Making Room

By Joanne Taylor

Book Overview

Illustrator, Peter Rankin, is the 2004 recipient of the Lillian Shepherd Memorial Award for Excellence in illustration. John William Smith - barely more than a boy - clears land, builds a one-room house, plants three apple trees, then sits down to sip his tea and watch the sunset. He has everything a young man could want. But after many sunsets alone, John William decides he needs a wife. So he marries the wonderful Annie. As time passes, John William expands their home to accommodate children, an injured cousin, a widowed sister, and many more additions to the family. His toolbox is never far from his side, waiting for the next time Annie will say, "John William, dear, I think we need...." Will the house ever be complete? Based on the true story of John William and Annie Smith, who lived in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia in the 1800s, this is a warm and witty look at what makes a home and who makes up a family.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 088776651X
• ISBN13: 9780887766510
• Release Date: September 2004
• Publisher: Tundra Books (NY)
• Length: 24 Pages
• Weight: 0.85 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 10.3" x 8.5"
• Age Range: 6 to 9 years
• Grade Range: Grades 1 to 4

Customer Reviews

Based on the true story of John William and Annie Smith

Illustrated with museum quality paintings by Peter Rankin, Making Room by Joanne Taylor is the picturebook story of John William Smith who builds a one-room home for himself, clears his fields for crops, marries Annie, and as their children are born discover that the one-room house is simply not big enough to accommodate a growing family. John William must build a cradle for his babies, construct more rooms for elderly parents and ailing friends, build a pantry and kitchen for Annie as she cooks for increasing numbers of people. John William never complains. When he grows old and needs care and assistance for himself, he learns that his unselfishness over all the years is rewarded and love is returned to him three-fold. Based on the true story of John William and Annie Smith of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia in the 1800's, Making Room is especially recommended as it entertainingly shows young readers ages 6 to 9 the virtues of hard work and the rewards of a generous life.