Although homes are as varied as the people who live in them, most children will find the idea of a safe, peaceful and productive home inviting. These three picture books offer a look at a number of different homes that all have something in common. The people who live there enjoy making the most of what they have and live a life that is interesting and varied.
Classic Book Miss Suzy
Miss Suzy by Miriam Young [Purple House Press, 40 edition, 2004, ISBN 1930900287] is the charming tale of a "little gray squirrel who lived all by herself in the tip, tip top of a tall oak tree." Miss Suzy delights in her simple life of homemaking and quiet living in her home.
Her life is disrupted by some meddlesome red squirrels who chase her from her home. She finds a new home in a dollhouse in an attic. While there she becomes a mother to a band of toy soldiers. When the toy soldiers hear the sad story of how Miss Suzy lost her home, they determine to do something about it - even if it means risking their own safety for their friend.
This classic story was re-released in celebration of the fortieth anniversary. It is a well-loved tale that children will appreciate for it's engaging story, expressive illustrations, and overall cozy quality. It also lends itself well to charming and fun activities for children.
Caldecott Medal Winner Ox-Cart Man
Ox-Cart Man by Donald Hall and illustrated by Barbara Cooney [The Viking Press, 1979, ISBN 0140504419] is the warm tale of a rural New England family in the nineteenth century. The story follows them through the year as the man takes the things they have made to Portsmouth to trade for the things they need back home. When he returns home, they continue to invest their time and energy through the seasons in projects that will be of use to them again when it is time to go to Portsmouth again.
This lovely, simple tale won The Caldecott Medal. The illustrations are warm and draw the reader into the life of the family and the work that they do to sustain their life on their farm.
Classic Story of The Little House
The Little House by VIrginia Lee Burton [Houghton Mifflin, 1942, ISBN 0395181569] is the story of a house who is fortunate to live in the beautiful countryside where she can watch the changing of the seasons amidst the beauty all around her. She can see the lights of the city in the distance and wonders what it would be like to live there. Over time, the city builds up all around her, taking her peace and beauty. But the little house is rescued by the descendants of those who built her and is taken to a new place of peace and beauty to live.
Also a winner of The Caldecott Medal, The Little House has vivid illustrations that clearly give one the sense of peace found in the quiet countryside and the agitation that comes with the noise and commotion of living in the city. The book begins and ends beautifully with the little house exactly where she should be.
In a day and age when home is often seen as little more than a place to stop briefly, these three children's picture books will show children that home can be much more. It can be a place of warmth, joy, industry and peace. Children who enjoy books about home may also enjoy picture books about courage, picture books about friendship with older adults, and children's picture books that teach about perseverance and work.
Sallie Schaaf Borrink - Sallie Borrink is a professional writer with extensive experience with business clients, the consumer market, and online destinations.
Join the Conversation