From School Library Journal
Grade 1-4-An 18th-century Pennsylvania farm girl has outgrown her dress. "Sarah dressing,/Bodice, snug./Ankles showing,/Long skirt, tug." Through compact verses and an efficient use of words, the author accurately pictures the tasks necessary in making Sarah's new homespun dress. "Washing, drying,/Flax on racks./Carding, combing,/Wool in sacks/-Dyeing, weaving,/Balls of thread. /Linsey-woolsey,/Blue and red." Woven into the story are facts and information about farm life in the 1700s. An author's note points out the historical material found in the verses. Research is also evident in the watercolor and graphite illustrations that accurately depict the daily chores. The clothing, the cabin, and its furnishings all reflect the simple, but utilitarian lifestyle. Through efficient brush strokes and quick penciled lines, Rand captures the emotions of a hardworking family-the urgency and fear when Mother's dress catches on fire, and the joy when Sarah's dress is finished. He also includes humorous asides, such as a toe peeking out of Brother's shoe. From beginning to end, the text and illustrations are equal partners. The historical accuracy makes this book a great inclusion for Colonial units, while the beauty of language and illustrations make it a wonderful story.-Carolyn Janssen, Children's Learning Center of the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, OH
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.
K-Gr. 3. Succinct, rhyming text and warm watercolor-and-acrylic spreads help to introduce and celebrate eighteenth-century Pennsylvania farm life. Sarah rises early and prepares for her chores--hauling water, gathering firewood, weeding the garden, washing clothes, making candles, picking berries, spinning flax, and, finally, helping Mother to sew a new dress. Along the way, there are disasters to be averted, such as putting out the fire that catches on Mother's dress as she cooks a meal. The text is brief ("Homespun Sarah, / Braided head. / Warm quilt, snuggle, / Feather bed."), but Kay works in plenty of information, and her author's note clarifies specific customs (children stand at the dinner table) that may be unfamiliar to listeners. Rand's earth-tone illustrations elaborate the text and also detail setting and clothing particulars. This makes a good choice for primary classrooms studying pioneers. Children will enjoy hearing the story read aloud; let them pour over the illustrations later.
Kay WeismanCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
