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Just Being Jackie: A Picture Book About Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis for Kids
Jackie Kennedy was an American icon of style and grace—but there was steel under that style. Her poise under fire, intelligence, and tireless work as First Lady earned her the respect of leaders worldwide and made her beloved by generations.
Jackie’s legacy also extended beyond her time in public life. She was a talented journalist, a preservationist who secured the legacy of national landmarks, and an editor of award-winning books.
The creators of Just Being Audrey have brought us another insightful, dazzling book about the real woman behind the famous name, who was so much more than first appearances.
Jackie’s legacy also extended beyond her time in public life. She was a talented journalist, a preservationist who secured the legacy of national landmarks, and an editor of award-winning books.
The creators of Just Being Audrey have brought us another insightful, dazzling book about the real woman behind the famous name, who was so much more than first appearances.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2018
106 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
June 2, 2018
“Jackie saw the potential in everything,” writes author Margaret Cardillo in her new picture book biography of Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy. Even as a child, Jackie saw how to make a situation better, and she had the resolve to make it happen. Just Being Jackie covers most of Jackie’s life, from her scrappiness as a young equestrian to her early years as a journalist, from her work as First Lady in refurbishing the White House's historical glories to her strength after President Kennedy’s assassination, and her later years as an editor and preservationist. (No mention is made here of Jackie’s marriage to Aristotle Onassis.) Cardillo uses the canvas of so many years to artistically reveal how themes from Jackie’s early years provide depth, context, and continuity for events that came later. This continuity is also an important aspect of Julia Denos’s illustrations as the adult Jackie is clearly the same person as younger versions of Jackie. (In too many picture book biographies, the person shown as a child looks nothing like the adult version of the same person.) Denos’s images evoke a popular illustration style from the 1960s that perfectly accompanies Cardillo’s narrative of events from that era. The back matter includes interesting author and illustrator notes, a useful timeline, and lists of print, video, and online resources.
March 24, 2018
An informative and absolute stunner of a picture book. It is early in the year but Just Being Jackie may be my very favorite biography of 2018. Detailed, swoon worthy illustrations which include Jackie in her iconic clothing. There is a timeline and author/illustrator notes. All things necessary in the best non-fiction picture books. This one is a must have on every level.
October 30, 2017
I mean this doesn't touch on a lot but it's a solid intro to one of the most significant first ladies in US history. I thought I knew a lot about her but I learned some here too. Denos' artwork is gorgeous and lends itself well to a story about Jackie Kennedy. The backmatter includes a lot more information like a detailed timeline and bibliography. Everything a picture book biography should be.
July 21, 2018
Jacqueline Kennedy is the closest thing to American Royalty we have ever had. She was more than just an accessory on the president’s arm. When they traveled abroad, her conversation and diplomacy was often preferred over that of her husband. She might have appeared to be the perfect politician’s wife, always standing by her man, but she had a mind and career of her own and she brought all of her intellect and social prowess to her role as First Lady.
I enjoyed learning more about Jackie in this well-written, breezily illustrated biography of one of the most beloved First Ladies in American history.
I enjoyed learning more about Jackie in this well-written, breezily illustrated biography of one of the most beloved First Ladies in American history.
May 9, 2018
Wow this book is just beautiful
May 15, 2018
Another excellent picture book bio in this series.
August 14, 2019
I am conflicted about this book, since it omits her second marriage in its narrative(Why? Won't readers wonder why the book is filed under Onassis?). I originally thought that the book didn't cover the time period, but her saving of Grand Central Station is after it.
I did like her portrayal as a person before and after being First Lady and her accomplishments before, during and after.
I did like her portrayal as a person before and after being First Lady and her accomplishments before, during and after.
November 13, 2019
I'm Going To See It All!
Stay Curious. Stay Inspired.
People Everywhere Wanted To Be Just Like Jackie.
She Was Steel Under All That Beauty And Style.
If We Don't Care About Our Past, We Cannot Hope For The Future.
TRAVELED TO // Massachusetts, Washington, DC, Paris, New York City - Grand Central Station
MET ALONG THE WAY // Jackie Bouvier Kennedy, Jack Kennedy
March 17, 2018
'Just Being Jackie' by Margaret Cardillo, illustrated by Julia Denos, is a beautiful and culturally significant biography of former first lady, Jackie Kennedy. The fact that the story starts out by presenting aspects of Jackie's life before meeting her husband, future President of the United States John F. Kennedy, shows that the book truly wanted to uncover and allow readers to discover more of Jackie's life and loves. From her love of travel to her passion for good will, fashion, and more, her legacy is more than just that of being the widow of the former president. Her world, despite being shattered by the loss of her husband to his assassination, is one that shines, showcasing the way she maintained her focus on her own truth, rather than allowing herself to let it be dictated for her by others. If only there were more people in the world like Jackie Kennedy, famous and non-famous alike, who were able to stand up for what they believed in, not to be hindered by anyone standing in their way.
