Thomas Jefferson: Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Everything

K-Gr 4—Based on Maira Kalman's delightful book (Penguin, 2014), a great deal of information is presented about Thomas Jefferson, the third president of the United States, including his authorship of the Declaration of Independence; his administration, which sponsored the Louisiana Purchase and the Lewis and Clark Expedition; his love of books and agriculture; and the building of his home, Monticello. Kalman doesn't shy away from the fact that Jefferson owned slaves and that he had a relationship with one of them, Sally Hemings. Viewers learn that Jefferson was a monumental man who had flaws. Music and appropriate sound effects compliment the narration. Kalman's illustrations are bright and crisp, and the renderings of Monticello are a major highlight of the book and this animated version. Teachers can utilize this DVD with groups or assign it to individuals.