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Washington, D.C.

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 1/2 to 8 1/2 years old in a new children’s book, Gigi at the White House!

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 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 the goings on 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 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 it.

Author Biography

Giovanna McBride was born and raised in Washington D.C. She often visited her mother Anita McBride at the White House when she was ages four to eight years old. 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.

Illustrator Biography

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.

For more information or if you are interested in covering as a member of the press, please contact press@whha.org.

Purchase Gigi at the White House! here.

P.D.F. Resources

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About the White House Historical Association

First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy envisioned a restored White House that conveyed a sense of history through its decorative and fine arts. She sought to inspire Americans, especially children, to explore and engage with American history and its presidents. In 1961, the nonprofit, nonpartisan White House Historical Association was established to support her vision to preserve and share the Executive Mansion’s legacy for generations to come. Supported entirely by private resources, the Association’s mission is to assist in the preservation of the state and public rooms, fund acquisitions for the White House permanent collection, and educate the public on the history of the White House. Since its founding, the Association has given more than $115 million to the White House in fulfillment of its mission.

To learn more about the White House Historical Association, please visit WhiteHouseHistory.org.