Renée Graef, author of GERTIE, THE DARLING DUCK OF WWII - a Boswell event

Wisconsin illustrator Renée Graef visits Boswell for a special Saturday morning event featuring her latest work, Gertie, the Darling Duck of WWII, which brings to life the historic tale of one plucky Milwaukee duck. This is sure to be a great event for picture book lovers of all ages.

In 1945, the attention of the United States, along with the rest of the world, was focused on World War II. After more than five years of fighting, downcast, war-weary people were looking for signs of hope of a better future. One April morning, a duck searching for a nesting spot lands on a tall post sticking out of the Milwaukee River.

Situated near a busy drawbridge and the noisy city, this was an unlikely, precarious spot for a soon-to-be-mama duck to build her nest. But that is exactly where Gertie (named by a local reporter) decided to make her home and lay her eggs. Crowds begin visiting the bridge to watch Gertie and speculate how she will safely hatch her babies. Soon, news outlets around the world are carrying the hopeful tale of the plucky duck, raising spirits, and giving readers a shared sense of community.

Renée Graef has illustrated more than 80 books for children, including Everybody's Tree and the Lulu & Rocky Adventures series.

Click here to order your copy of Gertie, the Darling Duck of WWII. Signed copies and personalization available on pre-orders. Please note that signed copies will not be shipped until after the event.