New children’s book explores exciting Delaware history
Author, educator and presenter Ilona E. Holland of Rehoboth Beach recently released her new children's book, “The Great Explosion: A Powder Mill Chronicle.” Published by Hagley Museum and Library, the book tells the story of the courageous du Pont children as they escape the Great Explosion of 1818. It is based on a firsthand account and includes much informational background about life on the Brandywine in the 19th century. The illustrations were done by Judy Love, who also collaborated with Holland on “The Lost Locket of Lewes,” which won first-place awards in children’s fiction from the National Federation of Press Women and the Delaware Press Association.
Dr. Ilona E. Holland is an educator and writer who weaves information into stories so children can grasp the wind and see beneath the ripples of the sand. She spent most of her professional life in education, was on the faculty at the Harvard Graduate School of Education for 14 years, and served as an evaluator for numerous educational technology projects including PBS programs like “Martha Speaks,” “CyberChase,” and “Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego,” among others. She was also an advisor for the PBS Emmy Award-winning series “WordGirl.”
The book will be available at Browseabout Books in Rehoboth Beach and Kids’ Ketch in Lewes.
For more about the author, go to ilonaeholland.com.
