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Making Room
Illustrator, Peter Rankin, is the 2004 recipient of the Lillian Shepherd Memorial Award for Excellence in illustration.
John William Smith – barely more than a boy – clears land, builds a one-room house, plants three apple trees, then sits down to sip his tea and watch the sunset. He has everything a young man could want. But after many sunsets alone, John William decides he needs a wife. So he marries the wonderful Annie. As time passes, John William expands their home to accommodate children, an injured cousin, a widowed sister, and many more additions to the family. His toolbox is never far from his side, waiting for the next time Annie will say, “John William, dear, I think we need.…” Will the house ever be complete?
Based on the true story of John William and Annie Smith, who lived in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia in the 1800s, this is a warm and witty look at what makes a home and who makes up a family.
John William Smith – barely more than a boy – clears land, builds a one-room house, plants three apple trees, then sits down to sip his tea and watch the sunset. He has everything a young man could want. But after many sunsets alone, John William decides he needs a wife. So he marries the wonderful Annie. As time passes, John William expands their home to accommodate children, an injured cousin, a widowed sister, and many more additions to the family. His toolbox is never far from his side, waiting for the next time Annie will say, “John William, dear, I think we need.…” Will the house ever be complete?
Based on the true story of John William and Annie Smith, who lived in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia in the 1800s, this is a warm and witty look at what makes a home and who makes up a family.
24 pages, Hardcover
First published September 28, 2004
12 people want to read
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February 13, 2013
This is an interesting story that tracks the settlement and expansion of a real family in Nova Scotia in the 1800s. The repetition is entertaining and I love how the story progresses through a wife's litany of requests to her husband.
The way that the size and number of buildings on their land grows to accommodate the family members who live with them is humorous, but also a testament to the closeness of extended family during those times.
The illustrations are terrific and I was thrilled to see that this story is based on the actual lives of this family. We really enjoyed reading this book together.
The way that the size and number of buildings on their land grows to accommodate the family members who live with them is humorous, but also a testament to the closeness of extended family during those times.
The illustrations are terrific and I was thrilled to see that this story is based on the actual lives of this family. We really enjoyed reading this book together.
Displaying 1 of 1 review