Reporting for Duty: A day at the White House Book Review

Anyone that knows me, knows that I love to read. I enjoy losing myself in a good book. You can visit new places and learn about all kinds of things when you take time read. I have tried to instill a love for books in my children. We read together everyday. I love to take my kids to the library and let them pick out books to check out.

Any time I am given the opportunity to review a children’s book, I do so. I was offered the opportunity to review and keep the book “Reporting for Duty, A Day at the White House,” written by H.K. Gilbert. This is a story told from the perspective of Barkley, a secret service dog. The dog takes you on a tour of the White House, and provides a unique take on what goes on in this grand house. He also provides bits of historical facts through out the story.

This book is more than a story. It is also a learning tool. It is a coloring and activity book. You can use it to help teach colors to your child. It helps with object recognition, following directions, and reading comprehension and retention.

The pictures in the book are simple drawings. I would have liked to see more detail in the drawings. The story itself is engaging. The author makes learning about the White House fun. I think it is a nice learning tool for teaching children that are visual and hands on learners. If you copy the pages, you can use them over and over again to teach your child.

I am constantly doing the same activity repetitively with my son to improve his fine motor skills. Coloring and writing are very difficult for him. The improvement that I have seen in this area is due to repetitive work. It also helps to present work in different ways. I like that this is an activity book that will work on his coloring skills, while addressing an academic need. I think it is important that he learns about the White House. It is a very important part of all American citizens.

I think this book would make a nice Christmas present for any young child. The MSR price on the back is $9.95. I checked around and you can get it online at Barnes & Noble for $8.95.

Book: Reporting for Duty: A day at the White House
H.K. Gilbert
Author & Illustrator
Price: $9.95
Ages: 5-9 yrs.