Another fun children's book by Raymond Arroyo. This book is easy to read, has a historically correct story, has humor and is not very long. I enjoyed reading it and actually learned a bit of history from it too! Definitely a great book for 1st thru 3rd graders.

A really fun picture book, that anyone can enjoy! Makes an excellent gift idea for young ones in your life. Read it around Thanksgiving time, since it talks about the presidential tradition of pardoning a turkey. There is all sorts of historical facts that I learned about the Lincoln family in this book. Would definitely recommend! The illustrations are fun and engaging to children. I would love to find more books just like this.


I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley, but was not required to leave a positive review.

A very pretty telling of the story of the first Presidential pardoning of a turkey. I guess almost all American kids know the story, but I don't think many elsewhere will – certainly in the UK the story of Tad is really under-known. But from being a right royal rapscallion, to wanting to amuse the idea his father would offer a presidential pardon to one of his oft-abused toy soldiers, Tad managed to make a stamp on history. I think it a bit much of the book's end to say Abe was the way he was almost all because of his son, but the idea is not exactly inappropriate for such a book, nor for one on such a subject. The artwork is most vivid and classy-looking, the text is very decent indeed, and the way the tragedy of the middle part is handled is expertly achieved. While the story may lose some relevance outside the US, this is still a strong four stars.

I loved this beautiful story about a child's influence on a parent and how that can, in turn, influence the world. Tad Lincoln grew up in extraordinary circumstances, and his larger-than-life personality was a bright spot during the most difficult years of his parent's life. This story, matched with intriguing illustrations, is a perfect addition to any home or school library! As soon as I finished reading the early electronic copy I was given through NetGalley, I immediately ordered two hardcover copies so that I could share them with my mom and my children. My six-year-old was absolutely enthralled! I was grateful to have ordered Raymond Arroyo's book about Thomas Alva Edision as well, because it was just as uplifting, engaging, and comforting.

I was not required to post a positive review in exchange for an advanced copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

In this description of the loving relationship between Tad Lincoln and his father, we learn about how Tad convinced the President to pardon the turkey that the White House chef wanted to cook for Thanksgiving. The larger story is about the deep caring between. Father and son and their strong feelings of kindness and compassion for others. This is a fine story to share with children for its historical information and its strong emphasis on caring and compassion. Colorful illustrations enhance the telling.

An interesting perspective on a very famous time in history. A perfect read for children of all ages as they see President Lincoln from the view of his child.

The Magnificent Mischief of Tad Lincoln is the story of President Abraham Lincoln's son Tad and the official start of Thanksgiving - and pardoning turkeys! This book is full of fun facts about Lincoln and his family. The illustrations are fun and help show the story in a relevant way. This would make a great addition to the social studies curriculum for younger children.

Thanks Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to review this advanced review copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review on the book!

I actually learned a bit of history from this children's book. The author looks at the life of young Tad Lincoln.and his family. Tad and his brother Willie love to play together. Much to the dismay of the White House staff, they ride their pet goat through the house using an empty chair s a cart. After Willie's death, Tad struggles without having his best friend there with him. His father, President Lincoln struggles as well. It is a sweet story about love, laughter, and family. I did learn something from this book. I learned about the origin of pardoning a turkey. The illustrations in the books are very nice and the story would be entertaining for early elementary school students.

The Magnificent Mischief of Tad Lincoln was such a fun read. While I had heard of the turkey pardons, I never thought to wonder how they came about until now. Initially I wasn't sure of what to expect going in, but I am glad I got a chance to read it. Tad, while starting out a bit annonying (in my opinion), really grew into a loveable character. There is a sad part in the story, so if kids aren't ready for or able to handle stories with death, I would say to hold off on this until they are older. I found the illustrations to be very lovely and eye drawing. The story itself was interesting and while being educational, at no point did it feel that way.


*Received through Netgalley for my honest opinion*

Cute children's book about Abraham Lincoln's youngest son, Thomas "Tad" Lincoln and his White House adventures.

Biographies written for children are so important in order to introduce historical figures as well as to inspire our young people. This book gently explores both happy and not-so-happy events in Tad's life. I would highly recommend this book.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the free preview in exchange for an honest review.

Tad Lincoln is a must read. It's a beautifully illustrated story about the life of Tad Lincoln in a way I haven't heard before. You will be immersed in the relationship between Abe and his son, while learning about figures in history and the civil war in a way that's perfect for children and adults.

Thank you Netgalley for an ARC of The Magnificent Mischief of Tad Lincoln by Raymond Arroyo

Did you know that Abraham Lincoln was the first president to pardon a Thanksgiving turkey? This children's story follows Abraham Lincoln's son Tad through some of his time at the White House and some of the mischief he got in as well as some of the impacts he potentially had on the presidency. Included in the back of the book are additional resources to read about the Lincolns as well.

I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

This wonderful Turnabout Tales series for children 4-8 is a gem. It introduces them to events in history with interesting characters that will resonate with them and things they do.

Tad Lincoln is a little mischief from childhood and is loved for it. His mischievous spirit continues even when the family moves to the White House. There is also a sad part to the story when his brother Willie dies. Tad wanders the quiet White House all alone. This loss brings father and son closer. Tad becomes his father’s shadow. Then, his playmate becomes a turkey. When time comes for the turkey to become a dinner, Tad pleads the case with his father for the turkey to be spared. Thus, the tradition to pardon a turkey each year.

It’s a touching story of a boy who loses a brother and finds a turkey as his companion, which he guards, not letting anything happen to it.

The stunning illustrations beautifully reinforce the message of a mischievous boy and a grieving brother. Also, of a caring father, who finds comfort in his mischievous son amidst a tragic war, a family tragedy and the toll of holding the nation together.

The book was interactive and fun to listen to, but it was also informative. It showed the hidden life that Tad lived in a way that people have not previously portrayed it before it the literature our family has read. It also illustrated Abraham Lincoln and his son's sense for kindness and mercy during the war. Our family recommends this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Zondervan for the chance to read this title ahead of its publication.