School Library Journal Best Book of the Year
NSTA/CBC Outstanding Science Trade Book
American Farm Bureau Foundation for Education Recommended Book Besides being a general and the first president of the United States, did you know that George Washington was also a farmer? Here's a look at America's first President as he's rarely seen.George Washington was the first leader of our country—but he was also an inventor, scientist, and the most forward-thinking farmer of his time. As he worked to make the new country independent, he also struggled to create a self-sufficient farm at Mount Vernon, Virginia. Excerpts from Washington's writings are featured throughout this nonfiction picture book, which also includes a timeline, resource section, as well as essays on Washington at Mount Vernon and his thoughts on slavery. Both the author and illustrator worked closely with the staff of Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens to render an accurate portrait of Farmer George at work.
Nebraska Farm Bureau Children’s Agriculture Book of the YearOhio Farm Bureau’s Children’s Book Award
A Wisconsin Ag in the Classroom Book of the YearKansas State Reading Circle Recommended Reading List
This picture book for older readers focuses on George Washington as farmer, inventor, and scientist. Infused with excerpts from George's letters and diaries, the narrative makes a convincing case for Washington's place as the nation's First Farmer. He invented a combination plow-tiller-harrow, tested different fertilizers, and bred donkeys and horses to create strong mules. His goal to make Mount Vernon self-sufficient carried over to his goal to make the new country independent. Layne Johnson's richly colored oil paintings portray the Colonial era with fine details. The book includes a timeline of Washington's life; shares his views on slavery, and includes a bibliography of additional reading materials and websites.
★ "Students will find this title useful for reports, but will also find it a great nonfiction read."—
School Library Journal, starred review★ "Exquisite artwork. . . . Should be included in library collections because of its unusual treatment of George's lifetime achievements."—
Library Media Connection, starred review"Sprinkling excerpts from his letters and diaries throughout to allow its subject to speak in his own voice, the narrative makes a convincing case for Washington's place as the nation's First Farmer. . . . Backmatter includes a timeline, author's notes on both Mount Vernon and Washington the slaveholder, resources for further exploration and a bibliography."—
Kirkus Reviews 
