The title offers a clue that Smith is winking at adults, but as good a joke as it is, most children just won't get it. In the stories within, bold-schoolboy John (Hancock) writes his name so large on the blackboard that his exasperated teacher remarks, "We don't need to read it from space." Similarly, loudmouthed Paul (Revere) embarrasses a lady who comes into his shop to buy extralarge underwear; honest George (Washington) admits to chopping down an entire orchard; clever Ben (Franklin) annoys the neighbors with his platitudes; and independent Tom (Jefferson)^B presents a list of grievances to his teacher. The time comes, though, when their traits are valuable to the revolutionary cause. To reach full comic potential, Smith stretches the truth beyond the breaking point, then attempts to undo some of the misconceptions he has created in a true-false quiz, "Taking Liberties," on the closing pages. Deftly drawn, witty, and instantly appealing, the illustrations creatively blend period elements such as wood-grain and crackle-glaze texturing, woodcut lines, and formal compositions typical of the era, with gaping mouths and stylized, spiraling eyes typical of modern cartoons. The artwork and design are excellent and adults will chortle, but this book seems likely to confuse children unfamiliar with the period. Kids will need to know actual, factual American history to appreciate what's going on.
从前，有四个淘气的小家伙：约翰、保罗、乔治、本。喔，对了，还有一个名叫汤姆，但他的个性特别独立，常常找不到人。这几个小家伙动不动就爱惹麻烦，你也可以说他们是……热爱自由！不过，老实说，他们还真有些让人伤脑筋呢！可是，这五个小家伙后来都成了美国的开国元勋！他们就是美国国父乔治华盛顿、革命之父本杰明富兰克林、起草《独立宣言》的托马斯杰斐逊、第一个签署《独立宣言》的约翰汉考克，以及独立战争英雄保罗·瑞威尔，这本书说的就是五个伟人小时候的故事。
By Lane Smith, Hardcover, Simplified Chinese Character, 36 pages, 10.75"x8.75"
