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A new book for young readers is expected to be a popular item for Christmas this year. Inspired by a fascinating story, Raymond Arroyo, a renowned author and Fox News contributor, brings us a heartwarming tale that is connected to a longstanding American holiday tradition.
In 1863, while residing in the White House, President Abraham Lincoln and his wife, Mary, received a live turkey for their Christmas feast. Their animal-loving eight-year-old son, Tad, instantly formed a bond with the turkey and named it Jack. According to sources like Smithsonian Magazine, Tad taught Jack to follow him around the White House grounds as he explored.
On Christmas Eve, President Lincoln broke the news to Tad that Jack’s days as a pet were coming to an end. Apparently, the president had planned to have the turkey slaughtered and served for Christmas dinner. However, Tad passionately argued that Jack deserved to live. Eventually, President Lincoln yielded to his son’s pleas and granted the turkey a reprieve, sparing its life for another year.
This act of compassion and mercy marked the beginning of a festive tradition in the White House—the annual presidential turkey pardon. Since 1947, the National Turkey Federation has donated turkeys to the president before Thanksgiving. Though it is believed that President John F. Kennedy was the first to spare a turkey, and President Ronald Reagan was the first to formalize the “pardon” tradition, it was President Lincoln who set the stage for this practice in 1863.
Raymond Arroyo has taken this captivating tale and turned it into a beautifully illustrated book titled “The Magnificent Mischief of Tad Lincoln.” The book, published by Zonderkidz, has already become a bestseller on Amazon. In an interview with Fox News Digital, Arroyo shared, “I discovered that this was not just the origin story of a great American holiday and an ongoing national tradition, but the story of a father and son who learned mercy and forgiveness from one another.”
Arroyo’s decision to write about the Lincoln family was sparked by his observation of the White House Thanksgiving tradition. As he delved deeper into the story, he realized that it revealed more than just the origin of a holiday—it showcased the deep connection between Abraham Lincoln and his son Tad. Arroyo explained that Tad provided joy and a sense of normalcy for President Lincoln during a time when he was burdened by a nation in turmoil.
This book is part of Arroyo’s Turnabout Tales Series, which aims to teach important historical lessons through relatable stories of young individuals facing challenging moments. Arroyo believes that these stories are valuable guides for young people in navigating their own lives. By representing historical figures as relatable characters, Arroyo aims to engage young readers and shed light on important lessons from the past.
Writing for children, especially in picture book format, poses unique challenges. With limited space and a limited number of pages, Arroyo had to be economical in his storytelling. Nevertheless, he successfully brings Tad Lincoln’s story to life while infusing fun and humor that will captivate young readers.
“The Magnificent Mischief of Tad Lincoln” is set to be released on October 3, 2023, and offers a fresh perspective on history while exploring the origins of Thanksgiving in an entertaining and enlightening way. Get ready to see Thanksgiving turkeys in a whole new light!
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