Growing Seasons

By Elsie Lee Splear and carolyn pratt

Book Overview

Elsie Lee Splear grew up on a farm in the early part of the 20th century. With the help of her daughter, Carolyn, Elsie tells what life was like for her and her sisters: the hard work they did making their own soap, churning butter, canning fruits, butchering meat, and much more. Everything had a season but as the years turned, a few, small changes came to their lives.As it opens a window onto a personal slice of American history, this gentle, moving story portrays a way of life that seems both distant and familiar. Ken Stark, who was a friend of Elsie's, displays his clear love of the land in each picture.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0399234608
• ISBN13: 9780399234606
• Release Date: June 2000
• Publisher: Putnam Juvenile
• Length: 33 Pages
• Weight: 0.85 lbs.
• Dimensions: 10.4" x 0.4" x 8.3"
• Age Range: 4 to 8 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 3

Customer Reviews

Absolutely Fabulous!

I listened to the Author's daughter explain about the making of this book and about some of the details in the paintings. It was remarkable! Ken Stark did a fabulous job researching the history and painting accurate pictures to go with the story. After listening to the speaker my Grandma and Mom talked for an hour easy about what it was like growing up in Illinois.Great read for young and old alike!

Growing Seasons

Normally I do not read many children's books but the cover ofGrowing Seasons caught my eye as Susan unpacked [the] book...Leafing through the book caused me to feel very nostalgic, reliving the time when I was a young boy on a small Pennsylvania farm in the late 1930's. Detailed artwork and attention to detail in all the illustrations make a person feel part of the activity being described. Elsie Lee Splear must be congratulated on her factual portrayal of farm life in the 1900's and her choosing an outstanding artist who's attention to detail produced outstanding illustrations of family farm life in the 1900's.This book should be read by people of all ages to better understanding what farm life was like in the 1900's.Can anyone imagine not having an inside toilet and must use the little house out back many times referred to as the "outhouse" with only remnants of an old Sears catalogs which served the need at hand and also provided the patron some reading. Can one believe a life without Charmin?I highly recommend the younger generations to buy this book, study the wonderful detailed paintings and enjoy reading the descriptions of how it used to be before television. I will always cherish this book and when I need a pick-me-up, I will browse through Growing Seasons and reminisce about the times that were.

Farm Life in the Early 1900's

GROWING SEASONS lets the reader in on farm life nearly 100 years ago: chores before dawn, life without electricity,refrigeration,or running water,and raising almost everything needed by the family. It also shows the simple joys to be found in rural life: picnics, Christmas services, Fourth of July celebrations,and reading while tending the cows. Ken Stark's realistic illustrations help the reader step back in time to more richly savor the various aspects of being a tenant farmer a century ago. The story numerous everyday events: homework by the kitchen stove, homemade dresses for Christmas, perserving meat before refrigeration, cooking for days to feed a threshing crew, and hiding from tornadoes. This is an excellent children's book for learning about farm life in the early 1900's.

Great book for young readers ..... and readers to the young.

I am not sure what touch my heart the most about this book...but touch my heart it most certainly did. So nice to recall a time when folks truly cared for one another. I am looking fowarding to reading along with (or to) my grandchildren as they explore the ways of a much more simple time. I know the paintings, which are truly outstanding and of interest to both children and adults, will excite their imaginations. The story will prompt questions, comments and discussions which I know we will enjoy (and remember). Buy this book and share it with any child you truly care about.