About this item
Mama says we must be ready, ready for that angel coming. High in the hills of Kentucky, a little girl eagerly awaits the arrival of a very special visitor -- an "angel" who, she is told, will come riding up the mountain on horseback, carrying a baby sister or brother in her saddlebag. Li'l sis is what I'm wanting. Li'l sis is what I'll call her. I'll braid her hair right pretty, brush it out most every night. But the "angel" is not exactly what the young narrator imagined, and neither is the precious bundle that comes when she least expects it. This gem of a story highlights a little-known piece of American history: the Frontier Nursing Service, a pioneering group of women who came to be called "angels on horseback."
About the Author
Heather Henson was born and raised in central Kentucky in a summerstock theater her father founded in 1950, and her family still owns and operates. After moving to New York City to study theater and filmmaking, Heather decided to focus on her first love: writing. She graduated from The New School University with a degree in creative writing and literature, and went on to work as an editor of children's books at a major publisher. After many years living in Brooklyn, NY, she returned to her home state of Kentucky to focus on her writing, which has always been deeply influenced by her roots. In her writing for young readers, Heather likes to focus on unsung heroes in history and celebrate their achievements. Her latest picture book, "Lift Your Light Little Higher: The Story of Stephen Bishop, Slave-Explorer," illustrated by Caldecott-Honor and Coretta Scott King-Award winner, Bryan Collier, "recovers an important piece of African-American history," said Kirkus in a starred review. Her picture book, "That Book Woman," illustrated by Caldecott-Medal winner David Small, celebrates the Pack Horse Librarians who brought the gift of reading to countless families in Appalachia during the 1930's. "That Book Woman" won the prestigious Christopher Medal, as well as the Great Lakes Book Award, among other awards. Heather lives on a farm in the heart of the Bluegrass with her husband and three children.
