Talk about a chip off the old block.

Nicholas Danby, the 7-year-old son of Bangor Daily News cartoonist George Danby, showed up at the office last week wearing a smaller, but otherwise identical, version of his dad’s uniform of khakis and a blue oxford.

The resemblance didn’t stop there, however. It appears Nick inherited his father’s artistic ability, as well. In July, Nick’s portrait of George Washington graced the pages of Highlights magazine for kids.

Nick loves presidents, and Washington is his favorite.

“He was brave in the war,” Nick said.

Plus, he’s the one Nick draws best. The elder Danby’s profession inspired Nick to dabble in art, and his interest has since become serious. He said he was disappointed when his drawing of a robot wasn’t chosen for a Newspapers in Education contest, but his debut in Highlights made up for that.

His success has spurred the father-son duo to move forward with their plans to write “Presidents A to Z,” an illustrated book about our country’s leaders. Nick says that like his dad, he can draw George W. Bush with big ears. He’s pretty good with John F. Kennedy, too. And when it comes to Dwight D. Eisenhower, Nick has him covered.

“He can’t even draw Ike,” Nick said, laughing and rolling his eyes at his father. “It’s so weird. I have to do all the work.”

– Kristen Andresen

StarKids is an occasional column that highlights the accomplishments of children in elementary school and junior high. To submit your child’s achievement for consideration, send a brief summary and a picture to: Star Kids, c/o Letitia Baldwin, Bangor Daily News, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor, ME 04402-1329. For information, call 990-8270.