Skyrockets for the President

Two figures on horseback pause beside the Potomac. "Time to turn back," says the man in the tricorn hat. "It's half after two and I've just time to get home and have my hair powdered for dinner. Mutton and cheese again," he mutters. "Thanks to those greedy hounds."His small companion laughs, remembering how their hungry pets stole the cook's ham - and their dinner. "I'll race you home, Grandpapa!" he cries, and kicking his heels, he gallops ahead toward the great white house on the hill.The great house is Mount Vernon and the two riding companions are George Washington and his adopted son, Little Wash. And it is from the boy's refreshing perspective that Florence Laughlin presents her story.A carefully researched book, Skyrockets for the President describes the family events surrounding Washington's inauguration as the nation's first president. Through Little Wash's eyes, George Washington becomes someone other than the awesome general and the revered president. Quite simply, he is Grandpapa, the family man, one any child might enjoy knowing.