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Library | Call Number | Status |
|---|---|---|
Searching... Stayton Public Library | JNF 811.54 HIGH | Searching... Unknown |
Searching... Silver Falls Library | JNF 811 HIGH | Searching... Unknown |
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Summary
Summary
Beautifully illustrated, A Humble Life captures with warmth and appreciation a year in the lives of Plain People - people in the Amish and Mennonite communities of Pennsylvania Dutch Country.
Reviews (5)
School Library Journal Review
Gr 1-5-A look at the lives of Amish and Mennonite people in Pennsylvania Dutch country. "A humble life/is mine,/and it's a fine existence,/rich with simple gifts/and plain innocence-." This opening line from the book's first poem encapsulates the theme perfectly. Melodic prose exemplifies the simple life, yet deep faith, of the hardworking people. Because of their captivating consonance, lines like "swallowing,/wallowing in love" and "clattering black buggies/filled with-chattering, slicked children" just beg to be read aloud. These poems, teamed with Farnsworth's sun-washed oil illustrations, can be introduced in a storytime; the entire book provides a wonderfully crafted peek into a lifestyle that may be unfamiliar to many children. The selections follow a year as seasons change and tasks range from barn raising, fishing and planting, birthing a calf, and attending church services. A Humble Life is "pure as clean rain trickling/upon our freshly-painted picket/ fence." The words may be easy to read, the images common, but the seamless meshing of words and illustrations creates anything but "plain poems." Can't visit an Amish village? This book is a highly recommended substitute.-Sharon Korbeck, Waupaca Area Public Library, WI (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Publisher's Weekly Review
Set in Pennsylvania's Lancaster County, A Humble Life: Plain Poems by Linda Oatman High chronicles the simple life of the area's Mennonite and Amish people in works like "Brand New Lamb" and "Barn Raising Day" ("Baking pies/ for barn raising day, we pray/ that no lightning strikes/ again."). Bill Farnsworth's exquisite oil-on-linen illustrations bring the setting to life. ( Sept.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Horn Book Review
The author celebrates the life of the Pennsylvania Dutch in seventeen poems. Accompanied by handsome oil paintings that feature scenes of nature, the verses emphasize the connection between the people and the land. Because almost all of the free-verse poems have a similar sound and structure--two or three stanzas composed of short lines with many adjectives--they become a bit tedious when read all at once and will be best appreciated when experienced individually. From HORN BOOK Spring 2002, (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Kirkus Review
In a poetic look at life in Pennsylvania Dutch Country, High (Under New York, p. 184, etc.) takes the reader through the seasons, illuminating the existence of Plain People. Highlighting the lack of modern conveniences, this educational view begins with spring, a time for picking flowers, fishing, and plowing the land. In summer, the corn is shucked, the cows are milked, and when the long day ends, weary ones lie down for a restful night's sleep. A climatic shift and chromatic change in landscape produce autumn, where crops are preserved for winter meals and pumpkins are made ripe for selling. In winter, quilting by the fire and sipping hot chocolate prevent the cold from biting when anticipation for warmer days builds. Through all they've done to nurture their simple way of life with each new year, these folks know that a season or even a day is not complete without giving thanks to the Lord for all they have. A thin layer of oil clings to the canvas as cool shades and bright light spread across the fields as Farnsworth (Prairie School, p. 494, etc.) brings this community to life. Bold, brilliant colors are reserved for summer skies and winter quilts, while neutral shades and barely-there sketches give detail to the people, their land, and animals. Illustrations and prose magically come together in this rich view of a culture that's reminiscent of a peaceful dream. (Picture book. 5-8)
Booklist Review
Gr. 2-4, younger for reading aloud. This collection of poetry cycles through a year in the lives of the Mennonite and Amish people who live near High in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. High mixes the earthy details of birthing animals and planting with homey pleasures of quilting and baking, all suffused with a feeling of thankfulness for the beauties of the world and for the gifts of God. Each two-to three-verse poem is accompanied by a lovely oil painting, reminiscent of Norman Rockwell in its demonstration of the artist's delight in people, but with softer edges, richer colors, and lots of play with light. Together, the poems and the paintings offer a quiet, pleasurable reading experience that conveys some of the values of the people who live in Pennsylvania Dutch country. --Susan Dove Lempke