Johnny Appleseed Day is celebrated today! John Chapman, better known as Johnny Appleseed, died in Allen County, Indiana, in 1845. Stories say he helped plant fruit orchards all along the frontier. He was a friend to both the Native Americans and the settlers. Children could plant some apple seeds in small containers. They could also dry apple rings. They could learn more at: Johnny Appleseed.
Shakespeare believed this day in 1302 was Romeo and Juliet’s wedding day. Children could read “Romeo and Juliet” at: Project Gutenberg.
Samuel Mulliken received four patents in 1791. The Philadelphian was granted patents for:
These patents were the last of the first ten patents issued in the United States. Unfortunately, a fire in the temporary building housing early patents destroyed all the early patents, so Mulliken’s documentation has been lost.
Frankenstein was published by Mary Shelley in 1818. Children can read the book online at: Project Gutenberg.
Ralph Abernathy (born Linden, Alabama, 1926; died Atlanta, Georgia, April 17, 1990) was a civil rights leader. He helped organize the Montgomery, Alabama, bus boycott, and he worked closely with Martin Luther King, Jr. He assumed some of King’s responsibilities after King was assassinated. Children could learn more at: Ralph Abernathy.
Libba Bray (born Montgomery, Alabama, 1964) writes books for young adults. Her books include Going Bovine, which received the 2010 Michael L. Printz Award, and Beauty Queens. Young adults can visit her site at: Libba Bray.
Wanda Gág (born New Ulm, Minnesota, 1893; died New York, New York, June 27, 1946) wrote and illustrated books for children. Her book Millions of Cats received a1929 Newbery Honor Award. The ABC Bunny earned Gág a1934 Newbery Honor Award. Nothing at All received a 1942 Caldecott Honor Award. Notice that she earned both a Caldecott and Newbery Awards. Children could read Deborah Kogan Ray’s book, Wanda Gág: The Girl Who Loved to Draw. They can also learn more at: Wanda Gag.
Ezra Jack Keats (born Brooklyn, New York, 1916; died New York, New York, May 6, 1983) was a children’s author and illustrator. He wrote, among other works, The Snowy Day which received the 1963 Caldecott Medal. In addition, Goggles received a 1970 Caldecott Honor Award. In 1985 the Ezra Jack Keats Book Awards were created. Every year the Ezra Jack Keats Foundation honors the best new authors and illustrators. Children can learn more at: Ezra Jack Keats. Children could also learn more about Ezra Jack Keats and the Ezra Jack Keats Book Awards from Children’s Book Award Handbook, by Diana F. Marks.
Robert Treat Paine (born Boston, Massachusetts, 1731; died Boston, Massachusetts, May 11, 1814) signed the Declaration of Independence. He was also elected to the Constitutional Convention. From 1777 to 1790 he was our country’s first attorney general. He also served on the Massachusetts State Supreme Court from 1790 to 1804. Children could learn more at: Robert Treat Paine.