When I First Came to This Land

by Simms Taback (Illustrator), Harriet Ziefert, Oscar Brand

Illustrations and words to a traditional song describe the adventures of a pioneer who buys a farm and builds life for himself and his family.

Genres: Picture Books, Poetry, Childrens, Cultural, Realistic Fiction, Historical Fiction

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1998

About the author

Simms Taback was an American writer, graphic artist, and illustrator of more than 35 books. He won the 2000 Caldecott Medal for U.S. picture book illustration, recognizing Joseph Had a Little Overcoat, and was a runner-up in 1998 for There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly.

Reviews

[Jessica Tracy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute book with silly illustrations. It's one of those books that you read the whole book back once something is added. I don't mind them so much, but when reading aloud I tend to get more tired, and even when reading silently I get a little bored. But it is a fun book for kids and helps them read things that they are familiar with since it repeats. Also love the immigrant who comes and builds a great life for himself in America.

[Nate Deprey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book about once a month for story time at my library and love it completely. It's simple message of the hard work of immigrants in America is beautiful written and the list building the story uses makes the story fun to read aloud and unbelievably compelling.

[Yadira · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is about a man who comes to this land and is not a wealthy man. This story includes many rhyming words and repeats patterns of sentences over and over again. This is a good book for phonemic awareness and can be used to talk about that and rhyming.

[Escher · Rating 4 out of 5]

... and I called my farm 'muscle in my arm'
... and I called my pig 'too darn big'

[Katie Fitzgerald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read at Family Story Time on 6/6/11: http://storytimesecrets.blogspot.com/...

[Emerson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book - what a great song and great story. Loved the illustrations.

[Hannah Starnes]

This book can be used for end rhyme, as well as repetition. You can also use it to discuss then vs. now immigration in a social studies setting.

[Kari · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't love this one, but the kids seem to enjoy it. I do enjoy Taback's illustrations.