Nansen (biography) facts for kids
Nansen is an exciting children's book about the amazing life of Fridtjof Nansen. He was a famous Norwegian explorer who traveled to the North Pole. This book was written by Anna Gertrude Hall and has wonderful pictures by Boris Artzybasheff. It was first published in 1940 and was recognized as a Newbery Honor book in 1941. This means it was one of the best children's books of that year!
Contents
What is Nansen About?
The book Nansen tells the true story of Fridtjof Nansen, a brave and brilliant man from Norway. It covers his early life, his incredible journeys to the Arctic, and his important work helping people around the world. The book is written in a way that makes history feel like an adventure.
Exploring the Arctic
Fridtjof Nansen was a pioneer in polar exploration. He was one of the first people to try and reach the North Pole. The book describes his daring expeditions, like his journey on the ship Fram. This ship was specially designed to get stuck in the ice and drift with it, hoping to get closer to the North Pole.
Nansen's Humanitarian Work
After his adventures as an explorer, Nansen became a very important person in helping others. He worked with the League of Nations, which was an organization trying to keep peace after World War I. He helped many refugees, people who had to leave their homes because of war or other problems. The book explains how Nansen worked tirelessly to provide food, shelter, and safe passage for these people.
Who Was Fridtjof Nansen?
Fridtjof Nansen (1861–1930) was a true hero. He was not just an explorer but also a scientist, diplomat, and humanitarian. His life was full of amazing achievements.
Early Life and Education
Nansen was born in Norway in 1861. From a young age, he loved nature and outdoor activities like skiing and skating. He studied zoology, which is the study of animals, at the University of Christiania (now Oslo). His scientific background helped him a lot in his explorations.
Famous Expeditions
- Crossing Greenland (1888): Nansen led the first team to cross the entire island of Greenland on skis. This was a very dangerous journey across icy mountains.
- The Fram Expedition (1893–1896): This was his most famous trip. He tried to reach the North Pole by letting his ship, the Fram, freeze into the ice and drift. He even left the ship with one companion to try and ski to the Pole, getting closer than anyone before him.
A Champion for Peace
After his exploring days, Nansen used his fame to help people. He became a high commissioner for refugees for the League of Nations. He created the "Nansen passport," a special document that allowed stateless refugees to travel and find new homes. For his humanitarian efforts, he won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1922.
About the Author and Illustrator
The success of Nansen as a children's book is due to the talents of its author and illustrator.
Anna Gertrude Hall (Author)
Anna Gertrude Hall was a librarian and author. She had a special skill for writing biographies that were interesting and easy for young readers to understand. Her writing made the exciting life of Fridtjof Nansen come alive for children. She carefully researched Nansen's life to make sure the book was accurate and inspiring.
Boris Artzybasheff (Illustrator)
Boris Artzybasheff (1899–1965) was a famous artist and illustrator. He was known for his unique and powerful drawings. His illustrations in Nansen helped readers imagine the cold Arctic landscapes and the brave spirit of Nansen. His artwork added a lot to the book's appeal and helped it win its award.
The Newbery Honor Award
The Newbery Medal is one of the most important awards for children's literature in the United States. It is given each year to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children.
What is a Newbery Honor?
A "Newbery Honor" means that a book was considered one of the very best books of the year, right alongside the main Newbery Medal winner. In 1941, Nansen was chosen as a Newbery Honor book, showing how well-written and important it was. This award helped more children discover the incredible story of Fridtjof Nansen.
