PPBF: Not So Very Long Ago

...Life in a small country village

Finally, after over a month's hiatus, I am ready to resume Perfect Picture Book Fridays . . . yeah!  So, here we go:

Source

Author and Illustrator: Philippe Fix
Publisher: Dutton Children's Books
Date: 1987

Ages: 6-10

Themes: European Village, Country living, 19th century

First paragraph: "Not so very long ago, peddlers roamed the countryside for months at a stretch. In summer and winter, rain and snow, they went from town to town, selling their wares throughout their usual districts. They also passed messages from family to family along the route, the way postmen now deliver letters.

Jacket flap: ". . . With loving and accurate attention, Philippe Fix has recreated the setting of a rural European town about a hundred years ago, introducing more than twenty different artisans and tradespeople. He explores the village through text and art by following two children, a brother and a sister, while they attend school, run errands and shop for their mother, and visit their grandparents' farm.

Why I like this book: The illustrations are incredible. What detail! It takes some time to take in all the little scenes on its pages. The story itself is engaging, as it tells the reader all about life in the European countryside, from a boy and girls point of view. Anyone who loves European history and culture will love this book, and children will be fascinated with the different way folks lived in that day.  I liked it so much, that I bought a used copy for myself as a resource as I write historic non-fiction!



Although I could not find anything specific pertaining to Europe, here are some 19th Century Museum websites for photos and more information:


Historic Village

Conner Prairie

Genesee Country Village and Museum

And, for more great book ideas, categorized by subject for use by teachers, librarians, and parents, see Susanna Hill's Perfect Picture Book list...truly an amazing resource!