Katherine Milhous (1894–1977) was an American artist, writer, and illustrator known for her bold graphic style and deep connection to Pennsylvania Dutch culture. She was born in Philadelphia and grew up in a Quaker family surrounded by craft traditions and printmaking, which shaped her visual language early on.
Milhous studied at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and worked for many years in the Philadelphia WPA Art Project, creating posters that celebrated regional life. Her posters became widely recognized for their strong composition, rich colors, and folkloric elements.
She later turned to children’s books, writing and illustrating numerous titles. Her most celebrated work, The Egg Tree, earned the 1951 Caldecott Medal. The book reflects her interest in Pennsylvania folk traditions, especially decorated Easter eggs, and remains her most enduring contribution to American picture books.
Milhous continued to write, illustrate, and exhibit her artwork throughout her life, building a steady body of work rooted in regional culture, craft, and a clear, confident visual style.
Amazon | Katherine Milhous
The Egg Tree is a quiet, classic picture book built around a family memory. Katy and Carl arrive at their grandmother’s Pennsylvania farm for Easter, and during the egg hunt Katy ends up in the attic. The six painted eggs she discovers there become the center of the story. They […]
