Natalia Maree Belting
Belting_Natalia_Maree.jpg
Natalia Belting was a history professor, a writer, a lay minister, and an environmentalist. She drew upon her extensive knowledge of folklore in writing books for children. A professor of history at the University of Illinois for 43 years, she was particularly interested in the history of early French colonization of North America and the history of Native Americans in Illinois. This research formed the basis of her first children’s book, ”Pierre of Kaskaskia”, as well as her third book, ”In Enemy Hands”. ”Indy and Mr. Lincoln”, and ”Verity Mullens and the Indian” were also based on historical incidents. For the most part though, Belting adapted myths and folktales for young readers. Natalia wrote more than twenty works for children as well as the weekly column ”Illinois Past” for the ”Champaign News-Gazette” and other central Illinois newspapers.Belting received a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Illinois at Urbana in 1936, and went on to earn a master’s degree and Ph.D. in American history (1940) from the same institution. She taught history at her alma mater from 1942 until her retirement in 1985. She became an associate professor in 1973, retired as a full professor and was a professor emerita from 1996 through 1997. Throughout her adult life, Belting was also active in community affairs. The Papers of Natalia Maree Belting are housed at [https://archives.library.illinois.edu/archon/?p=collections/controlcard&id=5457 University of Illinois Archives].
”’ ”The Sun Is a Golden Earring””’ *Caldecott Medal honor book, 1962 ”’Other Awards
Calendar moon | Christmas folk / | Kaskaskia under the French regime / | Moon was tired of walking on air / | Our fathers had powerful song / | PIERRE OF KASKASKIA : | Summer’s coming in, | Sun is a golden earring (classic reprint). | The land of the taffeta dawn | The sun is a golden earring | Whirlwind is a ghost dancing, | Whirlwind is a spirit dancing : | Why there are shooting stars / | Winter’s eve /