Homespun Sarah
Grade 1-4-An 18th-century Pennsylvania farm girl has outgrown her dress. "Sarah dressing,/Bodice, snug./Ankles showing,/Long skirt, tug." Through compact verses and an efficient use of words, the author accurately pictures the tasks necessary in making Sarah's new homespun dress. "Washing, drying,/Flax on racks./Carding, combing,/Wool in sacks/-Dyeing, weaving,/Balls of thread. /Linsey-woolsey,/Blue and red." Woven into the story are facts and information about farm life in the 1700s. An author's note points out the historical material found in the verses. Research is also evident in the watercolor and graphite illustrations that accurately depict the daily chores. The clothing, the cabin, and its furnishings all reflect the simple, but utilitarian lifestyle. Through efficient brush strokes and quick penciled lines, Rand captures the emotions of a hardworking family-the urgency and fear when Mother's dress catches on fire, and the joy when Sarah's dress is finished. He also includes humorous asides, such as a toe peeking out of Brother's shoe. From beginning to end, the text and illustrations are equal partners. The historical accuracy makes this book a great inclusion for Colonial units, while the beauty of language and illustrations make it a wonderful story.-Carolyn Janssen, Children's Learning Center of the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, OHCopyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.