Presidential Misadventures: Poems That Poke Fun at the Man in Charge

Commanders-in-chief have long been targets for jokes, and Raczka continues this tradition with gusto in a collection of clerihews (short comic verses aimed at the famous) for each American president, accompanied by Burr’s impish b&w caricatures. The poems are based in truth, with casual observations and (mostly) good-natured roasting: “Pennsylvanian James Buchanan/ had poor taste in party plannin’./ For dinner, he often served sauerkraut./ No doubt for dessert it was brussels sprouts.” Some clerihews, however, have a bit more sting: “Relaxer-in-chief George W. Bush/ discovered the nation’s top job was cush./ He took more than 900 days of vacation,/ a record for two-term administrations.” These poems are satisfying bursts of sarcasm and wit, and an appendix provides clarification about Raczka’s many political and historical references. Ages 8–12. (Jan.)