In 'Just Being Jackie,' Cardillo and Denos, through interesting words and thoroughly colorful and engaging illustrations, insert readers into Jackie Kennedy's life, making them interested in learning more about her life and the lives of those she touched. Despite it being a picture book, it would likely appeal to older kids and adults as well.
Beth Rodgers, Author of 'Freshman Fourteen' and 'Sweet Fifteen,' Young Adult Novels
*Review originally posted at YABooksCentral.com*
In 'Just Being Jackie,' Cardillo and Denos, through interesting words and thoroughly colorful and engaging illustrations, insert readers into Jackie Kennedy's life, making them interested in learning more about her life and the lives of those she touched. Despite it being a picture book, it would likely appeal to older kids and adults as well.
Beth Rodgers, Author of 'Freshman Fourteen' and 'Sweet Fifteen,' Young Adult Novels
*Review originally posted at YABooksCentral.com*
October 13, 2024
»»» A compra:
Há muitos anos comprei o livro da autora , com a mesma ilustradora, sobre a Audrey Hepburn que é um dos meus livros favoritos de sempre.
Durante anos nunca comprei este da Jackie pelo preço, até que num saldos da Fnac online lá estava ele, numa seleção aleatória de livros com desconto, como uma dádiva dos deuses.
»»» A aventura:
Seguimos a vida de Jackie desde a infância até chegar a primeira dama e depois a sua perda e as suas lutas.
»»» Sentimento final:
Excelente.
Um pequeno livro com os momentos decisivos, tristes e felizes, da vida da ex-primeira dama dos EUA. As ilustrações são lindas, inclusive a página dos fatos icónicos da primeira dama.
Um sonho, tal como o da Audrey.
»»» Nota final (capa):
--- [Capa] – Capa boa, mas podia ser melhor, porque a Jackie não está com um ar muito afável, ou tão afável como o Audrey.
--- [Ilustrações] – Divinas, do traço às cores, tudo envolvido na textura especial pelo material usado. É o que dá vida ao livro e que vale bem o livro.
»»» Uma espreitadela:
Há muitos anos comprei o livro da autora , com a mesma ilustradora, sobre a Audrey Hepburn que é um dos meus livros favoritos de sempre.
Durante anos nunca comprei este da Jackie pelo preço, até que num saldos da Fnac online lá estava ele, numa seleção aleatória de livros com desconto, como uma dádiva dos deuses.
»»» A aventura:
Seguimos a vida de Jackie desde a infância até chegar a primeira dama e depois a sua perda e as suas lutas.
»»» Sentimento final:
Excelente.
Um pequeno livro com os momentos decisivos, tristes e felizes, da vida da ex-primeira dama dos EUA. As ilustrações são lindas, inclusive a página dos fatos icónicos da primeira dama.
Um sonho, tal como o da Audrey.
»»» Nota final (capa):
--- [Capa] – Capa boa, mas podia ser melhor, porque a Jackie não está com um ar muito afável, ou tão afável como o Audrey.
--- [Ilustrações] – Divinas, do traço às cores, tudo envolvido na textura especial pelo material usado. É o que dá vida ao livro e que vale bem o livro.
»»» Uma espreitadela:
March 25, 2018
I had to sleep on it before I actually made this review. I was so surprised by my strong feelings of dislike when I read it that I actually had to be sure they stuck. I like the art - the illustrator gets a really good feel for Jackie's look and posture. However, this story is all tell and no show. There's just not much here. We're told several times how smart and clever Jackie is, but the closest we get to actually seeing evidence of this is that she reads a lot and she had a lot of the white house artifacts restored. Most of the book is just her being JFK's wife. There's practically no information about her life after JFK. This also falls into one of the pitfalls of children's picture book biographies where the author often describes how Jackie 'feels' which is not something the author would know.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 10, 2018
“She is remembered for her style and grace, but Jackie never forgot that the most fashionable things of all were a sharp mind and a good book.”
Indeed. This charming book brings Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis to life as the curious, intelligent, and steadfast woman that she was. I love how the author emphasized Jackie’s love for reading, as well as her passion for celebrating and preserving history and her inclination to always stay true to herself. The illustrations are gorgeous and well-researched. In fact, I want to scan some pages and hang them up in my office! Overall, it’s a lovely, biographical book for children and adults alike.
Indeed. This charming book brings Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis to life as the curious, intelligent, and steadfast woman that she was. I love how the author emphasized Jackie’s love for reading, as well as her passion for celebrating and preserving history and her inclination to always stay true to herself. The illustrations are gorgeous and well-researched. In fact, I want to scan some pages and hang them up in my office! Overall, it’s a lovely, biographical book for children and adults alike.
