President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden will visit the Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C., on Friday.

They will meet with pediatric patients, their families, and hospital staff.

The president and first lady will also host a book reading of “The Snowy Day” with pediatric patients, including some who will join virtually from their hospital rooms.

In addition, they will visit children and families in the cardiac unit.

This visit is a tradition for first ladies around Christmas, dating back to First Lady Bess Truman.

Last year, President Biden made the trip, marking the first time a sitting president visited Children’s National Hospital during the holiday season.

In addition, this year marks the 60th anniversary of the publication of “The Snowy Day,” a book by Ezra Jack Keats.

Why do first ladies visit national hospitals during holidays

First ladies have a long tradition of visiting hospitals, including children’s hospitals, during the holiday season.

This tradition dates back to at least the post-World War II presidency of Harry Truman when First Lady Bess Truman made a holiday visit to the Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C. Since then, many first ladies have continued this tradition, often accompanied by their husbands, the president.

There are a few reasons why first ladies might visit hospitals during the holiday season.

One reason is to bring cheer and joy to patients and their families, who may be facing difficult circumstances due to illness or injury.

Hospital stays can be particularly challenging during the holiday season, when people may be away from their homes and loved ones.

A visit from the first lady can provide a welcome distraction and bring some cheer to patients and their families.

Another reason for first lady hospital visits is to support the hospital staff and their work.

Hospitals are essential institutions that provide vital care to people in need, and the holiday season can be a busy and challenging time for hospital staff.

A visit from the first lady can be a way to show appreciation for the hard work and dedication of hospital staff, who often work long hours to provide care to patients.

Finally, first lady hospital visits can also serve as an opportunity for the first lady to raise awareness about important issues related to health and wellness.

For example, a visit to a children’s hospital might highlight the importance of a child’s health and well-being.

By visiting hospitals and interacting with patients and staff, first ladies can bring attention to these issues and work to promote the health and well-being of the American people.

The Snowy Day

The Snowy Day” is a children’s picture book written and illustrated by Ezra Jack Keats.

It was published in 1962 and has since become a classic of children’s literature.

The story follows a young boy named Peter as he explores the wonders of a snowy day in the city.

The book is notable for featuring a young African American protagonist when such representation was rare in children’s literature.

“The Snowy Day” won the Caldecott Medal in 1963, an annual award by the American Library Association to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children.

In addition, it has been widely recognized as an important work in children’s literature and has been translated into many languages.

Ezra Jack Keats

Ezra Jack Keats (1916-1983) was an American children’s book author and illustrator.

He is best known for his children’s picture books, including “The Snowy Day,” “Whistle for Willie,” and “Peter’s Chair.”

Keats was born in New York City to Jewish immigrant parents and grew up in the Brooklyn neighborhood of East New York.

He attended the Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art and later studied at the National Academy of Design.

Keats began his career as an illustrator, working for various publishing companies and magazines. Then, in the 1950s, he started writing and illustrating his children’s books.

Keats was one of the first children’s book creators to portray urban, working-class children of different ethnicities in his stories.

His books are known for their vibrant, expressive illustrations and engaging storylines.

Keats received numerous awards for his work, including the Caldecott Medal for “The Snowy Day” and the Newbery Honor for “Goggles!” He was also a two-time recipient of the Coretta Scott King Award for Illustration.

Keats’ work continues to be widely read and celebrated by children and adults alike.

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