Revolutionary Friends: General George Washington and the Marquis de Lafayette

The bond between two Revolutionary War heroes is the subject of this picture-book history from Castrovilla (By the Sword). The Marquis de Lafayette “adored America. And because Washington represented America, Lafayette idolized him.” The cartoon-styled illustrations are notable for their animated facial expressions; Kozjan (Working Mummies) renders the “scrawny and young—and inexperienced” Marquis as ever eager, eyes wide as he “gawked in admiration” at Washington. The spreads also feature small scrolls with quotes from the French nobleman, while words and phrases in his native language punctuate the text (“Lafayette wanted a command. Burning to prove himself, he nagged Washington and Congress. S’il vous plaît!”). The narrative comes to an abrupt end when Lafayette is injured in battle, and Washington declares fatherly affection for his wounded friend; a text-heavy afterword continues the duo’s tale up through Washington’s death. Detailed timelines for both men’s lives, a list of historical sites, an extensive bibliography, and a glossary of French phrases wrap up this look at an intense friendship that proved beneficial to both men and their countries’ fledgling democracies. Ages 8–up. Illustrator’s agent: Pippin Properies. (Apr.)■