SNOWSHOE KATE AND THE HOSPITAL BUILT FOR PENNIES

A warm tribute to a Wisconsin country doctor and the community spirit that launched an unusual fundraiser.

Harking back to the days when doctors made house calls, Newbery Honor–winning author Preus retraces the career of Kate Pelham (later Newcomb, 1885-1956), who came out of retirement to serve her scattered rural community—including, the author notes in the backmatter, the local Lac du Flambeau band of Chippewa—for many years and in all weather conditions. She also inspired a much-needed hospital built from what started as a casual classroom discussion of what a million of anything might look like. That discussion kindled a penny drive that went on to attract international attention; by 1954, it had raised over $110,000. Aware that big numbers figure prominently in this story, Zollars outdoes herself in the illustrations; she includes a full spread of 300 individually drawn babies to represent the thousands that Dr. Kate delivered, an intricately illustrated page filled edge to edge with minuscule pennies, and scenes of coins piled by the bazillion in the school’s gym for people to climb, play on, and marvel at. Images of the pale-skinned Dr. Kate are interspersed with racially diverse scenes of local residents. Along with photos and further details about the doctor and her legacy, the backmatter includes a plea from the author to recognize the commitment and courage of all health care workers, today and everywhere.

Memorable pictures of what a worthy life, and a million pennies, might look like.