Sasha, Malia and Bo: Obama's kiddie book rolls out

Nov 16, 2010, 11:08 GMT

In this tender, beautiful letter to his daughters, President Barack Obama has written a moving tribute to thirteen groundbreaking Americans and the ideals that have shaped our nation. From the artistry of Georgia O\'Keeffe, to the courage of Jackie Robinson, to the patriotism of George Washington, President Obama sees the traits of these heroes within his own children, and within all of America\'s children.Breathtaking, evocative illustrations by award-winning artist Loren ...more

   Washington - US President Barack Obama's first children's book arrives in stores on Tuesday, bringing a light-hearted accent into his days of political and economic travail.

   Of Thee I Sing, aimed at children ages 3 and up, features a drawing of his daughters Sasha, 9, and Malia, 12, spunkily striding across the lawn with their portuguese water dog Bo - a popular and oft-photographed view of the White House children.

   The book, which Obama dedicates to his wife, Michelle, is written as a playful letter to his children, telling of 13 'groundbreaking' Americans, according to advance reviews of the book.

   They include artist Georgia O'Keeffe, scientist Albert Einstein, baseball player Jackie Robinson and the defiant Sioux chief Sitting Bull.

   Obama's two previous books - Dreams From My Father and Audacity of Hope - were best-sellers, netting him more than 5 million dollars. The proceeds from Of Thee I Sing will be used to set up a scholarship fund for children of soldiers who have been killed or disabled.

   The title, Of Thee I Sing, is a phrase taken from the patriotic American hymn My Country, 'Tis of Thee, sung ironically to the tune of Britain's God Save the Queen.

   Obama's Democratic Party took a beating in mid-term legislative elections earlier this month as he struggles to rev up the US economy and end two wars.