The heady excitement of President Kennedy’s visit to Ireland in 1963 is brought vividly to life in this account by Ryan Tubridy and illustrator P J Lynch. Patrick and his parents are thrilled that ‘Himself’ is coming to their home town Wexford. ‘He’s like something from the movies!’ says Patrick’s mum while Patrick’s classmates can talk of nothing else. The class gets to sing for Kennedy as he lands at the airport, but there’s a further treat for Patrick: chosen to hand round cake at a tea party for the president, Patrick meets the great man and shakes his hand. The book perfectly pinpoints the enduring memories of a particular historical moment; while P J Lynch’s fine, beautifully composed illustrations, full of smiling faces, capture both the hope and emotion of a special day, and illuminate a whole period. ~ Andrea Reece
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