The Joke’s on George, written by Michael O. Tunnell and illustrated by Kathy Osborn, tells the story of a joke that Charles Wilson Peale played on George Washington. Charles Wilson Peale was a famous painter, soldier , and curator of a museum in Philadelphia, and was also a longtime friend of Washington. One afternoon Washington decided to visit Peale’s art museum to see the wax figures he had made of Indian chiefs. While walking through the exhibit, Washington greeted two of Peale’s children, Titan and Raphaelle. However, much to Washington’s surprise, neither of the young men acknowledged him. Washington was insulted and very confused. Washington soon realized that he had been greeting paintings instead of people. He was shocked!
The Joke’s on George is a well-written and lighthearted tribute to Charles Wilson Peale. The illustrations are beautifully drawn, as they contain vibrant colors and intricate detail. ( )

The Joke’s on George is a short story about the day when Mr. Charles Willson Peal invited hi friend George Washington to view some wax figures. Peal was a portrait artist, an inventor, and the curator of the famous natural history museum in Philadelphia. The author focus deeply on Charles’ unique museum as an mix of natural history exhibits and artifacts, and the paintings of Peal. After writing briefly about the live of the American portrait painter, the author describes the funny incident when George Washington greeted two of the artist’s sons who were starting up the steps on the staircase. when they did not reply or move, he realized that he had been fooled by an amazing trompe l’oeil painting seemed very life like. Who will reads this story will not amaze when they read that Peal’s sons did not greet the president, but they also will surprise like mw when they discover that they boys were not wax, but they are painting. This book can give the children different perspective about the president George Washington. This story shows Georg as an very respected man who enjoy and accept joke on himself, and he did not fell angary or upset about his friend joke. The beautiful –colorful painting and the amusing language style that the author used in this book, can interest children to read it. This book would be an excellent choice for the teacher to read for on for presidents’ day. ( )

When reading the title, you may think the book is about George Washington. Instead, it is about how Charles Willson Peale played a joke on the President. He was always known as a prankster and bringing odd exhibits to museums. I would tie in this book for early American History. A writing assignment could be students doing more research on Peale. ( )