Prairie Friends (I Can Read Book 3) [Library Binding]

Nancy Smiler Levinson (Author), Stacey Schuett (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 4 and up | Series: I Can Read Book 3

Betsy and her family live on the wide Nebraska prairie. Homesteads are few and far between, and she wishes she had a friend to visit with.

Then a new family, with a daughter named Emmeline, comes to the prairie. Betsy is certain she'll have a friend at last, but Emmeline misses the city she left behind. Can Betsy help Emmeline learn to appreciate her new home? Will they ever be friends?

Stacey Schuett's warm, rich art illuminates Nancy Smiler Levinson's gentle portrait of mid-nineteenth century prairie life, community, and friendship.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 1-3-Betsy lives with her family on the Nebraska prairie. The adults and children on the widely scattered farms look forward to periodic get-togethers, such as the husking bee described in the first chapter, but Betsy pines for a friend. Then, a new family relocates nearby. The Fitzroys have moved from the city, and their daughter, Emmeline, is Betsy's age. In anticipation of the girl's arrival, Betsy eagerly makes her a cornhusk doll, but Emmeline doesn't seem to like it; in fact, she seems cold and unfriendly. Betsy soon discovers that the girl is simply having a hard time adjusting to her new home. Levinson evokes prairie life with a few well-chosen details. Settlers exchange gifts of buffaloberry jam, plum pudding, and candles, while the children amuse themselves with simple games. Betsy's family lives in a sod cabin; their new neighbors settle into a dugout. Colorful artwork on every page adds to the appeal of this easy-reader. Children will empathize with Betsy's longing for a friend, and enjoy this glimpse of pioneer life.
Marilyn Taniguchi, Beverly Hills Public Library, CA
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Booklist

Gr. 2-4. This chapter book in the popular I Can Read series portrays life on a Nebraska prairie in the mid-1800s. The central character is a young girl named Betsy, whose wish for a friend is realized when a new family moves to the area. Things get off to a rocky start, however, when Emmeline is less than enthusiastic about the cornhusk doll Betsy made as a present for her. Betsy's feelings are hurt by the incident, but her mother helps her understand how difficult the move has been for Emmeline: "They are city folk. They need time to learn about life here, and they will need our help." The situation provides a good vehicle to introduce characteristics of prairie life and related vocabulary. Schuett's colorful illustrations also help youngsters get a feel for the lifestyle and landscape, with scenes depicting prairie-style dress and housing, and activities such as berry picking and a corn-husking bee. An author's note tells more about the time period. A good choice for beginning readers who need a little challenge. Lauren Peterson
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Library Binding: 64 pages
• Publisher: HarperCollins; 1 edition (March 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0060280026
• ISBN-13: 978-0060280024
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.2 ounces
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #6,843,352 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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