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Miss Bridie Chose a Shovel
The journey begins for a young immigrant named Miss Bridie. It is a journey of hope and uncertainty, a journey that will take her to a new land, a new home, and—if she has chosen wisely—a good life.
With elegant woodcuts, Caldecott medalist Mary Azarian brings to life Leslie Connor’s spare story of a life rich with blessings, yet not without challenges. Here is a lyrical tribute to the millions of immigrants who left their homes to begin anew in America—and an enchanting look at how one woman carves out a life with the help of a common shovel.
With elegant woodcuts, Caldecott medalist Mary Azarian brings to life Leslie Connor’s spare story of a life rich with blessings, yet not without challenges. Here is a lyrical tribute to the millions of immigrants who left their homes to begin anew in America—and an enchanting look at how one woman carves out a life with the help of a common shovel.
32 pages, Hardcover
Published January 1, 2004
224 people want to read
About the author
Leslie Connor
11 books432 followersFrom the author's website:
My life began suddenly (you can even ask my mother) in an antique farmhouse outside of Cleveland, Ohio. I was born right on the family room floor ~ no time to get to the hospital! I swear, I’ve been in a hurry ever since.
When I was in fourth grade we moved to a neighborhood full of kids outside of Schenectady, New York. My Dad worked for a company that sold some of the finest printing papers in all the land. He often brought home big, beautiful, heavy books that pinned me to my chair when I held them in my lap, and I loved to turn the pages, look at the photography and illustrations and smell the ink.
As a kid I took dancing lessons and did gymnastics. I could be found upside-down in odd places like the middle of the stairway, not that I recommend it! My bedroom was a messy nest full of paint sets and paper scraps, embroidery threads and sewing projects. In school I was good at some things and not at all good at others. Still, I found my passions. I went to college, first at SUNY, Cobleskill, where I received an associate’s degree in agriculture, and later at the University of Connecticut in Storrs, Ct. where I earned a bachelor’s degree in fine art.
At first, I was interested in children’s books from an illustrator’s point of view. But the writing part surprised me ~ came up from behind and tapped me on the shoulder. I realized that my head and heart were very full of stories and that I should pay attention! My ideas come from everyday life, and I write for readers of all ages.
I live in the Connecticut woods with my husband and three children. (Well, the kids are getting big and they all drive cars now so they come and go a lot these days.) We keep our bird feeders full, do a little gardening and stack a lot of firewood. I hike the trails near my home almost every morning. Then I make a pot of tea and get to work. Usually, my loyal Writing Dogs are right by my side. (Sometimes I even borrow dogs from my neighbors. You can’t have enough dogs.)
I love making artisan pizzas and pots of soup and my favorite treat is dark chocolate. I also love to ride my bike down to the diner to meet my friends for breakfast and more tea. (Hmm...that’s a lot of eating, isn’t it?)
Life is fine!
My life began suddenly (you can even ask my mother) in an antique farmhouse outside of Cleveland, Ohio. I was born right on the family room floor ~ no time to get to the hospital! I swear, I’ve been in a hurry ever since.
When I was in fourth grade we moved to a neighborhood full of kids outside of Schenectady, New York. My Dad worked for a company that sold some of the finest printing papers in all the land. He often brought home big, beautiful, heavy books that pinned me to my chair when I held them in my lap, and I loved to turn the pages, look at the photography and illustrations and smell the ink.
As a kid I took dancing lessons and did gymnastics. I could be found upside-down in odd places like the middle of the stairway, not that I recommend it! My bedroom was a messy nest full of paint sets and paper scraps, embroidery threads and sewing projects. In school I was good at some things and not at all good at others. Still, I found my passions. I went to college, first at SUNY, Cobleskill, where I received an associate’s degree in agriculture, and later at the University of Connecticut in Storrs, Ct. where I earned a bachelor’s degree in fine art.
At first, I was interested in children’s books from an illustrator’s point of view. But the writing part surprised me ~ came up from behind and tapped me on the shoulder. I realized that my head and heart were very full of stories and that I should pay attention! My ideas come from everyday life, and I write for readers of all ages.
