The Old House

by Pamela Duncan Edwards, Henry Cole (Illustrator)

An old house gets a new lease on life when the right family comes along. The old house is lonely because it has been empty for so long. Its droopy shutters and sagging porch discourage buyers?until a certain family stops by. While the children see lots of potential for good times, the parents see lots of work ahead. Will the house pull itself together in time to impress the new family?

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

First published October 18, 2007

About the author

Pamela Duncan Edwards is a British-born children's author living in the United States. She has written over forty picture books published in both the U.S. and the U.K., known for their playful language and engaging storytelling.

Reviews

[Prabhat sharma · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Old House by Pamela Duncan Edwards, Illustrator -Henry Cole, Children’s Illustrated Colour Picture Book- The narrates the story of an old worn out house which is desperately wanting a family to buy the house and make it their own house. Many families who intend to purchase a house arrive but unfortunately, no one takes a chance to buy it. The garden is full of blossoming trees, squirrels, birds. One day, a family decides to take a chance on the old, house and they renovate the home. The house feels cherished and loved. The family works hard to clean and repair the house. Soon, the house is ready to welcome them. Lesson from the book is that “old does not mean that it is useless.” Coloured illustrations help the reader to relate to the story. I have read the Hindi language translation of this book.

[Marytza Mundo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this book can be useful with students to discuss about lines and curves. In one part of the book the squirrel told the house to not sag and stand tall and the house did and the house was now straight so, I believe this is a good discussion to have about how straight and curved lines can change the expressions of the house. For example when the house was drawn with curved lines how did he look like sad, mad, depressed? and when he was drawn in straight lines how did that make him look like determined, happy, accomplished etc. I think this activity would even help students use different vocabulary. I really enjoyed this book because this author even made objects have emotions and I think this is a way for students to keep more interacted with it.

[Marissa Gidcomb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book by Pamela Duncan Edwards is about an old house that is depressed because no one wants to live in it. One day a family stops by and considers buying it, but has doubts because of how sad and run down it looks. The house's friends encourage it to look happier so the family will buy it. The family leaves and the house becomes depressed again, thinking it will be destroyed. However, the next day the family comes back. They fix up the house and move in. The house becomes happy.
This is a charming book with interesting illustrations. I liked how they depicted the house's emotions. I would use this to teach about encouragement or depression.

[Ashley Moser · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the idea of renovating old houses and giving them new life. That is exactly what this book is about.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

after-school special 12/12/18

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

What is a house to do when no one has lived in for a long time?
It's friends the oak tree and the squirrel tell it to stand tall
And proud so it will attract an owner.
But the old house only sighs and sags,
Causing passerby to say,
Did you ever see such an unhappy old house?

We are currently in the process of selling our old home, and it needs some work done to it. The title of this book grabbed my attention immediately! The house has sat empty of a family for such a long time that it's ready to give up, when a family finds it and wants it for themselves.

"You'd have to be crazy to want to live in such an old heap," said one couple. "Even if it is reduced in price!"
"WHAT?! cried the old house in a horrified voice. "I've been REDUCED?" It's window shutters drooped in disgust.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Some people thought this house was too much work, too gone beyond repair. But one family saw it's beauty in it & that's all it took! This book can be used to help advice children that it's not all about what people see on the outside appearance...instead it's what's in the eye of the beholder!

I think I might have my husband read this before he gets too frustrated that our old house isn't selling!

[Michaela Puglisi · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book revolves around an old, worn down house who is desperately wanting a family to make his house their house. The first several pages show families looking at the house but unfortunately, no one takes a chance on it. Then, one day, a family decides to take a chance on the old, worn down house and they renovate the home. The house feels cherished and loved which is evident through both the text and the illustrations. I feel like this story is a good way to teach children that just because something is old does not mean that it is useless. So often in our society today, children are learning that if it's new then it must be the best. However, I think there is something to be said for antique items or items that need a little TLC. This book would pair well with an activity where students can take an old item they have and make it appear new, or, incorporate a science project with the same guidelines.

[Caranna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this story about an old, empty house who is lonely and sad.

The love of a family once again fills him with warmth and laughter.

as one who has given an old house some much needed love this book struck a personal chord and I couldn't help but relate.

I loved the illustrations as we see an old droopy house (with a frowny face) transform into one who's windows gleam and appears to smile.

It makes me think that all of us, whether we are a person, or a house, just need a little love to make us stand straighter and feel important. So that we may live our life with hope and purpose.

[Vivian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Narrate this story as you thumb through the pages, reading only the best parts. There is actually quite a lot of vocabulary in this story and it has a subtle message of thinking of others before oneself. Here are some examples of possible new words for children…
Rickety, chattered, twiggy, reduced, drooped, musty, quaint, foundation, indignantly, wriggled

[Dayna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a touching story about a little old house who had lost its luster and thought its days were numbered. Then a young family finds and falls in love with the house and brings it back to glory. I found myself a little teary over this one as we have an old house who need someone to love it up!

[Kendall · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Show-Me Readers nominee 2009-2010. Kids like this story about a "living" old house that reawakens after a long period of neglect. The right family moves in and the house becomes happy. Cute story, good illustrations...nothing particularly memorable or spectacular.

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think old houses have merit. I think in the US we are quick to tear things down instead of trying to repair it. Things like asbestos, etc can be a problem, but I would rather invest in old then new sometimes! I sweet story that got me a little misty eyed! A good one!

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a delightful story about an old house with “low self-esteem” who realizes its potential when a family considers moving in. When the house stops feeling sorry for itself and starts feeling sorry for the family, then we know their will be a great outcome!

[Tricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

book's msg: something for everyone/not everything we own has to be new and shiny. nature and man work together to make the house better. happy ending.

[Amy Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

An old house is sad because it's old and falling apart and everyone passes it by...until a family comes by and decides that they want to fix it up.

[Krista · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this sweet story about an old house that needed a family.

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Won second place in the 2010 Show Me vote. An old house, its tree, birds, and squirrels long for a family to love and care for.

[Juliej · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute, simple book about an old house that just needs a family to love it.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

An adorable tear-jerker that nearly made me lose it at the returns desk!

[Cara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book, and it had nice illustrations.

[Tam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cute story of an old rundown house who became fresh again when a loving family bought it and cleaned it up.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book would be neat to pair with the Little House by Burton

[Bree · Rating 1 out of 5]

Notes:
The Little House by Virginia Lee Burton is lightyears better than this book; too cartoony and the story is not engaging; also the house has thoughts and looks alive which is just weird

[Gray · Rating 3 out of 5]

You guys always comment on whether our house's mouth is open or closed so this was perfect.

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reminds me of Virginia Lee Burton's story The Little House. It could be paired with it for a compare/contrast lesson.

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adorable pictures and sweet story.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a sweet little story! We've checked it multiple times. I would like to own it!

[Hope L. Justice · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am biased here. I gave this book five stars because I think the merit of historic homes exists and I live in a painted lady. I felt heart warmed by this story.

[Brandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this to my son last night. We really liked it.

[Lily Nagel]

This book is a fictional children's picture book. It a cute story about a sad old house that needs to be bought, or else it will be torn down. Everyone who passes by sees it as an eyesore. However, this one family sees potential in it, and makes it their new family home. This book would be great in a 1st-3rd grade classroom. It has a great lesson for children; you can turn ugly things into something beautiful!