Here is the inspiring story behind the Veterans Day red poppy, a symbol that honors the service and sacrifices of our veterans.
When American soldiers entered World War I, Moina Belle Michael, a schoolteacher from Georgia, knew she had to act. Some of the soldiers were her students and friends. Almost single-handedly, Moina worked to establish the red poppy as the symbol to honor and remember soldiers. And she devoted the rest of her life to making sure the symbol would last forever. Thanks to her hard work, that symbol remains strong today. Author Barbara Elizabeth Walsh and artist Layne Johnson worked with experts, primary documents, and Moina's great-nieces to better understand Moina's determination to honor the war veterans.
A portion of the book's proceeds will support the National Military Family Association's Operation Purple®, which benefits children of the US Military.
"Since WWI, red poppies have been used to commemorate fallen soldiers; Walsh explains why in a glowing tribute to the woman behind the symbol, Moina Belle Michael... Johnson's oil paintings offer several dramatically lit, almost beatific portraits of Michael" --Publishers Weekly
"Michael’s moral force and commitment are commendable and noteworthy... heroic..." -- Kirkus Reviews
Barbara Elizabeth Walsh has fond memories of poppies and parades honoring her father and other veterans. During World War II her father knew Moina Michael, the Poppy Lady. A former elementary-school teacher, Barbara has written articles for Highlights for Children and Cricket. The Poppy Lady is her first children's book. She and her husband live in Mantoloking, New Jersey, and Key Largo, Florida.
View titles by Barbara E. Walsh
Layne Johnson has illustrated a number of books for young readers, including Ben, King of the River by David Gifaldi, Brian's Bird by Patricia A. Davis, and Where Horses Run Free by Joy Cowley. He lives in Houston, Texas.
View titles by Layne Johnson
Here is the inspiring story behind the Veterans Day red poppy, a symbol that honors the service and sacrifices of our veterans.
When American soldiers entered World War I, Moina Belle Michael, a schoolteacher from Georgia, knew she had to act. Some of the soldiers were her students and friends. Almost single-handedly, Moina worked to establish the red poppy as the symbol to honor and remember soldiers. And she devoted the rest of her life to making sure the symbol would last forever. Thanks to her hard work, that symbol remains strong today. Author Barbara Elizabeth Walsh and artist Layne Johnson worked with experts, primary documents, and Moina's great-nieces to better understand Moina's determination to honor the war veterans.
A portion of the book's proceeds will support the National Military Family Association's Operation Purple®, which benefits children of the US Military.
Praise
"Since WWI, red poppies have been used to commemorate fallen soldiers; Walsh explains why in a glowing tribute to the woman behind the symbol, Moina Belle Michael... Johnson's oil paintings offer several dramatically lit, almost beatific portraits of Michael" --Publishers Weekly
"Michael’s moral force and commitment are commendable and noteworthy... heroic..." -- Kirkus Reviews
Author
Barbara Elizabeth Walsh has fond memories of poppies and parades honoring her father and other veterans. During World War II her father knew Moina Michael, the Poppy Lady. A former elementary-school teacher, Barbara has written articles for Highlights for Children and Cricket. The Poppy Lady is her first children's book. She and her husband live in Mantoloking, New Jersey, and Key Largo, Florida.
View titles by Barbara E. Walsh
Layne Johnson has illustrated a number of books for young readers, including Ben, King of the River by David Gifaldi, Brian's Bird by Patricia A. Davis, and Where Horses Run Free by Joy Cowley. He lives in Houston, Texas.
View titles by Layne Johnson
