The Josefina Story Quilt: Josefina Story Quilt, The (Spanish edition)

I Can Read: Level 3

by Eleanor Coerr, Bruce Degen, Aída E. Marcuse (Translator)

Todos deben deshacerse de algo para viajar en los furgones. Pero Esperanza no puede dejar a su mascota ¡que es una gallina llamada Josefina! ¿Podrá esta gallina vieja ganarse un puesto en un viaje tan difícil?

Genres: Historical Fiction, Picture Books, Childrens, Fiction, School, 2nd Grade, American History

64 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1986

About the author

Eleanor Coerr was born in Kamsack, Saskatchewan, Canada, and grew up in Saskatoon. Two of her favorite childhood hobbies were reading and making up stories.

Her fascination with Japan began when she received a book called Little Pictures of Japan one Christmas. It showed children in beautiful kimonos playing games, chasing butterflies, and catching crickets. She pored over the colored illustrations, dreaming of one day joining those children in Japan. Her best friend in high school was a Japanese girl whose family introduced her to brush painting, eating with chopsticks, and origami. Eleanor's desire to visit that magical place never faded, and her well-thumbed copy of that favorite book is still in her library.

Eleanor began her professional life as a newspaper reporter and editor of a column for children. Luckily, she traveled to Japan in 1949 as a writer for the Ottawa Journal, since none of the other staff wanted to go to a country that had been devastated by war. To learn Japanese, Eleanor lived on a farm near Yonago for about one year, absorbing the culture and enjoying rural celebrations. Soon she was able to visit nearby schools and speak to young audiences about her country. Eleanor wrote and illustrated Circus Day in Japan, using the farm family and a visit to the circus as models. It was published in Tokyo in 1953.

Her most difficult trip while she was in Japan was to Hiroshima. Eleanor was shocked by the horrible destruction and death caused by one atom bomb. Of course, she did not know Sadako Sasaki at that time, although she was living there with her family. The misery and suffering Eleanor witnessed was burned into her mind, and she hoped future world leaders would avoid wars at all costs.

One beautiful day in 1963, Eleanor revisited Hiroshima and saw the statue of Sadako in the Hiroshima Peace Park. Impressed by the stories she heard about Sadako's talent for running, courage when faced with cancer, and determination to fold one thousand paper cranes, Eleanor was inspired to find a copy of Kokeshi, Sadako's autobiography.

Eleanor looked everywhere she could think of and asked all of her Japanese friends to help. Since the school had copied the ninety-four pages and stapled them together, most of the books had fallen apart. Years passed, and Eleanor continued writing for newspapers in various countries and wrote more children's books. But she was always hoping to find Kokeshi.

One fateful afternoon, Eleanor was having tea with a missionary who had lived in Hiroshima all through the war.

"Eleanor," she said, "you should write a biography of Sadako Sasaki for American children to read."

"I would love to," said Eleanor, "but I must have Kokeshi to get all the true facts about Sadako."

The missionary took Eleanor to her attic. Lo and behold, at the bottom of an old trunk was an original copy of Kokeshi. Eleanor rushed to have it translated properly and began writing Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes as soon as she could.

"It's like magic. I was meant to write her story," Eleanor said.

Reviews

[Melody Schwarting · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the first book I ever read for the first time all by myself. It is quite emotional for young readers: the family is traveling west by wagon, and a lot of death occurs; Josefina, the pet hen, dies at the end. However, it is a good story, and I love the element of quilting memories.

[Rosie Gearhart · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one really made an impact on my 6 year old. It was the first time she cried over a book. Ages 5+

[Cris Ingram · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story took place in 1850. A little girl and her family are leaving in covered wagon to go to California. She wants to take her chicken, Josefina, Dad says no, but he gives the chicken 1 chance. The chicken is Faiths' best and only friend on this journey across the county. Talks about trials and tribulations they go through along the way. Faith is making a quilt out of rags the whole trip. One night in the circle of wagons, some thieves try to rob them and Josefina cackles real loud and they wake up and the robbers run away. So, Faith's dad had to agree that he was glad that Josefina had come with them because she was a watchdog, but she died saving them from the robbers. She made a pine tree patch for Josefina for her quilt she finished when they got to their new cabin in California.
Early reader, but educational also.

[Dee · Rating 1 out of 5]

3 dead oxen
2 dead people
and 1 dead beloved pet hen

[Mary Hohman · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Josefina Story Quilt is a I can read book written by Eleanor Coerr and illustrated by Bruce Degen. This is a historical fiction chapter book for early readers. The intended age group of this book is primary ages 5-8 years old. This story is about a family migrating from the West to California. The daughter Faith had a pet hen named Joefina, that she couldn’t bear to leave behind. The father wanted to leave the hen behind because it was too old to lay eggs and too tough to eat. Josefina caused some trouble during their journey however she woke the family when robbers tried to steal their belongings. During their journey faith started her own quilt patches to remember the good and bad times of their travels. I rated this book four stars because I really like the idea of children being able to learn about American history with a simple story. The illustrations are nice, and explain the plot. I think children will like this story because it is interesting, and it is great for a beginner reader. This book could be used to explain migration for early settlers in the 1800’s. The class could create pieces of patchwork as an activity to supplement this story.

[Janessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this book, a young girl must help her family pack their belongings into a covered wagon for the long trek west to California territory. She must leave many of her things behind, but there is one thing she is not willing to part with: her pet hen, Josefina. The story follows the family’s adventures along the wagon train, and tells how the girl, Faith, commemorates their journey in a quilt she pieces and sews on the way to California.

My daughter enjoyed the story. Faith’s affection for her beloved hen was endearing to my little animal lover; the perils and adventures of the trek west were entertaining. Hattie was also intrigued by the idea that Faith’s quilt was sewn with images that represented things she saw and experienced during her journey.

[Siskiyou-Suzy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet, touching story. I remember bits and pieces of the story -- I must have read it a long time ago. I think any child with a pet will be able to empathize with Faith, which helps when being introduced to a way of life that is very unfamiliar. There are many aspects of the story that are harsh -- such as the harshness of her father and the way she and her mother were clearly second-class -- but I assume it's supposed to be historically accurate.

(My used copy has written in it: Elisa Wong.)

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

My son read this book for his Literature class in Second Grade. He was learning about the way of life for pioneers, with an emphasis on story quilts. This little book fit right in.

The language was simple enough he could read this book on his own and understand it. The story was rather charming. Although the book was about pioneers traveling to California, the more timeless theme was about the bond between a child and his or her pet.

[Cindy DeLong · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of a little girl who had to move and wanted to take her hen with her. She lived in a time when life was rough and survival was something that must be fought hard for. There weren't many ways that my girls and I could relate to her, but we loved the story.

[Theresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

the story of a young girl leaving behind her home in the 1850's to travel west to california with her family and the hard decisions and life that she lives is based on her emotion. an early reader

[Hannah Abram · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my favorite stories from my youth. The ending always made me cry though!

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can't believe I found this in the local Little Free Library! I thought for sure this was one of those mass-produced, easily disposable books that I'd never see again, but there it was, and it's even got full-color illustrations, which seems pretty nice for a teeny weeny little paperback.

Josephina is a chicken that's "too old to lay eggs and too tough to eat", as I've remembered for years and years. She's basically just a pet for little Faith, and there really isn't room for pets in the covered wagon in which she and her family are traveling west to California. Still, Faith convinces her parents to let Josephina comes along and, of course, hijinks ensue--and for each incident, Faith stitches a square for a story quilt all about her trip across the country. I'll be honest, I totally forgot about the quilt part of this book even though it's part of the title and everything--all I remembered was the chicken!

It's a bit odd to critique a leveled reader, but if I'd make one improvement, it would be to have the little quilt square illustrations above the chapter headings actually look like the square that Faith sews instead of just a random pretty square.

A cute little introduction to westward pioneers for kids, complete with quick mentions of the very real hardships faced on the way. Yeah, it's a bit unrealistic how long Josefina sticks with the family uneaten and untraded, but hey, it's a kids book.

[Sierra McKinley · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Josefina Story quilt is a story about a young girl (Faith) and her attachment to the old family chicken (Josefina). When the family decides to move west, they wanted to leave Josefina behind because they didn't see her as useful. Faith was so sad that she pleaded until her parents agreed to bring the chicken. They were lucky they did because the chicken laid eggs and protected them from robbers. Sadly, Josefina died one night and this caused grief in the family. So when they found their new home, they made a quilt in her memory.

I personally found this book to be both boring and dry. It doesn't represent Indians well and does not represent the time period or culture well either. For that reason, I would avoid having this book in my classroom. The age level for this book is about 2nd grade and proves a "complex plot for confident readers."

(Problematic)

[Lluis · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Josefina y La Colcha de Retazos", escrito por Eleanor Coerr, es un encantador libro ilustrado que narra la historia de Esperanza y su mascota, una gallina llamada Josefina, durante su viaje en carreta de este a oeste de Estados Unidos en 1850. La obra destaca por sus detalladas y expresivas ilustraciones que enriquecen el relato, ofreciendo una experiencia inmersiva para el lector. Calificado con 5 de 5 estrellas, este libro es una joya de la literatura infantil que cautiva tanto a niños como a adultos.

[Kristin Eoff · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had to read this book because I like chickens, quilts, and historical fiction. I thought the book was cute and wholesome, and I liked the quilting aspect of it, but if the family were truly starving, it's kind of surprising they didn't eat the chicken at the end. My book didn't come with the audiotape, so I can't review that.

