Layne Johnson – illustratör

School Library Journal Best Book of the YearNSTA/CBC Outstanding Science Trade BookAmerican Farm Bureau Foundation for Education Recommended Book Besides being a general and the first president of the United States, did you know that George Washington was also a farmer? Here's a look at America's first President as he's rarely seen.George Washington was the first leader of our country—but he was also an inventor, scientist, and the most forward-thinking farmer of his time.  As he worked to make the new country independent, he also struggled to create a self-sufficient farm at Mount Vernon, Virginia. Excerpts from Washington's writings are featured throughout this nonfiction picture book, which also includes a timeline, resource section, as well as essays on Washington at Mount Vernon and his thoughts on slavery. Both the author and illustrator worked closely with the staff of Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens to render an accurate portrait of Farmer George at work.Nebraska Farm Bureau Children’s Agriculture Book of the YearOhio Farm Bureau’s Children’s Book AwardA Wisconsin Ag in the Classroom Book of the YearKansas State Reading Circle Recommended Reading List

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.