kids encyclopedia robot

America's Ethan Allen facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
America's Ethan Allen
America's Ethan Allen.jpg
First edition
Author Stewart Holbrook
Illustrator Lynd Ward
Publisher Houghton
Publication date
1949
Pages unpaged
Awards Caldecott Honor

America's Ethan Allen is a 1949 picture book biography written by Stewart Holbrook and illustrated by Lynd Ward. This book tells the story of Ethan Allen, an important figure in early American history. It was recognized with a 1949 Caldecott Honor for its amazing illustrations.

About the Book

America's Ethan Allen brings to life the story of a brave American hero. It's a special kind of book that uses both words and pictures to share history. The book was published by Houghton Mifflin, a well-known publisher of many great stories.

What is a Picture Book Biography?

A picture book biography is a book that tells the true story of a person's life. It uses many illustrations alongside the text. This helps readers, especially younger ones, understand the story better. It makes history feel more alive and exciting.

The Caldecott Honor

The Caldecott Honor is a very important award for children's books. It is given to books with the most outstanding illustrations published in the United States. Winning a Caldecott Honor means the artwork in America's Ethan Allen was considered some of the best of its time. It shows how much the pictures added to the book's story.

Who Was Ethan Allen?

Ethan Allen was an American patriot and soldier. He was born in 1738 in Connecticut. He became famous for his role in the American Revolutionary War. Allen was known for his strong will and leadership. He played a key part in the early fight for American independence.

Early Life and Vermont

Ethan Allen grew up in a time when America was still a group of colonies. He later moved to what is now Vermont. At that time, Vermont was a disputed territory. Both New York and New Hampshire claimed it. Allen became a leader for the settlers living there. He helped them protect their land and rights.

The Green Mountain Boys

To defend their land, Ethan Allen formed a group called the Green Mountain Boys. This was a militia, like a local army. They were known for being tough and fearless. The Green Mountain Boys protected settlers from outsiders. They also fought against New York's claims to the land.

Capturing Fort Ticonderoga

One of Ethan Allen's most famous actions happened during the American Revolution. In May 1775, he led the Green Mountain Boys. They joined forces with Benedict Arnold to capture Fort Ticonderoga. This fort was very important because it held many cannons and supplies. The capture was a big victory for the Americans. It gave them much-needed weapons for the war.

The Creators

The success of America's Ethan Allen comes from its talented author and illustrator. Stewart Holbrook wrote the words. Lynd Ward created the powerful images. Together, they made a book that teaches history in an engaging way.

Stewart Holbrook, the Author

Stewart Holbrook (1893–1964) was an American writer. He was known for his books about American history and folklore. He had a talent for making historical events interesting. Holbrook often wrote about unique characters and forgotten stories.

Lynd Ward, the Illustrator

Lynd Ward (1905–1985) was a famous American artist and illustrator. He was a pioneer in graphic novels. Ward was known for his dramatic and powerful woodcut illustrations. His artwork in America's Ethan Allen helped earn the book its Caldecott Honor. His pictures brought Ethan Allen's adventures to life for young readers.

kids search engine
America's Ethan Allen Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.