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Illustrations were alright. I really liked the chicken and I almost cried at the end. It's a heart-warming and sad story. It's about a family moving across the country in their wagon and how their journey was and what they took with them.

[Wanda Torres · Rating 2 out of 5]

If I wasn’t reading this to my daughters I wouldn’t have finished it. It didn’t seem to have a moral lesson that kids would understand. The words are good to help grow my baby’s reading but that’s the only benefit I see

[The Not · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. It was fun to read. It was a good reader to start on. The story was sad, fun, and exciting. I would recommend the book to someone who has chickens.
-C, age 6

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

An easy reader written in short chapter. Gives an enjoyable angle to a simple wagon train story.

[Beth (FebruaryFilly) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pioneer; wagon train; Oregon trail

[M · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read aloud to niece. Decent story for what it is, an easy reader book.

[Lee]

Chickens are terrible, but it's a cute story anyway.

[Ruvi Perera · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know it's a children's story book but I'm almost crying now for the pet hen. So heartbreaking..

[Sage · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stole this book from my first grade class library because it was my favorite book. I stand by my decision the artwork is beautiful and the story is so sweet

[Libby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Biggest tear-jerker I have ever read.

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the Josefina Story Quilt by: Bruce Degen

Faith is my mane carcter she has a pet hen named josefina and amom dad and abrother . he gets to bring his pet so cante faith but she comes eny way . at the end roberers cum will they get robed read the book the josefina story quilt.

I Loved the book the josefina store quilt and if

[Hilary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Saw this for sale on Book Outlet and had to buy it again but it felt important when I read it so long ago as a kid haha. Cute story of a girl who gets to take her chicken out west. Loved how the story quilt tied things together, and loved Josefina. Just a cutie, and a sweet though sad ending. Don't regret the purchase.

[Ally Copper · Rating 3 out of 5]

An easy reader is most effective when it both comforts and challenges young readers. It is best when easy readers are full of words that young readers already know but also present a few new, bigger words and a few new concepts or lessons with which readers may be unfamiliar. In that respect, "The Josefina Story Quilt" by Eleanor Coerr succeeds. The font of the text is very large. The sentences are short, and there is a lot of white space. This book will not intimidate readers. Most of the words are short and simple, but a few bigger words are thrown into the mix: California, journey, perhaps, admire, mattresses, etc. In addition, the story itself is about a fascinating time in U.S. history when families would take a six-month journey across the country to a new home in the west. Readers will grasp this historical lesson more readily because it is presented in the form of a story about Faith and her pet hen Josefina. Some readers might object to the portrayal of Native Americans in this text, though their part in the story is very small. They show up to trade meat and water for items that the travelers have to offer. The only problem is that the Native Americans are shown only wanting to take the items that the family will not part with (their precious quilts and Josefina). This is not overly troublesome, but it is good for teachers and librarians to know about the Native Americans' presence in this text. I don't believe they are portrayed negatively, just fleetingly. The illustrations in this easy reader are not terrific, but they clearly depict the scenes of the story and serve to break up the text so that readers are not intimidated. The best use of illustrations is that each new chapter has an illustration of the quilt pieces that Faith is sewing as her family travels across the country. This demonstrates how quilt squares were used to tell stories. "The Josefina Story Quilt" is "An I Can Read Book" and it definitely is a text that can be read and enjoyed by many young emerging readers.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Coerr, Eleanor. The Josefina Story Quilt. Harper Collins, 1986.

This easy read chapter book is about a young girl and her family migrating west to California for a better life. This historical story takes place in the 1800’s and the theme of this book is family, pets and new beginnings. The main character is a young girl named Faith and her pet hen named Josefina. Faith wants to bring her pet hen on the wagon train, but Faith’s Pa says there is no room in the wagon for a chicken too old to lay eggs and too tough to eat. After some convincing, Faith gets to bring her pet hen, Josefina on their journey west. Faith sews quilts to remember all her memories while traveling, especially all her fun times with Josefina. Josefina ends up being a hero and a special chicken when the family needs her most on their grueling journey. The illustrations by Bruce Degen, help compliment the beginning reader’s understanding of American History in the 1850’s, since young students may have a hard time relating to prairie life. This book would be a great read when learning about the early settlers/pioneer life. I would recommend this book to my elementary students. Target audience: 6-11 (Children’s Historical Fiction)

[Books Kids Like · Rating 5 out of 5]

In May 1850, Faith’s family prepares to move west. Faith begs her father to let her take Josefina, her pet chicken, who is too old to lay eggs. He relents but warns her that the chicken goes at the first sign of trouble. Josefina rides in a cage that hangs from the ribs of the wagon. Each time Josefina does something bad, father says, "Out she goes!" And, each time he does, Faith pleads for her pet’s life. Papa always relents. Then, Josefina does something courageous to prove her worth.
©2024 Kathy Maxwell at https://bookskidslike.com