America's Ethan Allen

1950 Caldecott Honor: America’s Ethan Allen

By Stewart Holbrook                      Pictures by Lynd Ward

Lynd Kendall Ward (26 June 1905 – 28 June 1985) was an American artist and storyteller, and son of Methodist minister and prominent political organizer Harry F. Ward. He illustrated some 200 juvenile and adult books. Ward was best known for his wood engraving and is considered one of the founders of the American graphic novel but he also worked in watercolor, oil, brush and ink, lithography and mezzotint.

Awards

He won a number of awards, including a Library of Congress Award for wood engraving, the Caldecott Medal, and a Rutgers University award for Distinguished Contribution to Children's Literature. He illustrated six Newbery Honor Medal books and two Newbery Medal books. In 2011, Ward was listed as a Judges' Choice for The Will Eisner Award Hall of Fame

Bio from Wikipedia: here is the link if you want to know more!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lynd_Ward

Book Summary

This book is a summary of the life of Ethan Allen.  Yup, he was a real person, not just a store! J

So, what did Ethan Allen do in his life,

He fought the British and became a soldier and activist for America.  He attempted to make his way into Canada and was captured.  He then ended up on a ship to Ireland.  Eventually he made his way home to America.

Illustrations

These pictures were strong in appearance and detailed for wood cuttings.  I did not really find them all that appetizing!  To me this book was in the wrong category, not a children’s book but had to be put there because it had pictures to go with it.  Don’t know why?

Final Thoughts:

1. Would this be a book I would pick up again? No, it was long and boring! Almost 100 pages!  This is very long for a children’s picture book!

2. Would I recommend it to others to search out and take a look at? No

3. Would I spend my hard earned money on the book? No

4. Where did I get the book? Pierce county library got it from Seattle Pacific.