Caldecott Medal Winner

Abraham Lincoln

by Ingri and Edgar Parin d'Aulaire

Summary

This picture biography traces the life of Abraham Lincoln from his boyhood in a log cabin on the frontier through his years splitting rails and reading by firelight to his presidency during the Civil War. Ingri and Edgar Parin d'Aulaire built their warm, folk inspired illustrations using stone lithography, drawing each plate directly onto the stone to achieve rich color and texture. The book presents Lincoln as a homespun and approachable figure, making the sweep of American history accessible to young readers.

Historical Context & Significance

The husband and wife team created the color plates by drawing directly onto lithographic stones, a demanding technique they used throughout their picture biographies.