Module 3 - The Little House and Ox-Cart Man

A father prepares his wagon of goods made throughout the year to sell in the market in Portsmouth. He sells everything he has, buys new things for his family and heads home. Through the winter, the family sets again making things to sell next year in the market.

Hall, D. (1980). Ox-cart man. Viking Press, New York. ISBN: 0-670-53328-9

Impressions: I loved this book. The simplicity of the story and illustrations is charming and poignant. The author points out at the end of the book that this story is an oral tradition. It would be a great tradition to read with children.

Review:
Jill Bennett (Books for Keeps No. 25, March 1984)
Set in 19th century rural New England, this award winning picture book from The States gives a fascinating glimpse of a farmer's year in a bygone age and shows how a whole family is involved in the business of survival. A book to extend children's horizons in both place and time. All ages. Category: Infant/Junior. . ...., Picture Puffin, D1.75. Ages 5 to 8.
(Retrieved from Children's Literature Reviews, Children's Literature Comprehensive Database)

Suggestions for use in library or classroom setting:
Teaching about seasons or living on a farm.



The Little House lives in the country, but she wants to find out what the city is like. When the city is built up around her, she misses the country and yearns to go back. Will she regret wating to live in the city?

Burton, V. L. (1943). The little house. Houghton Mifflin, Boston. ISBN: 0-395-18156-9

Impressions: I loved the illustrations in this book, especially the difference between the country and the city. By the end of the book, I was rooting for the Little House to make it back to the country!

Review:
Seth Greenstein (Children's Literature)
The little house lives happily in the country, surrounded by apple trees, flowers, and a happy family. But she always wonders what life would be like living in the city. As the years pass, the city moves to her. Soon the little house is abandoned between two high rises, and she is certain she does not want to live in the city any longer. The city continues to grow and grow, and nobody notices the little house. At night, the little house dreams of apple trees, rolling hills, flowers, and a happy family that she may never see again. The colored illustrations contrast with the lush countryside and the smoky city perfectly. The story in this book is timeless and gives a gentle lesson on urban sprawl as well. This book is enjoyable for all ages. 1998 (orig. 1969), Houghton Mifflin Co, $14.95, $5.95 and $9.95. Ages 4 to 8.
(Retrieved from Children's Literature Reviews, Children's Literature Comprehensive Database)

Suggestions for library or classroom use:
This book won the Caldecott Medal, so would be a good source when teaching about that. It would also be a good book to have in a rural community, to use when teaching about the importance of rural communities.