Rudi and the Distelfink

by F.N. Monjo, George Kraus (Illustrator)

A Pennsylvania Dutch farm boy describes the major activities of his family during each month of the year in the early nineteenth century.

28 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1972

About the author

F.N. Monjo. Ferdinand Nicolas Monjo (1924-1978) was a children's novelist and editor. After graduating from Columbia University, he worked in editorial positions at several major children's publishing companies, including Simon & Schuster's Golden Books and American Heritage's Junior Library.
His grandfather, also named F.N. Monjo, was an Arctic furrier.

Reviews

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

First sentence: On our farm, first of all, there's me Rudi Schimmelpfennig. Then there's my Vati--that's for Papa, in Pennsylvania Dutch, ja? And my Mutti, Mama. And Mutti's Mama Grossmutter Ritter--like you say, my granny. And plenty kinder. That's us Schimmelpfennig children. I mean you'd think there were plenty, except for what Mutti says.

Premise/plot: This book invites you to spend a year with the Schimmelpfennig family. Rudi, our narrator, is one of twelve children. It's set in Pennsylvania in the 1820s. What can happen to one family in the course of a year?! A lot.

My thoughts: Though published in 1972, I can't recall reading this one as a child. Would I have liked it? I did like historical fiction and family stories. So there's a chance I would have. I can easily say that I like it now. It is a quiet gem of a book.

I like the focus of family. I like the focus on culture--way of life--and traditions. I like that we get at least one page of text per month. (Some months like August and December get two pages of text.)

It would definitely be for older readers despite the picture book format.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set near Lancaster, PA c. 1825. 28 pp. Charming book about a year in the life of a Pennsylvania German boy and his family. Illustrations are lovely.

Rudi and the Distelfink by F.N. Monjo

[Michael Fitzgerald · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent introduction to the world of the Pennsylvania Dutch. Perfect illustrations.