November 12, 2018
A picture book biography of First Lady Jackie Kennedy.
I really didn't know much about Jackie other than that she was a First Lady, was a young widow, and people liked her fashion sense. It was fascinating to learn how she revamped the White House and helped with US foreign relations, and that she was a reader and eventually an editor. (It skips her remarriage and just barely mentions her kids, so I know this just scratches the surface.) I liked the illustration style, and the author and illustrator notes were both interesting for a look at their processes. Recommended for curious kids, US history reads, and those who like bios of strong women.
I really didn't know much about Jackie other than that she was a First Lady, was a young widow, and people liked her fashion sense. It was fascinating to learn how she revamped the White House and helped with US foreign relations, and that she was a reader and eventually an editor. (It skips her remarriage and just barely mentions her kids, so I know this just scratches the surface.) I liked the illustration style, and the author and illustrator notes were both interesting for a look at their processes. Recommended for curious kids, US history reads, and those who like bios of strong women.
February 6, 2020
This book looked so beautiful from the outside cover, so I immediately fell in love with it. After watching the movie "Jackie", starring Natalie Portman, I wanted to know everything I could about the Kennedy family, and especially about Mrs. Jackie herself. This book is definitely one that I will add to the future children's shelves. This book was so cute and well-drawn. My favorite part was how the scene of John being shot was played out in a children's book. It was so beautifully crafted and I am glad that I got around to reading it.
July 24, 2018
Beautiful illustrations. Jackie Kennedy is remembered for her style, courage, and grace, but Jackie never forgot the most fashionable things of all were a sharp mind & a good book! She reminds us to stay curious, be more than first appearances, and always put your feet up with a good book. Illustrations are beautiful.
November 4, 2018
I knew little about Jackie beyond her famous style and her famous marriages. And to be honest, I had no incentive to learn more. Then I read this beautiful picture book. I love it when a picture book biography makes me feel like I really know something essential about someone I had no interest in before. A wonderful biography!
February 20, 2020
Things of interest with Jackie Kennedy:
She became a journalist
People found her easy to talk to
Made the White House feel like home. (We all are probably familiar with the picture of Jack Jr. playing under the Resolute desk.) She brought back history to the White House
Fought to keep Grand Central Station from being torn down (there's also a really great picture book on that ;))
She became a journalist
People found her easy to talk to
Made the White House feel like home. (We all are probably familiar with the picture of Jack Jr. playing under the Resolute desk.) She brought back history to the White House
Fought to keep Grand Central Station from being torn down (there's also a really great picture book on that ;))
May 27, 2022
I very much enjoyed the creators’ book on Audrey Hepburn, how did I not know about this equally good book? Love the emphasis on Jackie’s love of books and reading. “ she is remembered for her style and grace, but Jackie never forgot that the most fashionable things of all were a sharp mind and a good book.” Love how the illustrations capture the Jackie I remember.
December 25, 2017
Absolutely gorgeous illustrations and a fun, albeit somewhat brief, biography. I'd love to read Just Being Audrey based on this!
November 16, 2018
Biography of Jackie-O with charming illustrations. Sticks to kid-friendly material, although it does cover the assassination of JFK. Starts with her childhood and focuses on her dreams, her independence, and her strength in hard times.
May be a good one for the first grade USA study.
May be a good one for the first grade USA study.
April 2, 2019
A picture book biography of Jackie Kennedy featuring her work with the arts from her love of reading to her restoration of the White House to her later career as an editor. Easyily paced and informative. Elementary and up
May 6, 2020
Today we read Just Being Jackie.
I don't know if there are many books about the former First Lady, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, but this was a good one.
This book mentions John F. Kennedy, but the author does an excellent job of keeping the focus on Jackie.
I don't know if there are many books about the former First Lady, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, but this was a good one.
This book mentions John F. Kennedy, but the author does an excellent job of keeping the focus on Jackie.
May 16, 2018
I am so glad this series exists and I hope that we will see more women highlighted.
May 29, 2018
Well written for the target audience. The illustrations were very good.
July 10, 2018
This was wonderful. I loved the illustrations and the story of Jackie's life. Highly recommended.
July 27, 2018
Jackie herself: 5 stars
Story: 5 stars
Illustrations aren’t my style, so 4.5 overall!
Story: 5 stars
Illustrations aren’t my style, so 4.5 overall!
August 22, 2018
It would make a good present to young boys and girls. A brief, first introduction to Jackie. Illustrations are super
August 28, 2018
Biography of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis - except they left out the Onassis part... Lovely illustrations and a well-handled overview of Mrs. Kennedy's contribution to American society.
September 10, 2018
3.5 Stars. A nice introduction to Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, but it never mentions her second marriage, except in the timeline.
November 10, 2018
4 1/2 stars
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews