Our Process
Four decades of experience have taught us a thing or two about creating curriculum that works. Here’s how we do it.
A timeless portrait of America's most beloved President, in stunning lithographs. Abraham Lincoln by the d'Aulaires, winner of the 1940 Caldecott Medal, captures the life of America’s greatest president through breathtaking stone lithographs and vivid prose. From humble rail-splitter to the Emancipator, Lincoln’s journey is brought to life for readers young and old in this beautifully restored edition, marking the 75th anniversary of the Caldecott Medal.
1940 Caldecott Medal Winner
Abraham Lincoln continues to stand as America's most beloved President. Of our nation's historical icons, Lincoln is the quintessential embodiment of American possibility in his mythic-like rise from rail-splitter to Chief Executive and Emancipator of the oppressed. The admiration felt by Americans for Lincoln's humble integrity, his noble statesmanship, and his keen sense of justice, is beautifully captured in the d'Aulaires' art and prose.
Not since 1957 have d'Aulaire fans been able to enjoy the beauty of the stone lithographic work that earned these beloved author-artists the prestigious Caldecott Medal in 1940. Now, in honor of the 75th Anniversary of their Caldecott Medal award, and marking a century and a half of emancipation, readers young and old will delight in this biography of America's most beloved President. Beautiful Feet Books worked with Timothy Young, curator of Beinecke Rare Books and Manuscript Collection at Yale University Library, to restore the original art through brand new reproductions of the 1939 lithographic proofs.
This 2015 edition from Beautiful Feet Books allows readers to view Abraham Lincoln as the d'Aulaires saw him. Because of the care with color reproduction and the heavy ivory paper selected for the book, contemporary audiences can finally see why the d'Aulaires artwork was held in awe by those who first saw it published. - Anita Silvey
This facsimile edition shares a similar dedication to detail and wonderfully conveys the sense of joy and beauty found in the original. - Timothy Young
About the Authors:
Ingri Mortenson and Edgar Parin D'Aulaire met in Munich where both were studying art in the 1920's. Ingri had grown up in Norway; Edgar, the son of a noted portrait painter, was born in Switzerland and had lived in Paris and Florence. Shortly after their marriage, they moved to the United States and began to create the picture books that have established their reputation for unique craftsmanship. Their books were known for their vivid lasting color. This was the result of the painstaking process of stone lithography used for all their American history biographies. This was an old world craft, in which they were both expert, which involved actually tracing their images on large slabs of Bavarian limestone.
Throughout their long careers, Ingri and Edgar worked as a team on both art and text. Their research took them to the actual places of their biographies, including the countries of Italy, Portugal and Spain when they were researching Columbus; to the hills of Virginia while they researched Washington; and to the wilds of Kentucky and Illinois for Abraham Lincoln, winner of the 1940 Caldecott Medal. The fact that they spoke 5 languages fluently served them well in their European travels and in their research of original documents. Since their deaths in the 1980's, Ingri and Edgar's books and works have been kept alive by their two sons Ola and Nils.
Used in Early American History K-3
These d'Aulaire books are fantastic. After I realized we could read small sections at a time, this book was not too intimidating to go through with my young children.
The illustrations in all of the d'Aulaire books are beautiful. Our family has a great love for Abraham Lincoln, and this sweet biography is a wonderful way to introduce children to his life and character.
The book was great and I learned a lot about Abraham Lincoln. My favorite part was when a few kids tripped him and his hat full of letters came off. -Skylar 8
This book is breathtakingly beautiful and just captivating. It's truly a living book that just brings you in as you read. It has quickly become a family favorite!!
Make Abraham Lincoln your child's friend with this book! Beautifully written and illustrated, this book is definitely a keeper and one to pass on to the grandkids.
“Beautiful Feet has built a family bond around wonderful literature.”
“I want to buy everything BFB sells. It’s that good.”
“History is alive and loved in our home thanks to BFB.”
“We are totally sold on Beautiful Feet – the quality of the teacher’s guides is just incredible.”
“History with BFB is actually my favorite part of the homeschool day.”
“Switching to your curriculum was truly the best decision in our home education.”
“The books used in the curriculum are ones you’ll want to keep forever.”
“Using your studies brings peace to our days. I can teach everyone at once and they love it.”
“Rich conversations and deep connections – that’s why we’re homeschooling.”
Four decades of experience have taught us a thing or two about creating curriculum that works. Here’s how we do it.
We handpick timeless, award-winning literature to nurture learning and character development.
Crafted by educators with expertise in history, children’s literature, English, science and education.
We’ve been there. Our curriculum is tailored to meet the real-life challenges and joys of homeschooling.
Decades of experience supporting homeschool families with beloved and time-tested curriculum.