The Christmas Anna Angel facts for kids
![]() First edition
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Author | Ruth Sawyer |
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Illustrator | Kate Seredy |
Publisher | Viking Press |
Publication date
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1944 |
Pages | unpaged |
Awards | Caldecott Honor |
The Christmas Anna Angel is a heartwarming picture book from 1944. It was written by Ruth Sawyer and beautifully illustrated by Kate Seredy. The story takes place in Hungary during World War II, focusing on a young girl named Anna who deeply wishes for a Christmas miracle. This special book even received a 1945 Caldecott Honor for its amazing pictures.
Contents
The Story of Anna's Christmas Wish
This book tells a simple yet powerful story about hope and belief. It shows how even in difficult times, a little bit of faith can bring joy. The main character, Anna, lives in Hungary during World War II. This means life is hard, and many things are scarce.
Anna dreams of a special Christmas, but her family has very little. She believes that if she can find an "Anna Angel," her Christmas wish will come true. The story follows her journey as she holds onto this hope. It teaches readers about kindness and the magic of believing.
Who Created This Book?
This lovely book was brought to life by two talented women.
Ruth Sawyer: The Author
Ruth Sawyer (1880–1970) was an American author who wrote many books for children. She was also a storyteller who traveled around, sharing tales. Her stories often focused on folk tales and the power of imagination. She won the Newbery Medal for another one of her books, Roller Skates.
Kate Seredy: The Illustrator
Kate Seredy (1899–1975) was an artist and writer born in Hungary. She moved to the United States and became famous for her beautiful illustrations. Her drawings for The Christmas Anna Angel helped the book win an award. She often drew pictures that showed the beauty of nature and the feelings of her characters.
The Caldecott Honor Award
The Christmas Anna Angel was recognized with a Caldecott Honor in 1945.
What is the Caldecott Honor?
The Caldecott Honor is a special award given to children's picture books. It celebrates the artist who created the most outstanding illustrations. The Caldecott Medal is the top award, and Honor books are runners-up. Winning this award means the book's artwork is considered some of the best of the year.
Why Was it Honored?
Kate Seredy's illustrations for The Christmas Anna Angel were praised for their beauty and how well they told the story. Her drawings helped readers feel Anna's hope and the spirit of Christmas, even in a challenging setting. The pictures truly made the story come alive.