Katie and her papa are among a group of settlers building a town in the middle of the dusty, brown prairie. Every week the trains bring more people and more lumber to build houses, fences, and barns.
A heartfelt story about community and family, and how neighbors working together can make their town a better place for themselves and future generations.
Katie and her papa are among a group of settlers building a town in the middle of the dusty, brown prairie. Every week the trains bring more people and more lumber to build houses, fences, and barns. New buildings are erected: a church with a steeple, a store with glass windows, even a schoolhouse with desks for seventeen children.
But one thing is missing: trees.
When the townspeople take up a collection to order trees from back east, Katie adds her own pennies and Papa's silver dollar. When the tiny saplings finally arrive, Katie helps dig holes and fetch water. Then, in a quiet corner off the public square, Katie and Papa plant a flowering dogwood in memory of Mama.
Although set in the past, Kathryn O. Galbraith's gentle story of community building, the timelessness of love, and the power of ritual will resonate with young readers today. Cyd Moore's full-color illustrations reflect the simplicity of the story and life in a new prairie town, while evoking the complexity of its themes.
"An attractive introduction to the celebration of Arbor Day." --Booklist
"Moore's gentle pencil and watercolors lend a classic storybook feel to the story..." --Kirkus
"Charming pastel illustrations accompany a lovely story." --The Sunday Plain Dealer
"Warm, inviting illustrations blend with this charming story..." --Books to Borrow, Books to Buy
"Moore's illustrations are soft and wispy, perfect for growing trees and communities." --The Sunday Eagle
"...a beautiful picture book..." --Southwest Virginia Enterprise
"Galbraith's poetic text and Moore's soft watercolor and colored-pencil illustrations recreate those spring days on the prairie when planting trees was a cause for celebration." --School Library Journal
"...a lovely story..." --The Sunday Chronicle
"Young readers not quite ready for the "Little House" series may enjoy this gentle story..." --Star Tribune
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Kathryn Galbraith is the author of numerous children's picture books and novels. She teaches writing for children at the University of Washington. Visit her website at www.kathrynogalbraith.com
Cyd Moore has illustrated more than twenty books, including WHAT DO PARENTS DO? (WHEN YOU'RE NOT HOME); and the STINKY FACE titles (which have sold over two million copies worldwide). She lives in Michigan. Visit her website at www.cydmoore.com.
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