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amberj40's review against another edition
5.0
I borrowed this book from the library and knew it was a must have for our home library. The message of love making a home. I appreciate how it showcases hardwork and homesteading. It made it even more special to read the authors note in the back, that it was based on her Grandmother's life.
skyturtles's review against another edition
5.0
At first I was judgey, thinking this book was idealizing isolation from society and/or homeschooling. I was wrong; it's based on the true story of the author's family. It also has beautiful illustrations and novel vocab for kids.
jaij7's review against another edition
5.0
What a beautiful story. It was so fun to read about a complicated but much simpler time. The author's note, about The Great Depression and her relatives, added so much to this book.
mnstucki's review against another edition
4.0
Lovely illustrations and lovely story based on the author's grandmother's childhood during the great depression.
swtmarie's review against another edition
4.0
This beautifully illustrated picture book tells the story of Marvel and her siblings. Their father passed away and it was just the kids and their mother left to fend for themselves during the Great Depression. They discover a "tar paper" shack in the Wisconsin woods and turn it into their family home. Things are rough at first but they find beauty and magic in the shack as life progresses on. I find the mother admirable for her strength after such a devastating loss and having to raise 8 children on her own in such a difficult time period. Very beautiful story!
mamabearian's review against another edition
4.0
When Marvel is 6 years old, her father passes away and her family must find a new place to live. She, her mother, and her 7 siblings move into a tar-paper shack in the woods, where they can food and hunt to survive. The book is told in seasons with few details. One thing is clear, though; Marvel's family may not have much, but their home is full of love.
The author's note reveals that the book is based on her grandmother, Marvel's, true experience after her father died during the Great Depression, which makes the book even more special.
The author's note reveals that the book is based on her grandmother, Marvel's, true experience after her father died during the Great Depression, which makes the book even more special.
annetjeberg's review against another edition
5.0
What a beautiful illustrations and what a wonderful story. The fact that it is based on a real story, and that some of the people in the book were still alive when the book was published (and maybe even now) made it that much more special.
The kids really savoured this book, and so did I. So recommended
The kids really savoured this book, and so did I. So recommended
barbarianlibarian's review against another edition
5.0
gorgeous illustrations. seemed a bit dark to me as an adult, but the explanation in the back about it being a story of the great depression makes more sense