I live in the Connecticut woods with my husband and three children. (Well, the kids are getting big and they all drive cars now so they come and go a lot these days.) We keep our bird feeders full, do a little gardening and stack a lot of firewood. I hike the trails near my home almost every morning. Then I make a pot of tea and get to work. Usually, my loyal Writing Dogs are right by my side. (Sometimes I even borrow dogs from my neighbors. You can’t have enough dogs.)
I love making artisan pizzas and pots of soup and my favorite treat is dark chocolate. I also love to ride my bike down to the diner to meet my friends for breakfast and more tea. (Hmm...that’s a lot of eating, isn’t it?)
Life is fine!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
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January 23, 2019I picked this one up as it has beautiful woodcut illustrations by Mary Azarian. I became interested in her work from illustrations in a book we read in an adult, children's book discussion. That it is written by a Connecticut Author, Leslie Connor was also a plus.
The triple crown was the theme of those who immigrated to the United States as I have been researching my ancestors of late.
"Miss Bridie chose the shovel from the peg in the barn, and she took it to the dock, where she stepped aboard the ship."
This shovel allows Miss Birdie to carve out a simple life with the help of a well-chosen item from her former home.
"She could have had a chiming clock or a porcelain figurine, but Miss Birdie chose a shovel back in 1856."
Lovely book, lovely theme.
The triple crown was the theme of those who immigrated to the United States as I have been researching my ancestors of late.
"Miss Bridie chose the shovel from the peg in the barn, and she took it to the dock, where she stepped aboard the ship."
This shovel allows Miss Birdie to carve out a simple life with the help of a well-chosen item from her former home.
"She could have had a chiming clock or a porcelain figurine, but Miss Birdie chose a shovel back in 1856."
Lovely book, lovely theme.
October 10, 2018
Miss Bridie took the determination to work hard at whatever was necessary. I'm not sure if there's a better choice than a shovel, either. Maybe a sewing kit, though most women could sew. Maybe herbalism & medical textbooks, to become a midwife & healer? What would you choose to help you set up a new life?
September 5, 2012
From the first sentence - "She could have picked a chiming clock or a porcelain figurine, but Miss Bridie chose a shovel back in 1856.“ - I knew this would be a rare picture book. The sentences contain ample information without laying it out too obviously, they are complex and rhythmic, and they build on each other smoothing, inevitably, like the steps in a journey. The illustrations, too, provide more information than a reader may at first realize, with a figure on one page becoming the husband on another. A particularly good example of the beauties contain within the English language. Read it aloud to some one you love!
February 4, 2010
I'll admit, this book held no interest for me at all. Who wants to read about a lady and her shovel? And the name "Bridie" kept throwing me off--"Birdie" rolls off the tongue so much more easily. But then Pre-K spent a week learning about tools we use, and a book about a shovel fit the bill, so I pulled it off the shelf to give it a read. And I'm so glad I did.
Connor's language is just lovely. It has a lilting, poetic feel to it when read aloud. The story may not be exciting, but it paints a clear portrait of a strong woman who chose wisely. Miss Bridie could have taken a chiming clock or a porcelain figurine when she headed across the ocean to a new home in a new land, but she chose a shovel. Ask your children if that sounds like a good choice, and they'll say no. The clock is prettier. You could play with the figurine if you got bored. But a shovel? There's nothing to with that but dig. But ask them the same question after you've finished reading, and they'll answer a resounding, "YES!"
Sometimes utilitarian is better than aesthetic, and this is the perfect book to get that point across.
Connor's language is just lovely. It has a lilting, poetic feel to it when read aloud. The story may not be exciting, but it paints a clear portrait of a strong woman who chose wisely. Miss Bridie could have taken a chiming clock or a porcelain figurine when she headed across the ocean to a new home in a new land, but she chose a shovel. Ask your children if that sounds like a good choice, and they'll say no. The clock is prettier. You could play with the figurine if you got bored. But a shovel? There's nothing to with that but dig. But ask them the same question after you've finished reading, and they'll answer a resounding, "YES!"
Sometimes utilitarian is better than aesthetic, and this is the perfect book to get that point across.
