Many children have at least one special opportunity to visit their parents at work, but few can say when they go to work with their mom or dad they’re visiting one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world, the White House.
This was true for Giovanna “Gigi” McBride whose mother, Anita McBride, had a very unique job—she worked at the White House during the George W. Bush administration as Chief of Staff to First Lady Laura Bush.
Now, Gigi is sharing her memories of the time she spent visiting the White House from 2005 to 2009 when she was 4 ½ to 8 ½ years old in a new children’s book, GIGI AT THE WHITE HOUSE! (White House Historical Association; June 8, 2021).
With vivid illustrations by artist John Hutton, GIGI AT THE WHITE HOUSE! brings to life Gigi's favorite stories of the fun she had exploring the White House, from her mom’s office to the Oval Office and on special occasions like the Easter Egg Roll, Fourth of July, Halloween, and Christmas. Not only did she have incredible experiences at the White House, she made some wonderful friends including First Lady Laura Bush, members of the Secret Service, the White House Pastry Chefs, and the White House florist. Through the pages of this book, children get an exciting behind-the-scenes look at events at the White House and the people who live and work there.
Gigi is now a college student with a love of children’s literature and education. She wrote the book during the COVID lockdown and found that by revisiting her memories from that special time in her life and the relationships she developed, particularly her bond with First Lady Laura Bush and members of her staff, she turned an otherwise bleak time into something positive and productive. She hopes that this insider’s look at the White House will bring children joy, get them excited about the White House, and encourage them to learn more about
Watch the Program Here
When
November 9, 2021
Program Supporters
Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation
Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library & Museum
About the Author: Giovanna McBride
Giovanna McBride was born in Maryland and raised in Washington D.C. She visited her mother Anita McBride at the White House when she was aged four to eight years old, attending many events when Anita McBride served as Chief of Staff to First Lady Laura Bush. Giovanna attended high school at Connelly School of the Holy Child in Potomac, Maryland. She is currently studying education at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas.
About the Illustrator: John Hutton
John Hutton is a professor of art history at Salem College and the illustrator of a series of children’s books published by the White House Historical Association. He lives in Winston Salem, North Carolina.
About the White House Historical Association
THE WHITE HOUSE HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION is a private nonprofit, nonpartisan educational Association founded in 1961 for the purpose of enhancing the understanding, appreciation, and enjoyment of the Executive Mansion. All proceeds from the sale of the Association’s books and products are used to fund the acquisition of historic furnishings and artwork for the permanent White House collection, assist in the preservation of public rooms, and further its educational mission.
The White House Historical Association published its first book, The White House: An Historic Guide, in 1962. It was the wish of First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy that such a book be written, and she participated actively in the editing. For nearly sixty years, the Association has continued to produce award-winning books on a wide range of subjects related to the history of the President’s House, from its architecture, gardens, fine and decorative arts to the presidents and first ladies who lived there over the years. The list includes titles that will appeal to history buffs and art lovers, connoisseurs and curious amateurs, scholars and tourists, adults and children.
