Since 1926, Pelican Publishing Company has been committed to publishing books of quality and permanence that enrich the lives of those who read them.
Historical
In 1945, Jella Lepman was asked by the United States Army to serve as a cultural and educational advisor for her native country. While being driven around war-ravaged Germany in a U.S. Army jeep, Jella noticed how hungry the German children were for books since their schools and libraries had been destroyed. Jella wrote letters to publishers all over the world and asked for donations. These donations became an exhibition of children’s books that traveled throughout Germany. Books continue to be donated by various countries, forever honoring the spirit of Jella Lepman and her belief that books truly can make the world a better place.
As author David R. Collins traveled around Illinois, librarians and teachers everywhere begged him to write a book about the noble Polish patriot, Casimir Pulaski. The teachers complained that there was a Pulaski state holiday, as well as Pulaski towns, schools, and streets across the country, yet few students know who he was or what he did.
It has been estimated that approximately four hundred women disguised themselves as men to join the Buffalo soldiers; however, only one case has been documented. Cathy Williams enlisted as William Cathay and served for two years before anyone discovered she was a woman. To this day, the former slave is the first documented woman to serve in the United States Military.
“Stay there until the war is won,” Pres. Franklin Roosevelt said to Chester Nimitz after Pearl Harbor was bombed on December 7, 1941. Nimitz rose to the challenge, eventually becoming commander in chief for US forces in the Pacific theater. The remarkable life of Chester Nimitz is presented for young readers.
Christopher Newport made history when he founded the first British colony in America. Discover how the young lad from Harwich, England, came to command three ships destined to reach the New World. This biography takes readers on Newport’s adventures of the high seas, full of sword fights, exotic foods, and shipwrecks. Join him on the journey to America, the quest for the elusive Northwest Passage to China, and beyond.
Daniel Boone is a familiar name to most Americans, but few know the myriad trails he blazed that led to his fame. Beginning with his birth in the Pennsylvania backwoods and culminating in his final days in Missouri, Daniel Boone: Trailblazer demonstrates the American legend’s pioneer spirit and his constant need for more “elbow room.”
Davy Crockett’s life on the frontier, accomplishments as a soldier, and career as a politician are expertly detailed through the letters of the alphabet. In entries such as A is for Alamo and B is for Betsy (the name of his famous rifle), Crockett comes to life in this biography for young readers. Complete with a timeline of important events in Crockett’s life and vibrant illustrations, this is a must-read for young students of the legendary man. “Be always sure you’re right, then go ahead” and explore the life of this American icon.
The National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, D.C. is held annually in remembrance of the first cherry tree planting on March 27, 1912. Now an international symbol of peace and friendship, the trees first came to the nation’s capital from Tokyo, Japan, at the insistence of Eliza Scidmore.
Through the thorough research of author and vivandière Stephanie Ford comes a compelling collection of stories of remarkable women from both sides of the American Civil War.
Casimir Pulaski was a Polish patriot who came to America to help the colonists win the American Revolution. An expert horseman from childhood, Pulaski gained battle experience trying to defend his homeland against the Russians. When both his father and brother were lost to the war, Pulaski left Poland looking for assistance in raising another army.
The true story of a young Holocaust survivor.
Follow Jackson Sundown on his journey from his Native American village to the National Cowboy Hall of Fame.
Often called the “Mother of Texas,” Jane Wilkinson Long led an eventful life on the Texas frontier. Her life as a pioneer, mother, widow, businesswoman, and revolutionary is brought to life for children in Jane Wilkinson Long: Texas Pioneer. Hardcover.
From the first time she saw the Wright Flyers airplanes, Katherine Stinson knew she wanted to become a pilot. But she had trouble finding someone to teach her how to fly because everyone told her she was too young and too small. Finally, when she found a pilot willing to train her, she not only excelled as a solo flyer, but she also became the fourth American woman licensed to fly.
Although not much is known about Leonardo da Vinci’s childhood, one rare story exists. When Leonardo was a young boy, his father received a request from a friend to have a shield painted. Knowing how talented his son was, he naturally asked Leonardo. Leonardo set out to paint a monster, a monster so terrifying even his father thought it to be real.
More than one hundred years ago, in a small Hopi village in Arizona, a young man named Lewis Tewanima loved to run. Tewanima competed in many races, including the Olympics in 1908 in London, England, and again in 1912 in Stockholm, Sweden, alongside legendary Indian athlete Jim Thorpe. But the famous athlete wasn’t truly happy as long as he was away from his tribe.