It's been 200 years since George Washington died, but his story is more important than ever. His sacrifices for his country made him a legend, but who was this complex and valiant man? Cheryl Harness uses her lively writing style and richly detailed watercolors to bring the man behind the monument to life. You'll smell the ''hot blood and smoke'' as George dodges bullets in the French and Indian War, sense his ''purple fury'' at soldiers who ran from battle early in the Revolution, shiver as he leads his army across the icy Delaware, and shout ''Long live George Washington'' as he is sworn in as President of the United States. You'll also learn about the man who loved to dance, listen to his granddaughter play music, and entertain friends at his beloved Mount Vernon.

• Ages 8 and up
• 48 pages; informative maps
• Hardcover
• © 2004