Minor’s new picture book released today
Posted on Friday, August 8, 2008
BENTONVILLE - Wendell Minor has created art for more than 50 children's books and cover illustrations for several adult books. And today, he and writer Robert Burleigh add yet another - this with a historical twist.
This morning, Minor and Burleigh's collaboration," Abraham Lincoln Comes Home," is being released by Henry Holt / Christy Ottaviano Books. Minor said this picture book, intended for children ages 6 to 10, stands out from traditional Lincoln biographies by moving beyond the facts of the storied president's life as we approach the 200 th anniversary of his birth.
When Abraham Lincoln was assassinated in 1865, the country grieved for a courageous president and for the soul of the United States, according to a release from the publisher. The body of the statesman was taken by train, over the course of two weeks, from Washington, D. C., to his homestate of Illinois. Mourners packed the route of the train to pay homage to the fallen president.
"When we think children's books, we typically think dragons in far-off places, Alice in Wonderland - that sort of thing," Minor said. "But I believe there's a place for fact and history. The more I do this work, the more I'm committed to presenting the great figures in history - Abraham Lincoln, Buzz Aldrin, Amelia Earheart."
The story and illustrations of "Abraham Lincoln Comes Home"centers around that event through the eyes of a father and son experiencing the procession. Minor believes the focus on a child's experience of grief will make the historical tale accessible to young readers and stir discussions of compassion and mourning, as well as the political events that surrounded Lincoln and the Civil War, according to the release.
"We're living in a time when history seems to be of very low priority and interest in this country, particularly among the younger generation, " Minor said. "The lack of awareness of who we are as a nation does bother me. If you don't know your history, you can't make the most out of tomorrow."
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