Barack Obama Publishes Picture Book

By Maryann Yin 

obamakids.jpgPresident Barack Obama’s picture book, Of Thee I Sing, arrived in bookstores and eBook format today. Random House has also released a promotional video about the book.

Here’s more about the book, from the release: “Obama’s poignant words and Loren Long’s stunning images together capture the promise of childhood and the personalities and achievements of the following Americans: Georgia O’Keeffe, Albert Einstein, Jackie Robinson, Sitting Bull, Billie Holiday, Helen Keller, Maya Lin, Jane Addams, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Neil Armstrong, Cesar Chavez, Abraham Lincoln and George Washington.”

President Obama’s attorney, Robert B. Barnett, handled the negotiations for the manuscript back in 2009. Knopf executive editor Michelle Frey edited the book. Children’s book artist Loren Long provided the illustrations.

Random House has released a string of presidential books. In 2004, former President Bill Clinton released My Life with the Knopf imprint. Earlier this month, former President George W. Bush published Decision Points with the Crown imprint. President Obama’s latest title was published by Random House Children’s Books.