet picture book about him as a young boy? Stories of young Abe Lincoln abound. Lincoln was a storyteller who charmed everywhere he went. Honey, the dog who saved Abe Lincoln is a story not told by himself, but based on the recollection of his childhood best friend, Austin Gollaher according to the Author's Note.

Young Abraham Lincoln loved his Kentucky home. He especially loved exploring the woods. One day, while on the way home from the mill with a sack of ground corn, Abe heard a noise in the brush. It was a dog whose front leg was broken. He quickly improvised a splint and made his way home with the dog doing its best to follow him. He was late and his mother was worried. He asked to keep the dog, promising that the dog, whom he named Honey would "do lots of good things for me." Indeed, they became inseparable. When Abe and Honey were exploring a cave, Abraham got stuck. When he couldn't extricate himself, Honey left him to run to get help. He was able to lead Abe's parents and the worried townsfolk to the cave where Abe was rescued. The rescued became the rescuer.

The digital illustrations are softly rendered and quite child-centric. Spot art illustrations lovingly portray the strong bond that developed between a boy and his dog. While cartoonish, faces are expressive. The cave seems ominous. The narrative flows nicely making it a good choice to read aloud. Young readers will be riveted then relieved.

Back matter includes a detailed timeline of the future president's life along with the Author's Note. But wait, there's more! There is an Activity Guide as well as a Curriculum Guide for teachers and librarians interested in sharing Honey, the dog who saved Abraham Lincoln with their charges. 

Shari Swanson is a lawyer, middle school language arts teacher turned author. She earned an MFA from Vermont College of Fine Arts. Honey the dog who saved Abe Lincoln is her debut picture book. Visit her at www.shariswanson.com.

Chuck Groenink is from the Netherlands but now lives in New York. Visit him at www.chuckgroenink.com.