The White Ox: The Journey of Emily Swain Squires

by Ruth Hailstone, Dan Burr (Illustrator)

Emily Swain Squires was so tiny at birth she would have fit in a teacup. Now she is ten years old and feels just grown up enough for her first big adventure. Emily will leave her family behind in England and travel the sea and across a continent to Zion, her new home in America. But Emily will discover that big adventures can leave you feeling small all over again. And sometimes you need a friend to help you get home. Author Ruth Hailstone based Emily's story on family accounts. Dan Burr's well-researched paintings capture Emily's determined spirit during her long and difficult journey to her new home.

Genres: Realistic Fiction, Picture Books, Biography, Childrens, Nonfiction

40 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 2009

Reviews

[Addie]

This children's book is about a lonely, little pioneer girl that makes her way from England to Zion. She travels with adult friends to join up with her aunt and uncle there in Salt Lake. It's a hard journey, and she experiences a miracle that gives her the desire to pull through to the end. The story can be disjointed from page to page, leaving you with the feeling that maybe you missed a page. But even so, by the end the gist of the story line is felt and the pages as a whole seem to even out. The pictures on every page are painted with beautiful artwork that has a realistic look to it. This is a great book to read for the celebration of July 24th, Pioneer Day in Utah, which is the day the pioneers first came into the Salt Lake Valley.

[Jana]

This was shared during a RS lesson. The teacher told us that Emily Squires is one of her ancestors. I wanted to read this sweet story for myself. I am always in awe of the pioneers courage and sacrifice.

[Rachel]

This book was kind of sad as a little girl leaves her family and goes with her extended family to America. She has to cross the ocean on a boat with a lot of sick people, she gets seasick, and homesick. Before she even starts the journey across the plains she has to leave her uncle and go alone. As she crosses the plains she wears through her shoes And has to walk barefoot most of the way. When she had given up hope there came along a white Ox. This white Ox gives her hope to finish her track. I know that this book would be very inspirational to kids to follow their dreams and work hard to get where they needed with faith.

[Haily Kokinakis]

I really enjoyed this book. It is somewhat sad, a little girl has to leave her family for the America's and crosses the plains. On her way she finds a sick white ox and she tends to it. This book teachers about perseverance and I like that. You don't tend to find that theme written so well and obvious in children's books. You might see it in a book about a prince not giving up on finding a princess but this makes it seem more real because it is based on a true story. I think books like these should be in every classroom because they teach good qualities everyone should try and build in themselves. Overall I really enjoyed this book and would love to have it for my personal library.

[Curriculum]

Beautiful realistic oils depict the trek to Zion of Emily Swain. Based on the author's family accounts, Emily and her white oz make the long and difficult journey to her new home. Children's pic book- published by Boyds Mills Press (a bigger children's publisher). It looks as if all mention of the LDS is left out- perhaps to widen the mass market. Nonetheless, the ox, young girl with sun bonnet on praire, and the story of England to Zion are in tact. The pictures alone are worth the read. Kinda pricey to purchase though-- $18.95.

[Emily]

I enjoyed reading this to my 5 & 6 year olds! The illustrations are gorgeous! Since I'm already familiar with the sacrifices and journeys of Mormon immigrants/pioneers, I didn't find the text disjointed. I could easily fill in the gaps. My children also have some background knowledge of pioneers, so it wasn't particularly confusing to them. However, I still frequently stopped along the way to explain to my children what was happening, so I understand that others found it difficult to read this aloud to young children. Be willing to talk about the story as you go.

[Anne]

The illustrations in this book are truly remarkable: full color, extremely detailed, and incredibly realistic. However, the story itself is not nearly as well done. The plot lacks in continuity from one page to the next, making the reader wonder if they missed something in the text. Based on the true story of the author’s great-great-grandmother’s journey from England to Salt Lake City Utah, this book had the potential to be great, but sadly, it missed the mark.

[Rebekah]

I enjoyed the story of this book. I liked how the story was told from the perspective of the ten year old girl. The story discused how difficult it was for her to cross the plains, and the trials that she went through. It amazed me that Emily gave up her only pair of shoes to her sister, and she went barefoot. I believe the moral of the story is that when we care for others, our needs are met as well. The other moral is that God is always mindful of us, no matter where we are.

[Alice]

3.75 Stars The pictures in the book are exceptional. The story is very nice true. Based on the true story of the Authors Great Great Mother and her travels from her Home in England to join the Mormon Pioneers in Utah territory- during the American Civil War.

I don't know how these people walked over plains, mountains and deserts. Sometimes...God sends miracles in the most unlikely ways...maybe even a White OX

[Joella]

This is a story about a Mormon girl going to Salt Lake City with a wagon company. I wished that the story did more. It was a true story, but it jumped a bit from page to page...with no transitions. Also, it was a long story to read to younger kids. A good memory and family story, but not quite the large range that I was hoping it would have.

[Natalie]

This story was able to express how hard it was for those traveling across North America during this time without being too gruesome. It gives inspiration and hope and allows a sense of faith to be instilled in its readers. Not to mention that the artwork is absolutely stunning. Such a beautiful, sad story.

[Ann]

I liked the artwork for this book, and thought the story/era were interesting, but I found the text disjointed, even if well-written enough. Every page turn changed scene and focus, which I thought would be confusing to young readers.

[Julie Surface]

about an adventure of a girl who wants to go to America, Zion. She meets up with a family who is traveling the same way and she tags along with them. she has to work for her keep, but eventually, she gets lost and a great ox rescues her and takes her to the travelers that left her behind.

[Mallory]

How beautiful! This book is just lovely. I loved seeing Emily grow through these experiences. The ending is so sweet. I will definitely buy this someday!

[Teri]

beautiful illustrations, and based on a true story--but not at all a nice fluent read--very choppy

[Haley]

I thought that this was a cute little novel. Most certainly a beautifully illustrated one.

[Miss Kelly]

Very nice, picture book style read about Emily Swain Squires journey to Zion (Salt Lake City). Takes place in 1860's.