Meindert DeJong (born Weirum, Netherlands, 1906; died Allegan, Michigan, July 16, 1991) wrote books for children. He received numerous awards for his books, including the 1955 Newbery Medal for The Wheel on the School. He also earned four Newbery Honor Awards: Shadrach in 1954, Hurry Home, Candy in 1954, The House of Sixty Fathers in 1957, and Along Came a Dog in 1959. In 1962 he was the first American to win the Hans Christian Andersen Award. Children can read more about him at: Meindert DeJong.
Prince Henry the Navigator (born Portugal, 1394; died Portugal, November 13, 1460) encouraged and expanded exploration of Africa and other lands. He planned more than fifty expeditions, but he never went on any of these trips himself. He brought in experts in cartography, astronomy and mathematics. Through his work, Portugal became a leading force in exploration. Children can learn more at: Prince Henry the Navigator.
Dav Pilkey (born Cleveland, Ohio, 1966) has written and illustrated at least 50 books for children. He has created the Captain Underpants series, the Dumb Bunny series, and the Dog Man series. Children could visit his site at: http://www.pilkey.com/.
Casimir Pulaski (born Winiary, Mazovia, Poland, 1747; died on the warship Wasp, October 11, 1779) was a military leader in his native Poland. He came to America after Poland was partitioned. He became a hero during the Revolutionary War. Pulaski was mortally wounded during the siege of Savannah.
Peggy Rathmann (born Saint Paul, Minnesota, 1953) is a children’s book author and illustrator. Her Officer Buckle and Gloria received the Caldecott Medal in 1996. Children can visit a website at: Peggy Rathmann. Idea: Students, like Officer Buckle, could make a list of safety tips.