March 16, 2009
This story (published in 2004) tells of a young Irish immigrant woman's passage to America with meager provisions, including a shovel, and of her making a life for herself in her new country, complete with hard work, love, beauty and hardships. For those looking for a picture book with an Irish theme: it would probably be best for primary kids, but I have shared it with older preschoolers and families in the past, and it was well received. I have to make sure I don't choke up while reading it, though, because it touches my heart. Miss Bridie has strength in spades (pun intended). The narration is understated; the woodcut illustrations are full of details of life in America long ago. With St. Patrick's Day approaching, I happened to think of it.
March 2, 2010
This picture book explores the life of immigrants to America in 1800’s, traveling from homeland to make a new life in America. Miss Bridie leaves her cottage in Ireland, selecting a shovel as her possession to bring along. The simple story line brings the reader along her travels, with the shovel to illustrate the newness and challenges of her new life, in a new land. This book leaves the reader with a better understanding of the life facing immigrants and their determination for success through hard work and ingenuity.
The illustrations are woodcuts, simple and reflective of a time gone past. This book would work well in grades 1-4. I might use this as an introduction to a writer’s workshop about what you would choose to take to a new home, if you could only bring one item
The illustrations are woodcuts, simple and reflective of a time gone past. This book would work well in grades 1-4. I might use this as an introduction to a writer’s workshop about what you would choose to take to a new home, if you could only bring one item
March 5, 2013
This book sets a really good example for little girls about the work they are able to do for themselves, within a historical setting. Miss Bridie is an immigrant who chooses a shovel instead of a clock or a figurine, and uses the shovel to make a life for herself in the new world. The shovel is a trusty companion in good times and bad throughout her entire life.
As a side note, the sentences in this book are chock full of prepositional phrases and would be a lot of fun for diagramming!
As a side note, the sentences in this book are chock full of prepositional phrases and would be a lot of fun for diagramming!
April 17, 2017
Story: 5 stars
Illustrations: 5 stars
Story of a young woman who immigrates from Ireland to New York in the 1800s. Rather than a clock or porcelain figurine, she chooses to take a shovel with her, a practical object that serves her well throughout her life. This picture book provides a gentle but realistic look at immigration. Beautiful woodcuts, full of color and detail, capture the story's tone and convey the historical feel.
Illustrations: 5 stars
Story of a young woman who immigrates from Ireland to New York in the 1800s. Rather than a clock or porcelain figurine, she chooses to take a shovel with her, a practical object that serves her well throughout her life. This picture book provides a gentle but realistic look at immigration. Beautiful woodcuts, full of color and detail, capture the story's tone and convey the historical feel.
May 19, 2010
This is a sweet children's book about a young woman who leaves Ireland and travels the America. She has to choose one thing to take and her destiny is shaped by her choice of a shovel. My kids and I would have spent days deciding what we would take and why - its a great idea to explore.
October 14, 2022
This was a winner. There is not a whole lot of text here, but the story is told not only with words, but also with the illustration, creating a richness in what comes through to the reader/listener. Miss Bridie emigrates from her home country (unnamed, but I'd guess Ireland) to a new one (assumed to be the U.S.). She chooses one item to take from home aside from her personal belongings, and surprisingly chooses a shovel. Though this item seems like an odd choice, it helps her build a new life in innumerable ways as she utilizes it over the span of her entire lifetime. This really was a beautiful book, and made us think about what we might choose in the same situation, and what a wise choice Miss Bridie ended up making. It also evoked thoughts and questions about our own ancestors who arrived on America's shores from elsewhere, and what they might have brought with them.
May 28, 2021
This was a surprisingly engaging book for my 4yr old! She was delighted at each discovery of how miss bridie used her shovel and happily pointed out at the end how it was such a smart choice. She asked to read it over and over during the weeks we had it from the library. It's a great way to explore the idea of making pracitcal choices and how you have to think about future needs, etc. It's also a great look at the "olden days" as my daughter calls them.
An enthusiastic 5 stars from both of us.
An enthusiastic 5 stars from both of us.
