The Old House [Hardcover]

Pamela Duncan Edwards (Author), Henry Cole (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 3 and up | Grade Level: P and up

The old house is lonely because it has been empty for so long. Its friends try to cheer it up, but the house seems to prefer self-pity. Its droopy shutters and sagging front porch discourage all buyers—until the day a certain family comes to take a look. While the children see lots of potential for good times, the mother and father see a lot of work ahead. Will the house pull itself together in time to impress them, or will it be condemned to more unhappiness? This story about the deep connection between family and homestead will resonate with readers young and old.

Editorial Reviews

Review

...would make a lively read-aloud...vibrant and interesting...this tale will resonate with all children... -- School Library Journal

Readers should [notice] the numerous themes Edwards balances: finding value below the surface and the importance of friendship and self-esteem. -- Publishers Weekly

About the Author

Pamela Duncan Edwards, a former school librarian, has collaborated with Henry Cole on twenty-five acclaimed picture books. She lives in Virginia.

Henry Cole met Pamela when he was a science teacher at her school. He lives in Wilton Manors, Florida.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 3 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Dutton Children's Books (October 18, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0525477969
• ISBN-13: 978-0525477969
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 10.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,661,182 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Pamela Duncan Edwards grew up in the Wirral, but has spent most of her adult life in the USA. She worked as a children's librarian before becoming a writer and is now the bestselling author of over 30 children's books.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Moving respect for older homes..., April 2, 2008

By 

J. Winnie "Cappuccino Cruiser" (Clarence Center, NY USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Old House (Hardcover)

We saw this book at the library first and decided we wanted to add it to our children's collection. It's a very touching account of a house that believes it's too old and worn out to have any value to anyone any longer. But along comes that special family who can see it's potential. This book has a great lesson for kids and adults alike...When we read it we saw the surface message about the value of renovating beautiful old homes, but we also saw the deeper lesson of treating our own elders with respect and recognizing their continued contributions to our family life. My 5 year old resident philosopher also recognized that the house can represent anyone who is `a little rough around the edges' and that we just need to take time to get to know them before we can see how beautiful they are on the inside (from the mouths of babes come the wisdom of the sages!).

4.0 out of 5 stars Cute and sweet story, January 18, 2012

By 

HeatherHH - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Old House (Paperback)

This is the story of an old house, long vacant and more than a little rundown. It's for sale, but nobody seems to want to buy it. One family though keeps stopping by, interested but wondering if it's too big a task to tackle. Finally, though they take the plunge, fix up the house, and it's a bright and cheery house again.

It's a cute story with well-drawn illustrations. It's also one that will quite likely appeal to the adults as much or more than to the little ones.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book, August 12, 2011

By 

Cavamom - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Old House (Hardcover)

Great Buy! This book came in great condition. This is a really good children's book. I would recommend this book to any parent.