by Anne on November 14, 2010
William Steig, writer and illustrator
Nov. 14, 1907-Oct. 3, 2003
When Everyone Wore a Hat by William Steig (Joanna Colter Books, 2003)
In this picture book autobiography, Steig looked at the year he was eight, when the world was at war, and he had dreams for the future.
A cartoonist for the New Yorker, Steig was in his 60s when he began writing and illustrating children’s books. Stop by the New York Times for an art review on Steig and a link to the slide show on Steig’s work at the Jewish Museum.
by Anne on October 14, 2010
William Penn, colonist
Oct. 14, 1644-July 30, 1718
William Penn: Founder of Pennsylvania by Steven Kroll, illustrated by Ronald Himler (Holiday House, 2000)
This book about William Penn, a strong Quaker, is also a lesson about the history of his time.
Quaker.org writes about Penn’s life and work.
by Anne on August 1, 2010
William Clark, explorer
Aug. 1, 1770-Sept. 1, 1838
A Picture Book Biography of Lewis and Clark by David A. Adler, illustrated by Ronald Himler (Holiday House, 2003)
The spirit of adventure is captured in this book about Lewis and Clark’s most celebrated journey—the expedition of the West.
Join in online and Go West Across America with Lewis & Clark! at the National Geographic website.
Visit Discovering Lewis & Clark , an online “hyperhistory in progress” and retrace the steps of these explorers and more.
by Anne on April 26, 2010
William Shakespeare, writer
Apr. 26, 1564 (baptism)-Apr. 23, 1616
Bard of Avon: The Story of William Shakespeare by Diane Stanley (HarperCollins, 1992)
A fitting introduction to the man who wrote some of our best-loved plays. Truly, a picture book biography for all ages.
A guide to the scholarly resources on Shakespeare can be found at a Palomar Community College site called Mr. William Shakespeare and the Internet.
by Anne on February 9, 2010
William Henry Harrison, U.S. President
Feb. 9, 1773-Apr. 4, 1841
Lives of the Presidents: Fame, Shame (and What the Neighbors Thought) by Kathleen Krull, illustrated by Kathryn Hewitt (Harcourt, 1998)
Harrison, Number 9, served the shortest term—one month.
The POTUS (Presidents of the United States) section of the IPL (The Internet Public Library) gives an overview of Harrison’s life with plenty of links to take you beyond the basic facts.
