‘A First of Its Kind’: Bestselling Author Crafts American Fable Collection

Matthew Mehan, a bestselling author and associate dean and professor at Hillsdale College’s Graduate School of Government, is writing an innovative collection of fables to honor America’s approaching 250th anniversary.

In June, Mehan received a $50,000 America’s 250th Innovation Prize from The Heritage Foundation to support “The American Family’s Book of Fables.” The collection depicts the wildlife, geography, and folklore of the United States while featuring the text of our Declaration of Independence. It will be an heirloom book for the American family to help them know and love the country and its principles for another 250 years.

“As a literary work, it will be a first of its kind,” said Bridgett Wagner, executive director of Heritage’s Edwin J. Feulner Institute, at the awards ceremony. 

“As a patriotic and artistic celebration of the 250th anniversary of our country, it will be a treasured work for the American family to help deepen their understanding and love for the principles, people, and places that make America the home of liberty and law,” Wagner added. 

“The prize money will allow me the liberty to write beautifully about our Declaration of Independence and our country, and allow me to commission truly beautiful art from my illustrator that will adorn this heirloom book fitting for this grand 250th birthday of our country,” said Mehan. 

He added, “With this prize, I’m very hopeful that I can help American children fall in love with this great nation for generations to come.” 

Heritage awarded a total of five America’s 250th Innovation Prizes. In addition to Mehan, other recipients included Cana Academy, Emergent Order Foundation, Herzog Foundation Institute, and Sophia Institute. 

Because of the success of the first round of America’s 250th Innovation Prizes, Heritage announced a second round with applications due Sept. 2.

This article is part of a series on Heritage’s America’s 250th Innovation Prize winners. Read other stories here: 

• Creative Studio to Release Video Series for America’s 250th Anniversary

• Faith Group Wins Innovation Prize for America’s 250th Celebration

• Virginia Nonprofit Wins Prize to Create US History Documentaries for Nation’s 250th Anniversary

• Catholic Nonprofit Develops Resources to Inspire Patriotism