Friday, May 10, 2013

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!



32 comments:

  1. This book looks lush! I often wonder why they don't reprint beautiful volumes like this. Thanks for sharing, Jarm.

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    1. I agree Wendy. I think our priorities in the publishing world are out of whack at times!

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  2. I would have eaten this up as a kid. And maybe as an adult, too :)

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  3. This sounds great. What a nice way to learn about history.

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    1. I would have been more interested in History as a child if I had books like this one to read!

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  4. So glad you're back. And what an amazing book to choose! This is going on my must find-list. It looks exquisite. Thanks.

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  5. This is a great find, Jarm. I think I could spend hours pouring over these pages.

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    1. The illustrations are amazingly detailed. I could, too!

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  6. Jarm- this looks amazing. I love art work like this, too. I just added to my library list. By the way - was your dad/mom in military - is that why you moved so much? My dad was in Coast Guard for 20 years. We moved 17 times during my school years.

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    1. Thanks for stopping by, Laura Anne! Actually, my Dad died when I was four, so my single Mom raised me. Since she was a school social worker, we shared summer holidays. So every summer, we would travel around the States (and once to Czechoslovakia) to visit family and friends.

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  7. This looks like a wonderful book!

    I tried messaging you on Facebook but it wouldn't let me. Feel free to search for me and add me as a friend (Jaimie Ramsey) and/or like my blog's Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/LivingintheLightJR). I'd love to share the video of my handbell choir playing our Les Mis piece, with you! :)

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    1. Thanks, Jaimie! I liked your Facebook page, but I don't know which Jaimie Ramsey you are. . . From New Hampshire? Maybe you can find me. . .my link is on the upper right of this page.

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  8. This sounds fabulous, Jarm! And the art looks amazing. I love books that can keep a child throughly engaged by the art alone while they listen and learn from the text.

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  9. That sounds like a great book! Don't you love it when you find one you like so much that you want your own copy?

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  10. The cover is wonderful. I hope my library has this one :-)

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  11. Wow, I'd love his book. What a wonderful find. Love artwork that truly engages children! I'd like it for myself.

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    1. I'm sure you could find a used one online if you Google it, Patricia. It is a keeper!

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  12. I love the cover illustration and of course the theme!

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  13. Jarm...I absolutely love the cover...it pulls me in and makes me salivate to have a copy and read it! Thanks for adding it to PPBF. Have you redone your blog banner and background? Or was I not observant...I love it!

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    1. You ARE observant, Vivian! I changed the banner and background in March before the A to Z Challenge. Thanks. And glad you like my PPBF choice. . .

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  14. Hi Jarm!

    I'm passing on the Liebster Award to you. You can claim it over at my blog!

    http://bettyalark.blogspot.com/2013/05/liebster-award.html


    Have a nice day!

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    1. You are so sweet, Betty. . .thanks! But due to many prior commitments, I won't be able to follow through. Feel free to pass it on to someone else!

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  15. In the age of internet and TV news, the itinerant salesman and travelers bringing news is something the newer generation knows nothing about. I can still remember Fuller Brush salesmen and other door-to-door businessmen ringing our doorbells to show off their wares in hopes of making a sale. This looks like a pretty neat book. A time that kids should learn about.


    Lee
    A Faraway View

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    1. You are right, Lee! There is so much we can learn from history, since it repeats itself!

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  16. What a wonderful cover image! And the book sounds delicious. Have you seen any of the 'Anno' books? Very detailed, but in a different way. Hm... I must look this book up.
    Diana at About myself, by myself…

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  17. Yes, I have seen Anno's books, and love those illustrations as well. Thanks for stopping by, Diana!

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