Growing Seasons

by Elsie Lee Splear, Ken Stark (Illustrations), carolyn pratt

Elsie Lee Splear was born in 1906 to a family that lived and worked on farms in Illinois. This is the story or how her family provided for itself during the years in which Elsie grew up, and how the changing seasons and changes in technology affected their lives. Ken Stark, the artist, knew Elsie and was able to paint these pictures with her guidance, and with many trips to the sites he shows. Elsie's daughter, Carolyn, helped put the stories together with the art for this book.

Genres: Childrens, History, Picture Books

33 pages, Hardcover

First published June 19, 2000

Reviews

[Krista · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a longer picture book story all about growing up on a farm in the early 20th century.

So much was done by hand and the children were an integral part of what all needed to be done around the farm. Life was hard but also rewarding and there were many good memories made.

There is a brief mention of Santa Claus over Christmas time (which I don’t believe in teaching children about) but it’s not the main focus of this families Christmas experience!

Over all it’s an excellent book!

[Noelani · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gave to my 9-year old for independent reading to reinforce our early American History studies. She came out of her room to say, “I really liked that book!” I asked her how many stars would you give and she said 3! So it’s a big 3 stars.

[Sarah Herrington · Rating 5 out of 5]

We loved this book about family life on a farm at the turn of the century. It was long- we read it over several nights- but I think the details were what made it so captivating and like you really understood this way of life.

[CFAITC]

This true story of Elsie Lee Splear's childhood spent on Illinois tenant farms in the early part of the 20th century provides a historical view of farm life.