The Apple and the Arrow facts for kids
The Apple and the Arrow is an exciting children's novella (which is like a short novel) written and illustrated by a talented team, Mary and Conrad Buff. It was published in 1951 by Houghton Mifflin. This book tells the famous legend of William Tell through the eyes of his 12-year-old son, Walter. The story takes place in 1291, a time of big changes in Switzerland that led to the country we know today.
Contents
What is "The Apple and the Arrow"?
This book is a historical fiction story, meaning it's a made-up tale set in a real time and place from the past. It focuses on the legendary Swiss hero, William Tell, who was known for his amazing skill with a crossbow. The unique part of this book is that it lets readers see the events unfold from the perspective of Walter, William Tell's son. This helps young readers connect with the story and understand the challenges and adventures faced by families during that time.
Who Wrote This Story?
The authors, Mary and Conrad Buff, were a husband-and-wife team. They were known for writing and illustrating books that often had strong historical themes and beautiful artwork. Their collaboration on The Apple and the Arrow brought the ancient Swiss legend to life for a new generation of readers, making history feel real and exciting.
The Story's Setting: Old Switzerland
The story is set in the year 1291, in what is now Switzerland. This was a time when different groups of people in the region were trying to gain more freedom from powerful rulers. There was a lot of "political upheaval," which means big changes and disagreements about how the land should be governed. People were fighting for their rights and trying to create a new way of living together.
What Was the Old Swiss Confederacy?
The "Old Swiss Confederacy" was the beginning of Switzerland as a country. In 1291, some groups of people in the Alpine valleys decided to form an alliance. They wanted to protect themselves from outside rulers and manage their own affairs. This agreement was a very important step towards creating the independent country of Switzerland. The legend of William Tell is closely tied to these early struggles for freedom and self-governance.
Awards and Recognition
The Apple and the Arrow was a very well-received book. In 1952, Mary and Conrad Buff were recognized as a runner-up for the prestigious Newbery Medal. This means their book was considered one of the best children's books published in the United States the previous year. Books that are runners-up for the Newbery Medal are now called "Newbery Honor Books." If you see a copy of The Apple and the Arrow, it might have a special silver seal on its cover to show it received this honor.
What is the Newbery Medal?
The Newbery Medal is one of the oldest and most respected awards for children's literature in the United States. It's given out every year by the American Library Association to the author of the "most distinguished contribution to American literature for children." Winning or being an Honor Book for the Newbery Medal is a huge achievement for any children's author, showing that their book is considered excellent and important.