April 15, 2018
I’m trying to read everything of Leslie Connor’s work that is in our library system.
Miss Brodie is an industrious young woman who could have taken a chiming clock or porcelain figurine when she left her home to travel across the sea. The shovel and her own grit and determination ended up helping her make a fine life.
Mary Azarian’s stunning woodcuts are the perfect visual accompaniment.
Miss Brodie is an industrious young woman who could have taken a chiming clock or porcelain figurine when she left her home to travel across the sea. The shovel and her own grit and determination ended up helping her make a fine life.
Mary Azarian’s stunning woodcuts are the perfect visual accompaniment.
December 4, 2018
A nice story about hard work and perseverance. I listened to it on audio and felt like I missed something not having the pictures. (Not that pieces of the story were missing; it just felt a little flat.) I would have liked to know whether the story was based on a specific person or on the immigrant experience in general. ;)
April 8, 2019
This would be a good book in introducing different cultures into the classroom, but I found it to seem a bit old and boring. It is not the sort of book I would use to educate or get my students interested in this topic. I think that the book is however, highly educational and has a lot of good content.
January 19, 2022
I really like the illustrations and the story of a useful, but less glamorous tool, that Miss Bridie uses throughout her life in a new land. The page where she planted the tree for her husband really got to me, it was beautiful. Miss Bridie's life might not have been notable to those outside of her immediate family but it was relatable.
October 3, 2017
It's about making good choices. It's about a life well-lived. It's an immigrant's story. It's about what really matters in life. The wood block print artwork is perfect. Greens and blues evoke hope and melancholy.
November 7, 2017
A history lesson in the form of a picture. When Miss Bridie leaves her home and takes a ship to start her new life in 1856, she chooses to take a shovel with her.
The shovel effects every part of her life and was the best choice for her. An amazing story.
The shovel effects every part of her life and was the best choice for her. An amazing story.
December 9, 2017
Picture Book
I thought this was a good book to talk about the significance of seemingly small objects and moments. I liked how the pictures progressed and showed the development that the words weren't telling.
I thought this was a good book to talk about the significance of seemingly small objects and moments. I liked how the pictures progressed and showed the development that the words weren't telling.
April 8, 2019
This book was okay. It did not hold my attention in any way at all. This woman is an immigrant and all she took with her was a shovel. I did not want to read a book about a woman with her shovel traveling from Ireland to New York.
December 2, 2019
Historical fiction
2nd-4th grade
A shovel would not be my first choice when immigrating to a new place with only few things to take with me. But it turns out for Miss Bridie that shovel came in handy. I love all the ways she uses her shovel. I love the illustrations in this book, so neat!
2nd-4th grade
A shovel would not be my first choice when immigrating to a new place with only few things to take with me. But it turns out for Miss Bridie that shovel came in handy. I love all the ways she uses her shovel. I love the illustrations in this book, so neat!
January 14, 2020
This is an amazing story of one woman's practical choice. She had to travel light when she came to America. She used the shoveling many ways to forge a life for herself in a new world. Of all the things that she could have brought, how fortunate that she chose a shovel. Wow! What a story.
May 5, 2020
I want to be Ms. Bridie! *sobs against the book cover then goes to look for a shovel*
It made me think: What would I choose? How would that one thing shape my life?
Such a beautiful story and moral!
It made me think: What would I choose? How would that one thing shape my life?
Such a beautiful story and moral!
December 31, 2017
I liked this book about an immigrant coming to America and what she chose to bring with her.
April 10, 2018
What a clever book! A shovel really came in handy back then. It makes you think about how different life was back in 1856.
September 13, 2018
story of a life and a practical choice that a young emigrant woman made that followed her though out her life. Pictures kinda dated.
January 30, 2020
I love Mary Azarian's illustrations, lovely story too.
February 19, 2020
A sweet picture book about a woman of courage.
August 18, 2020
A story of the practical Miss Bridie and how she brought a shovel with her to the new world.
March 9, 2024
A woman immigrates to the USA. This book shows the value of hard work and the cycle of life.
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February 12, 2025The illustrations are gorgeous! Little House on the Prairie esq.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews