Song of the Pines

Song of the Pines: A Story of Norwegian Lumbering in Wisconsin is a 1949 children's historical novel written by Walter and Marion Havighurst and illustrated by Richard Floethe. The book was part of the "Land of the Free" series of children's books and highlights the contribution of Norwegian immigrants to the Wisconsin logging industry. The book focuses on 15-year-old orphan Nils, who emigrates to America in the 1850s. Nils is a trained knife sharpener who sets up a business making and selling cant hooks, a traditional logging tool. The novel became a Newbery Honor recipient in 1950.