Shaker Hearts

by Ann Turner, Wendell Minor (Illustrator)

An evocative, poetic introduction to Shaker life describes their dedication to God and their simple yet utopian harmony with the earth and the rhythm of its changing seasons.

Genres: Childrens, Picture Books

Library Binding

Published January 1, 1997

About the author

Ann Turner, also known and published as Ann Warren Turner, is a children's author and a poet.
Ann Turner wrote her first story when she was eight years old. It was about a dragon and a dwarf named Puckity. She still uses that story when she talks to students about writing, to show them that they too have stories worth telling.
Turner has always loved to write, but at first she was afraid she couldn't make a living doing it. So she trained to be a teacher instead. After a year of teaching, however, she decided she would rather write books than talk about them in school.
Turner's first children's book was about vultures and was illustrated by her mother. She has written more than 40 books since then, most of them historical picture books. She likes to think of a character in a specific time and place in American history and then tell a story about that character so that readers today can know what it was like to live long ago.
Ann Turner says that stories choose her, rather than the other way around: "I often feel as if I am walking along quietly, minding my own business, when a story creeps up behind me and taps me on the shoulder. 'Tell me, show me, write me!' it whispers in my ear. And if I don't tell that story, it wakes me up in the morning, shakes me out of my favorite afternoon nap, and insists upon being told."

(from: http://www.eduplace.com/kids/tnc/mtai...)

Reviews

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I check out from Library because I loved the artist’s paintings which are excellent

[Geo Hendrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good job of pictures and variety of subject matter.

[Wanise Little · Rating 2 out of 5]

Genre: memoir
Grade: 4-5

I think this book is a bit difficult to follow, yet it gave good descriptions of the main characters life style.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although copyrighted over twenty years ago, this title is amazing in its overall depiction of the Shakers in a simplistic manner, after all the Shakers lead a simplistic lifestyle. The founder, Mother Anne Lee instilled the concept of "hands to work and hearts to God" and within each brief text page of this book that quote is written. The illustrations. The painting illustrations are excellent depictions of the Shaker life. There is a two page author note prior to the text and illustrations as well as four pages giving information on some of the accomplishments of the Shakers, for example the invention of the packet to hold seeds.
For me this title is a wonderful example of integrating each part into a very satisfying whole. One does not question why any section is present. Wonderful work.

[Dani · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely visual depiction of Shaker life by illustrator, Wendell Minor. The stark but lovely text by Ann Turner perfectly captures the spirit of the Shaker lifestyle. This children's book was a marvelous companion to reading the latest China Bayles mystery book, Wormwood, by Susan Wittig Albert.

[Hillvan]

AD1140L. Beautiful, lyrical illustrations, short rhythmic verses describing a Shaker's life. Includes "Author's Notes" and a reference list that explains in more detail the life and history of Shakers.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty, peaceful and interesting, though a little redundant.