During the Civil War, it was not uncommon for Army units to havemascots to lift spirits and build loyalty among the soldiers. One of themost famous mascots was Old Abe, a remarkable eagle from Wisconsin.Named in honor of President Lincoln, the eagle became the mascotof the Eighth Regiment of the Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry. Old Abewas beloved by foot soldiers and officers alike. He made them laughwith his antics -- stealing chickens, shaking hands, and creating warmthamidst the harsh conditions of war. Soaring over the battlefields, herallied his comrades through numerous skirmishes and engagements.When his exploits became larger than life and extolled throughout thecountry, even the Confederates knew he was a force to be reckonedwith and made the bird a target!Great Lakes author Kathy-jo Wargin has earned national acclaim with several bestselling children'sbooks, including The Edmund Fitzgerald: The Song of the Bell, The Legend of Sleeping Bearand The Legend of the Lady's Slipper (Upper Midwest Bookseller's Favorite). She is also the authorof B is for Badger: AWisconsin Alphabet. She is a frequent lecturer and guest speaker throughoutthe country. Kathy-jo currently lives with her family in Petoskey, Michigan.Illustrator Laurie Caple has created artwork for many books and periodicals, including the AmericanGirl series and Cricket. The Legend of Old Abe is Laurie's first book with Sleeping Bear Press. Laurielives with her family in northern Wisconsin.