Smiling Hill Farm

by Miriam E. Mason, Kate Seredy (Illustrator)

The Wayne family helps settle Indiana in 1817 after leaving Virginia. The family names their farm Smiling Hill Farm and the story follows the family and farm until 1937.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Childrens, Chapter Books

312 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1937

Reviews

[Cheryl]

Cheerful pioneer history of a prosperous & proud family who were among the first settlers in Indiana, told through the generations until publication in 1937. I requested it for the illustrations by Kate Seredy and they were plentiful and enjoyable. But the reading level is almost beginner, and the short sentences and easy words almost drove me nuts. And besides, I've read plenty of other Juv HF that's more enjoyable, richer, like the Little House series. This is just a bit too superficial, too sunny, too insular & white bread. For example I saw no mention of the Civil War. Treatment of the 'Indians' seemed fine.

I probably would have liked it when I was a child and seeking read-alikes for Wilder's fictionalized memoirs, though....

[Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easiest book if you want a quick read! Highly recommend

[Andie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book made me really happy, reading it in school as a child.

[David Westerveld · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read aloud to my kids. A fun read that gives you a bit of a feeling of what pioneer life is like and how much and how quickly the world changed in the course of one century.

[Molly Sawyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightful and vintage! The story spans 125 years of a pioneer family and their farm in Indiana. Peppered with beautiful illustrations.

[Deborah Sweeney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Smiling Hill Farm was definitely a favorite from my childhood. The book takes its name from the farm where the Wayne family lives and it traces the history of the family for several generations in pioneer Indiana from 1817 through the 1930s when the book was written. It is a classic that most Indiana children know but which has received little recognition outside the state. My parents were both natives of the state which is how I came to be exposed.

[Tayyibah Khan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I seriously think this book is rly sweet and gives family lots of status.I think some parts of the book are boring and slow, and its sometimes confusing, but its a wonderful experience.

[Anna Butera · Rating 5 out of 5]

A childhood favorite...pioneers, homesteading, wonderful illustrations, sense of genealogy and heritage

[JoAnne Styger · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this is a great reader to teach history from the pioneers through the Industrial Age. I also appreciate how innocent it is, perfect for 2nd - 3rd graders.

[Shelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a favorite of my childhood. I read it in 3rd grade, and remember it often. This book helped me feel the stream of time.

[Tori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Doesn’t have much of a plot but it’s a very sweet and nostalgic read. Good for something more lighthearted and easy to read. It’s one of my favourites.