The Painter and the President: Gilbert Stuart’s Brush with George Washington

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.

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.

Sarah Albee is the New York Times bestselling author of more than 150 books for children (some under pseudonyms). Her titles include Troublemakers in Trousers: Women and What They Wore to Get Things Done, which was named a New York Public Library Best Children’s Book and a Bank Street Best Children’s Book, Jane Goodall: A Champion of Chimpanzees, also named a Bank Street Best Children’s Book, and Accidental Archaeologists: True Stories of Unexpected Discoveries, which won the Connecticut Book Award. She lives in Connecticut and Brooklyn with her husband and three children.

Stacy Innerst is a painter, children’s book artist, and educator. His books have been honored with the Sydney Taylor Award for The Book Rescuer: How a Mensch from Massachusetts Saved Yiddish Literature for Generations to Come, The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award for Ruth Bader Ginsburg: The Case of RBG Vs. Inequality, the SCBWI Golden Kite for Picture Book Illustration for The Music in George’s Head. His recent books for Calkins Creek include Jack Knight’s Brave Flight, Saving Lady Liberty, and Lincoln Clears a Path.