Wee Gillis facts for kids

Wee Gillis is a classic picture book published in 1938. It was written by Munro Leaf and brought to life with illustrations by Robert Lawson. The story follows a young Scottish boy named Wee Gillis. He splits his time between two different parts of Scotland. One part is the rugged Highlands, and the other is the flat Lowlands. Each side of his family wants him to adopt their traditions. The book explores his journey as he tries to decide which path to follow. Its beautiful illustrations earned it a special recognition, a 1939 Caldecott Honor.

Discovering Wee Gillis: A Scottish Tale

Wee Gillis tells a charming story about growing up. It highlights the importance of finding your own way. The book was created by a talented team. Munro Leaf was known for his simple yet powerful stories. Robert Lawson was famous for his detailed and expressive artwork. Together, they made a book that has been loved for generations.

Who is Wee Gillis?

Wee Gillis is the main character of this story. He is a young boy living in Scotland. What makes him special is his family situation. He has relatives living in two very different parts of the country. This means he gets to experience two distinct ways of life. He learns from both sides of his family.

The Highlands and Lowlands

Scotland is a country with diverse landscapes. The Highlands are known for their tall mountains and deep valleys. People there often have strong traditions. They might be known for their strength and loud voices. The Lowlands, on the other hand, are flatter. They are known for farming and quieter living. Wee Gillis spends half his time with his mother's family in the Highlands. He spends the other half with his father's family in the Lowlands.

A Big Decision

As Wee Gillis grows older, he faces a challenge. Both sides of his family want him to choose their way of life. His Highland relatives want him to become a strong hunter. They want him to shout loudly to call the cattle. His Lowland relatives want him to be a quiet farmer. They want him to whisper to the cows. Wee Gillis struggles with this choice. He doesn't want to disappoint anyone. He also wants to find what truly suits him.

The Award-Winning Art

The illustrations in Wee Gillis are very special. They were created by Robert Lawson. His drawings helped the book win a Caldecott Honor in 1939. The Caldecott Honor is a prestigious award. It recognizes outstanding illustrations in children's books. Lawson's art perfectly captures the landscapes of Scotland. It also shows the personalities of the characters. His detailed work helps readers feel like they are right there with Wee Gillis.