Dandelions

By Eve Bunting

Book Overview

Eager to start a new life in a new land, Zoe and her family journey west to the Nebraska Territory in the 1800s.

When Zoe and her family arrive at their claim, nothing distinguishes it from the miles and miles of surrounding prairie. Even after they build their soddie, the home can't be seen from any distance.

Zoe has never seen Papa so happy or Mama so sad. But when she takes a trip to the small prairie town with Papa, Zoe sees something that might make a difference to their new soddie, and to Mama's life, too.

"Bunting tells an poignant story, which is made even more affecting by its lovely illustrations." --School Library Journal (starred review)

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0152024077
• ISBN13: 9780152024079
• Release Date: May 2001
• Publisher: Clarion Books
• Length: 48 Pages
• Weight: 0.54 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.2" x 11.0" x 9.0"
• Age Range: 4 to 7 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 2

Customer Reviews

A little old for preschoolers

This book was listed for ages preschool to 2nd grade, but my daughters are 4 and nearly 6 and we read frequently. They very rarely get bored in the middle of a book. They both got bored and began to push this book away. I read it through to the end despite their lack of interest and I will keep it with the hope that they may grow into it. I think it was the overall sad feeling that pushed them away from the story. The mother in the story is very obviously depressed and anxious and her daughter who is relating the experience is very worried about her. That's kind of a lot of heavy emotion for preschoolers. As for me, I appreciated the historical perspective (which compelled me to buy it in the first place) and learned some new things myself. I felt great empathy for the hardships our forefathers experienced to develop the USA and I think such hardships are important for children to learn about. I do wish it had ended with a touch more positivity. The picture at the end of a roof covered in friendly yellow dandelions was supposed to be a hope-filled image of strength and resilience, I think... but again, my two girls wouldn't have really noticed the dandelions in the picture had I not pointed them out. And I am sure they missed the symbolism. I hope it will be a better fit for our home library in a few years.

5 stars

Why I choose Dandelions is because it taught me about history. It help me to understand. This book taught me that people had to move out west. Why I like this book is because it taught me a lot. It helped me to understand that most people did not want to move out west. They had hard times but they had to move so they could make money. Alaina DME

DANDELIONS by Eve Bunting

DANDELIONS is a very moving story. It does an excellent job in describing the struggles and bravery of a pioneer family. Although it doesn't detail why the family had to leave Illinois (their home), it does show readers that even back then parents may not have always agreed on family issues. Through the dialogue in the story it is apparent that the family wants their apprehensive, pregnanat mother to be happy, and they strive to make her so. The painted illustrations by Shed were very true-to-life and warm; they establish the setting and mood of each page. Further, the pictures helped define the characters by showing emotion through facial expressions and body language. Of course, those factors contributed in reinforcing the text. Despite the fact that the artwork has a warm fuzz to it (almost giving a surrealistic feel), attention to detail was definitely established, giving the story realism and life.

Dandelions

This beautifully illustrated(Greg Shed) picture book tells the story of a pioneer family settling in the Mid-West. Mama, Papa and their two daughters, Zoe and Rebecca have left the security of home in Illinois to settle on the Prairie. Papa and Zoe make a pact that they will help Mama feel better about living on the Prairie. After Zoe and her sister plant a patch of dandelions on the roof of their sod house, Mama agrees that their family is hardy and will bloom just as the dandelions are sure to do. This book, told from Zoe's viewpoint, is a touching recount of the feelings of the sodbusters. Would be very useful for primary teachers and media specialists in the mid-west states.

Dandelions, A Wonderful Book

My third grade class read Dandelions as a large group. We loved the pictures and the characters.It was very interesting learning about the way families settled the land. We decided that the book was showing us that families are like dandelions and they both grow with love and caring.

I cried and cried!!

This is my most favorite children's book in the whole world. If you miss out on this book, you're missing the best! The illustrations are incredible, and the story is one that touches the heart.