About This Book

Like other pioneers in the early 1800s, young Abraham Lincoln worked hard to put food on the table. One day, while hunting food for the family, Abraham shot a wild turkey. The sight of the dying bird filled him with such sorrow that he swore he would never again hunt large animals.

This incident was just the start of Abraham Lincoln’s long history with animals. Throughout his childhood and even into his presidential years, Abraham was kind to animals and always made time for his pets. One year, he used his presidential power to “pardon” a turkey that was supposed to be the White House Christmas dinner. Even during the turmoil of the Civil War, he still found time to rescue three motherless kittens that he found at General Grant’s headquarters.

Many people know about Abraham Lincoln’s legacy as president. But few know about his love for animals and the compassion he showed them. And this compassion lives on today. Each Thanksgiving, the president of the United States “pardons” a turkey — just as Abraham Lincoln did more than one hundred years ago.

Based on accounts by Abraham Lincoln’s friends and family, Ellen Jackson's narrative provides a fascinating portrayal of the sixteenth president. Doris Ettlinger’s rich, detailed illustrations complement the text.