NPC Member and former White House Webmaster to Discuss New Book

Six-time author and former White House webmaster Jane Hampton Cook will discuss her new children’s book on presidents, media and technology, What Does the President Look Like? at 12:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 14 in the McClendon Room.

Before 24-hour TV News and smart phones, how did Americans know what the president looked like?

What Does the President Look Like?answers this question and uncovers which new social media allowed Americans over the years to know and better understand Presidents Washington, Jackson, Lincoln, Cleveland, Roosevelt, Kennedy, Reagan, and others.

"Today, we live in a technological wonderland, but life hasn’t always been this instant or fast-paced," Cook said. "I wanted to show how we arrived in 2011’s amazing digital age by revealing that even presidents were changed by new-fangled inventions and amazing technologies in their day.”

“What Does the President Look Like? is a great way for kids to commemorate Presidents Day, Feb. 21, Cook noted.

The book includes fun surprising facts about the history of media. What invention did Lincoln credit for his election? Which president was the first to be featured in a political cartoon? When did a newspaper first reproduce a photograph? Which president was first plagued by paparazzi and photo seekers?

“Innovation is a byproduct of individual liberty and the genius of a free people. That’s why it’s helpful for kids and adults alike to connect the dots between the paintings of yesteryear to the smart phones of today," Cook said.

What Does the President Look Like? is written by Jane Hampton Cook, Vienna, VA, illustrated by Adam Ziskie, San Francisco, CA and published by Kane Miller, San Diego, CA.

Cherry pie, in honor of Abraham Lincoln’s favorite dessert, will be served.

RSVP to [email protected], 703-201-3272

-- Jane Hampton Cook, [email protected]