Wise Woman and Her Secret [Hardcover]

Eve Merriam (Author), Linda Graves (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 4 and up

Once, not so long ago, in the hills past the hollow, there lived a wise woman...

The wise woman is so wise that people come from far and wide to learn the secret of her wisdom. "You will have to discover it for yourselves," she tells them. So they search and search, but there is nothing to be found! Is something strange going on? Perhaps the old woman is nothing but a mischief maker! Only one little girl named Jenny lags behind, her lingering eyes noticing things that the others don't. Will Jenny discover the secret that everyone else has missed? Acclaimed author Eve Merriam has written a wise and wonderful tale that speaks to the child in each of us.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 1-2-- A story about a woman and the villagers who demand to know the ``secret'' of her wisdom. They, of course, want quick answers to difficult questions. Her only response is to allow them to look around; they ransack her place, but leave unsatisfied. Only small Jenny, who lingers, wonders, and expresses curiosity, at last discovers the secret--never stated outright--which is that wisdom comes from savoring the world and the moment. Of course, she grows up to be a wise woman herself. A text with profound implication is without pictures that are equally intense and mysterious. Graves's paintings are extremely pretty and unremittingly romantic, embellished with continually recurring curves in an art nouveau manner: tendrils of vines and hair; spiraling folds of clothing; bending lines of lip, eye, and cheek. Their sentiment will undoubtedly appeal to many, but some will feel that Jenny's quest is still unfulfilled. --Ruth Semrau, Lovejoy School, Allen, TX
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Hardcover: 28 pages
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing (August 1, 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 067172603X
• ISBN-13: 978-0671726034
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 8.2 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #535,398 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Illustrator Linda Graves lives Otis, Massachusetts and is the illustrator of over 30 children's books, published worldwide.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Children will learn the first steps to gaining new knowledge, February 5, 1999

By 

Jack Gardner ([e-mail]) (Ridgewood, NJ) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Wise Woman and Her Secret (Aladdin Picture Books) (Paperback)

I recently read "The Wise Woman and Her Secret" after talking to our school children about the art of "wondering". We are often told new information by others, however, it is more important that we gain new knowledge by way of our own wondering. Eve Merriam helps us to gain an appreciation for this art by telling this beautiful story. Those who rush through life don't get the chance to wonder. Those who slow down and pick up pennies, or seashells find lots to wonder about and even more to learn. The old woman and the young girl have this gift. One knows that it is a gift and not really a secret, while the other simply enjoys herself and the world around her. Every child and parent should read this story. It will help to pave the way towards a successful life-long learning experience for both.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Read for Every Classroom, June 17, 2000

By 

Melinda T. Stabler (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Wise Woman and Her Secret (Library Binding)

I just recently attended a reading workshop hosted by famous reading researcher, Yetta Goodman. I was enchanted and moved when she read this to us, 75 teachers. The magical text, along with the beautiful illustrations celebrate every child's need for curiosity and day dreaming! A must have for any children's library collection!

5.0 out of 5 stars A rare and undiscovered treasure..., October 27, 2011

By 

Kay Hubbard (Charlotte, NC) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Wise Woman and Her Secret (Hardcover)

I found a copy of this book at a yard sale this summer. I volunteer with a second grade class and realized this book with its plot, beautiful illustrations, and subtle moral would be perfect. I ordered a second copy from Amazon so that the teacher would have a permanent copy. Can't understand why this book never made it to paperback and best seller.