Caldecott Medal Winner

The Egg Tree

by Katherine Milhous

Summary

On an Easter morning at her grandmother's Pennsylvania farm, young Katy discovers a box of decorated eggs and the family revives the custom of hanging them on a branch to make an egg tree. Milhous fills the pages with bright folk art patterns drawn from Pennsylvania Dutch traditions, with hex signs, tulips, and hearts. The book introduced many American readers to a regional holiday craft rooted in immigrant heritage.

Historical Context & Significance

Katherine Milhous based the story on the Pennsylvania Dutch culture of her own childhood, helping popularize the egg tree custom across the country.