Anne Bustard: Children's Author

February 8 Birthday: Waterhouse Hawkins

by Anne on February 8, 2010

Waterhouse Hawkins, artist

Feb. 8, 1807-1889

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The Dinosaurs of Waterhouse Hawkins: An Illuminating History of Mr. Waterhouse Hawkins, Artist and Lecturer by Barbara Kerley, illustrated by Brian Selznick (Scholastic, 2001)

This is the story of a man with a vision and talent. Hawkins was passionate about dinos and it led him to build life-size models of them.

From an article in Prehistoric Times Magazine, see drawings of Hawkins’ work and read more about him.

February 7 Birthday: Charles Dickens

by Anne on February 7, 2010

Charles Dickens, author

Feb. 7, 1812-June 9, 1870

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Charles Dickens: The Man Who Had Great Expectations by Diane Stanley (HarperCollins, 1993)

Fans of A Christmas Carol will be especially interested in this biography of Dickens, who rose above his troubled childhood but never forgot it.

The New York Public Library hosts an online seminar by Kenneth Benson called Charles Dickens: The Life of the Author in six sessions.

February 7 Birthday: Laura Ingalls Wilder

by Anne on February 7, 2010

Laura Ingalls Wilder, author

Feb. 7, 1867-Feb. 10, 1957

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Laura Ingalls Wilder by Alexandra Wallner (Holiday House, 1997)

The story of the pioneer girl turned author is featured in this simple biography about the creator of the Little House books.

The Laura Ingalls Wilder Historic Home and Museum contains Wilder’s history, museum information and a link just for kids.

February 6 Birthday: Ronald Reagan

by Anne on February 6, 2010

Ronald Reagan, U.S. President

February 6, 1911-June 5, 2004

Lives of the Presidents

Lives of the Presidents: Fame, Shame (and What the Neighbors Thought) by Kathleen Krull, illustrated by Kathryn Hewitt (Harcourt, 1998)

A movie actor turned president, Regan loved to ride horses and tell a good story. He was the 40th president of the United States.

Read a bio of Regan on the White House site.

February 6 Birthday: Babe Ruth

by Anne on February 6, 2010

Babe Ruth, athlete

Feb. 6, 1895-August 16, 1948

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Home Run: The Story of Babe Ruth by Robert Burleigh, illustrated by Mike Wimmer (Voyager Books, 2003)

The story of Ruth as well as his home run record-breaking in 1927 is illustrated with realistic paintings and images of baseball cards with career stats.

BabeRuth.com is a source for biography, stats, achievements, quotes, photos and awards about Babe Ruth.