Southamptn - Written by history buff Robert Bloch "My Best Friend, Abe Lincoln," looks at the early life of Abraham Lincoln (11 to 14 years old, 1820 through 1823) through the eyes of a fictional best friend, as he grows up in southwestern Indiana and changes from a young country boy with pants always too short to the 16th President of the United States.

The two boys share a love for the outdoors and adventure. They attend a "blab school," where a dozen children aged six to 12 repeat their lessons aloud until they have memorized them by heart, a practice that makes for a noisy classroom.

Sam is fond of Abe, who is tall and skinny and grows so fast that his pants always seem to be too short. He admires his friend's amazing memory for new words and thoughts, saying he was "…just about as smart as our teacher."

Bloch said "The story shows how if one puts their mind to working hard and treating people fairly and honestly, you can become anything you want to become in life, friendships and relationships are a very important factor."

His inspiration for the book came in part from a family legacy. His great-great-grandfather, Jonas Wollman, a distinguished abolitionist who was one of 52 Leavenworth, Kansas merchants and business people, who signed a letter asking Mr. Lincoln to come and visit Leavenworth, Kansas. Leavenworth became the site of Lincoln's first campaign speech in December 1859.

This heart-warming story of two childhood friends and growing up will capture both your interest and imagination. This beautifully done book is colorfully illustrated by former Walt Disney Studios animation artist, John Ewing who is known for working on many Disney films including "Winnie the Pooh" and "Jungle Book." Available in bookstores online and wherever books are sold.