Thomas Jefferson is perhaps best known for writing the Declaration of Independence. But there's so much more to discover.

This energetic man was interested in EVERYTHING. He played violin, spoke seven languages and was a scientist, naturalist, botanist and mathematician. He was also an architect and designed his magnificent home, Monticello, which is full of objects he collected from around the world. Our first foodie, he grew fifteen kinds of peas and advocated a mostly vegetarian diet. And OH YES, as president of the United States, he doubled the size of the country and sent Lewis and Clark to explore it. He also played an important role in the Library of Congress and said "I CANNOT LIVE WITHOUT BOOKS."

But monumental figures can have monumental flaws, and Jefferson was no exception. Although he called slavery an "abomination," he owned about 150 slaves.

As she did in Looking at Lincoln, the inimitable Maira Kalman shares a president's fascinating, complicated life with young readers, making history come alive with her captivating text and stunning illustrations.

From the dust jacket