Join us for storytime with Erin McGill reading her new picture book If You Want a Friend in Washington!

A clever, funny, and informative look at the pets—from Calvin Coolidge’s wallaby to Teddy Roosevelt’s flying squirrels—that have passed through the White House gates. Perfect for fans of I Am George Washington and So You Want to Be President?

President Truman famously said, “If you want a friend in Washington, get a dog.” And a dog is what many presidents got. From James Garfield to Calvin Coolidge to Richard Nixon, presidents often found a friend in Fido (in fact, Abe Lincoln’s pup was actually named Fido). Others preferred cats, horses, small critters, or even big, ferocious animals like bears and alligators. With a catchy refrain (“If you want a friend in Washington…, ”), this is a funny, educational book about the animals that have passed through the White House. Whether it’s favorite dogs like Barbara Bush’s Millie or the Obamas’ Bo; Abraham Lincoln’s cat, Dixie; Calvin Coolidge’s hippo, Billy; or Andrew Jackson’s foul-mouthed parrot, Poll, Erin McGill brings to life a menagerie of presidential pets in this entertaining, whimsical, and carefully researched picture book that’s perfect for animal lovers and history buffs alike.

Erin will be taking over our Instagram account from 11am-2pm! Tune in and learn about gifted pets, puppies born in the White House, mouthy birds, and Beto O’Rourke’s turtle! See you then!