Picture Book Exploration: Mailing May

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Today is the anniversary of a very little known event, as it did not impact the world very much. But it is such an interesting and sweet one that I find it worth remembering and so did Michael O. Tunnell, the author of Mailing May. May was five years old when she was sent by parcel post to visit her grandmother, 75 miles away, on February 19th, 1914. What? You say. Sent by parcel post? Yes, ma’am, by parcel post. Let’s explore this little tidbit of history.

Mailing May

Mailing May, written by Michael O. Tunnell and illustrated by Ted Rand is a book that has been enjoyed in our house for a long, long time. It is the story of a sweet 5 years old little girl, May, whose dearest wish is to go visit Grandma Mary, 75 miles away in Lewiston, Idaho. It does not sound like a big deal but in 1914, going across the Idaho mountains was no easy feat. The only route was via train and the tickets were $1.25, a whole day’s wages. Ma and Pa, just could not afford that. Until Cousin Leonard, who mans the mail car between Grangeville and Lewiston, comes up with a solution: mailing May parcel post.

The story

The story is beautifully written, so very endearing and full of breath holding moments. Is it historically accurate? Ye, yes indeed it is! Mailing young children was used on occasion, mainly to save money at a time when a train ticket was a tremendous expense. Michael O. Tunnell, a history writer, heard the amazing tale of Charlotte May Pierstorff from Jim O’Donnell of the National Postal Museum, you will find that story in the Author’s Note at the end of the book. Very interesting!

The illustrations

Ted Rand is a fabulous illustrator with many favorite picture books to prove it. Mailing May is definitely one of our favorites but so are his rendition of The Night Before Christmas, Paul Revere’s Ride (featured in the April 2025 Bookworm and Booklover’s booklists), Sailing Home, and many others. He illustrated over a dozen books written by his wife Gloria Rand. I just love all the stories of couples collaborating together on picture books. Ted Rand’s painting style is unique and endearing. He really brings people and emotions to life. Just the first double page of Mailing May is a testimony to that. May looks so eager to be on her way and grandma Mary’s joy and astonishment at seeing her at her front door is just precious. Ted Rand brought Michael O. Tunnell’s writing to a whole new level with his illustrations. A wonderful duo for a sweet story.

Geography

Let’s explore Idaho! Charlotte May Pierstorff lived in Grangeville, Idaho, and travelled to visit her grandmother in Lewiston, Idaho. On a map of the United States find the state of Idaho, then locate the towns of Grangeville and Lewiston. P is for Potato: An Idaho Alphabet, by Stan and Joy Steiner, illustrated by Jocelyn Slack is a great way to travel to Idaho for cheap and discover a state you might never have visited. You could create a Notebooking page about Idaho and this story.

United States Postal Services

The history of the United States Postal Services is actually quite fascinating and full of adventures! From the first Post Master General, Benjamin Franklin, to today, delivering the mail  has been quite the endeavor. Research the different adventures of US Postal Services through our FREE printable download. Then write in your Book of Century the cornerstones of the evolution of our postal services.

Transportation

USPS has gone through many modes of transportation from  the Pony Express and stage coaches to trains and now drones are a possibility! Human imagination and resourcefulness is quite amazing! Even though letter writing is no longer a priority for most of us, can you imagine how essential it was in a world without phones or the internet? The mail was a lifeline to the greater world, it was the only way to hear of what was going on outside of your own area. It sounds like the United States Postal Services knew that and made sure that the mail reached its destination, no matter what!

For little folks

My 4 years old and I greatly enjoy The Jolly Postman by Allan Ahlberg, illustrated by (his wife) Janet Ahlberg. The book is written in such a way that each page has a letter to open, pull out and read. So very fun! It would be an excellent opportunity to help a younger child to start writing letters to a relative or friend. Writing letters is becoming a lost art, but it does not have to be. There is something so much more exciting in receiving a hand written letter that in receiving a text or an email! Let’s encourage our children (and ourselves) to pen beautiful letters again.

Recipe

This recipe was a fun one to find! I wanted it to encompass breakfast and some Idaho specific food. Well,  the Idaho Sunrise does not disappoint! A potato bowl filled with breakfast’s best: eggs, bacon and cheese! That is an unquestionable winner. I hope you enjoy it as much as my family does!

Picture Book Explorations

Every month I post a FREE Picture Book Exploration enrichment and recipe. The picture book is chosen from the Booklover’s booklist for that month. As with all the picture books that I introduce here, they have been carefully read and curated. I spend countless hours researching each book, event or person, author and illustrator to bring you the best enrichment activities and recipes that enhance your picture book experience. I delight in creating these Explorations and it is truly my joy to make them available to as many families as possible. The Picture Book Explorations are what you can expect to find daily through the memberships (depending on your membership level, of course). I hope you join us on this and many more Explorations!
To find past Explorations, still available for free until the end of February, go to the Shop. 
Have a lovely, lovely day!
Love,
Mattie