Born on this day September 19, 1894, Rachel Field, an esteemed author and poet, is a name synonymous with timeless tales that inspire imagination. Field’s writing style can best be described as enchanting, with her works often painting vivid pictures that transport readers to different times and places. She had an uncanny ability to breathe life into her characters, making them resonate with readers of all ages.
One of her most acclaimed works is Hitty, Her First Hundred Years, which won the Newbery Award in 1930. This esteemed award is given annually by the American Library Association to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children. The story revolves around Hitty, a doll who recounts her adventures over a century. It captivates the reader’s imagination through Hitty’s experiences and the historical events she witnesses.
Field was also recognized for her poetic brilliance with her collection Taxis and Toadstools, which was selected for the National Book Award. This exquisite compilation showcases Field’s talent for weaving enchanting narratives that fuel the imagination. Her poems are filled with whimsy, capturing elements of nature like ‘Geese’ in flight, and other charming narratives that create a world of magic and wonder.
Her stories and poems have a timeless quality, resonating with readers even years after their first publication. Rachel Field’s ability to create such vivid, imaginative tales that continue to inspire readers is testament to her exceptional talent as a storyteller and poet. Whether it is a heartwarming tale about a doll named Hitty, or a mesmerizing poem about Geese in flight, Field’s work continues to captivate, inspire, and transport readers into her magical world.
Something Told the Wild Geese
Something told the wild geese
It was time to go.
Though the fields lay golden
Something whispered, — “Snow.”
Leaves were green and stirring,
Berries, luster-glossed,
But beneath warm feathers
Something cautioned, — “Frost.”
All the sagging orchards
Steamed with amber spice,
But each wild breast stiffened
At remembered ice.
Something told the wild geese
It was time to fly,—
Summer sun was on their wings,
Winter in their cry.
-Rachel Field
Curated by Jennifer
