Topic: The American Book of Fables with Author Matt Mehan
When: Tuesday 6/23/2026 at 2:00 pm ET
Join us this week as we discuss the new book from author and Hillsdale Professor Matt Mehan: From the Everglades to the Great Lakes, The American Book of Fables. Dr. Mehan’s book reimagines Aesop through an American lens. Replacing classic animals with buffalo, eagles, and manatees, crafting tales that reflect faith, virtue, and freedom.
With sections for “Littles, Middles, and Bigs,” it offers something for all ages—from playful rhymes to thoughtful moral reflections. Beautifully illustrated by John Folley, this collection celebrates America’s spirit, inviting families to rediscover wisdom, gratitude, and self-government.
Constitutional Chats are hosted by Janine Turner, Cathy Gillespie, student ambassadors, and experts who join us weekly to discuss hot-topic issues! The audience is not on camera, but you may ask questions!
Meet the Guest
Matthew Mehan
Matthew Mehan is the author of previous illustrated works: The Handsome Little Cygnet and Mr. Mehan’s Mildly Amusing Mythical Mammals, a best-selling illustrated book of poetry praised as “a new classic” in children’s literature. He is Associate Dean and Associate Professor of Government at the Van Andel Graduate School of Government at Hillsdale College’s Washington, D.C. campus. He has taught and designed humanities and leading citizenship curricula for over twenty-five years. Trained as a literary scholar, he earned a B. A. in Politics, an M. A. in English, and an honors Ph.D. in Literature from the University of Dallas. Mr. Mehan writes for both scholarly and popular audiences, with bylines in outlets such as The Wall Street Journal. He lives in Virginia with his lovely wife and their children.