Looking at Lincoln, (Paperback)

Publishers Weekly,As she did in The Principles of Uncertainty, Kalman transforms digital material-in this case, her New York Times illustrated column "In Love with A. Lincoln"-into analogue format. Kalman's fond and bittersweet account of our lanky 16th president evokes both a schoolgirl crush ("I got lost in photos of his unusual face.... I could look at him forever") and a Yankee's steely, sorrowful perspective on the price of freedom (still lifes include a bullet-torn Civil War uniform and John Wilkes Booth's pistol). Abstract gouaches-ranging from tangy colors to dolorous grays-put a contemporary spin on the iconic log cabin, Springfield house, stovepipe hat, and "his favorite vanilla cake" with ribbons of red icing. Portraits include a pensive Lincoln, seated alone or with family ("He was thinking about... doing good for mankind. And maybe he was also thinking about getting a birthday present for his little son"); Sojourner Truth; and Lincoln's pale-eyed stepmother, wearing a severe bonnet and black dress a la Picasso's portrait of Gertrude Stein. Rather than pen a textbook profile, Kalman portrays heartfelt admiration through poignant imagery. Ages 5-8. Agent: Charlotte Sheedy Literary Agency. (Jan.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.