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Little Britches #4
Mary Emma & Company
The protagonist, Mary Emma Moody, widowed mother of six, has taken her family east in 1912 to begin a new life. Her son, Ralph, then thirteen, recalls how the Moodys survive that first bleak winter in a Massachusetts town. Money and prospects are lacking, but not so faith and resourcefulness. "Mother" in Little Britches and Man of the Family , Mary Emma emerges fully as a character in this book, and Ralph, no longer called "Little Britches," comes into his own. The family’s run-ins with authority and with broken furnaces in winter are evocative of a full and warm family life. Mary Emma & Company continues the Moody saga that started in Colorado with Little Britches and runs through Man of the Family and The Home Ranch . All these titles have been reprinted as Bison Books, as has The Fields of Home , in which Ralph leaves the Massachusetts town for his grandfather's farm in Maine.
235 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1961
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1113 people want to read
About the author
Ralph Moody
63 books199 followersRalph Moody was an American author who wrote 17 novels and autobiographies about the American West. He was born in East Rochester, New Hampshire, in 1898 but moved to Colorado with his family when he was eight in the hopes that a dry climate would improve his father Charles's tuberculosis. Moody detailed his experiences in Colorado in the first book of the Little Britches series, Father and I Were Ranchers.
After his father died, eleven-year-old Moody assumed the duties of the "man of the house." He and his sister Grace combined ingenuity with hard work in a variety of odd jobs to help their mother provide for their large family. The Moody clan returned to the East Coast some time after Charles's death, but Moody had difficulty readjusting. Following more than one ill-timed run-in with local law enforcement, he left the family home near Boston to live on his grandfather's farm in Maine. His later Little Britches books cover his time in Maine and subsequent travels through Arizona, New Mexico, Nebraska, and Kansas—including stints as a bust sculptor and a horse rider doing "horse falls" for motion pictures—as he worked his way back toward Colorado while continuing to support his family financially.
Moody's formal education was limited, but he had a lifelong interest in learning and self-education. At age 50, he enrolled in a writing class, which eventually led to the publication of Father and I Were Ranchers. In addition to the Little Britches series, Moody wrote a number of books detailing the development of the American West. His books have been described as crude in the language of the times but are highly praised by Moody's readership and have been in continuous publication since 1950.
After a period as livestock business owner in rural Kansas, Moody sent to Massachusetts for his former sweetheart, Edna. They married and moved to Kansas City. They had three children.—Source
After his father died, eleven-year-old Moody assumed the duties of the "man of the house." He and his sister Grace combined ingenuity with hard work in a variety of odd jobs to help their mother provide for their large family. The Moody clan returned to the East Coast some time after Charles's death, but Moody had difficulty readjusting. Following more than one ill-timed run-in with local law enforcement, he left the family home near Boston to live on his grandfather's farm in Maine. His later Little Britches books cover his time in Maine and subsequent travels through Arizona, New Mexico, Nebraska, and Kansas—including stints as a bust sculptor and a horse rider doing "horse falls" for motion pictures—as he worked his way back toward Colorado while continuing to support his family financially.
Moody's formal education was limited, but he had a lifelong interest in learning and self-education. At age 50, he enrolled in a writing class, which eventually led to the publication of Father and I Were Ranchers. In addition to the Little Britches series, Moody wrote a number of books detailing the development of the American West. His books have been described as crude in the language of the times but are highly praised by Moody's readership and have been in continuous publication since 1950.
After a period as livestock business owner in rural Kansas, Moody sent to Massachusetts for his former sweetheart, Edna. They married and moved to Kansas City. They had three children.—Source
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 163 reviews
March 10, 2016
(Read-aloud)
We love reading of the adventures of the now beloved-to-us Moody family, narrated by the young Ralph (11yo). These are excellent read-alouds, all of them (and especially for boys, I think). Ralph is a hard-working, inventive boy, respectful of authority. He acts out of a clear knowledge of right and wrong. I can't recommend this series enough.
Mary Emma (Ralph's mother) comes to the forefront in this book, but the story is still told through Ralph's eyes and in his words.
Some new characters were introduced in this book, too- (our favorite being Uncle Levi ("By hub!")). We all laugh out loud at Ralph's descriptions and the kids are always asking daddy to read just a little more.
We love reading of the adventures of the now beloved-to-us Moody family, narrated by the young Ralph (11yo). These are excellent read-alouds, all of them (and especially for boys, I think). Ralph is a hard-working, inventive boy, respectful of authority. He acts out of a clear knowledge of right and wrong. I can't recommend this series enough.
Mary Emma (Ralph's mother) comes to the forefront in this book, but the story is still told through Ralph's eyes and in his words.
Some new characters were introduced in this book, too- (our favorite being Uncle Levi ("By hub!")). We all laugh out loud at Ralph's descriptions and the kids are always asking daddy to read just a little more.
April 17, 2021
3.5
setting: Medford, Mass.
This book continues the Moody story from Jan 1912 through April, covering five months of adjustments. As stated in the title, the focus here is on Mary Emma and the huge responsibility that landed on her shoulders when her husband passed away. My impression is that Moody loved his life in Colorado; that passion is lost in this volume. Yes, he continues to be ingenious but without the animals and the open spaces, the tone of his writing changes.
Mother decides that she'll take in laundry to support her six children. She'd had experience with lace curtains in Denver but in Medford she focused on 'fine laundering.' She tells her children:
p 97 I know of no more honorable occupation—or profession, for that matter—for fine laundering is an art if practiced as we shall practice it, with the utmost skill and artistry. And as for serving others for hire, that is the foundation of our whole society, whether we be doctors, lawyers, ministers or laundresses. One is respected in a community to the extent, and only to the extent, that he or she respects his own position in life.
Yes, much of this story has to do with the laundry business, but my favorite part receives surprisingly little attention -- the acquisition of furniture. The family left Denver with little more than the clothes on their backs and some personal belongings. Not only did they need to find a place to live, they also needed enough household furnishings to supply seven people. An elderly lady had passed away and her son was emptying the house. When Mother returned from meeting with him, she was laughing crying, and sputtering:
p 73: Frank, Hilda, children, you never saw anything like it in all your lives! That house is furnished from cellar to garret with the loveliest old walnut furniture: dressers with acorn handles and marble tops, gate-legged tables and tapestry-seated chairs, four-poster beds and a beautiful square-grand piano, and I've bought every stick and stiver of it for $50—rugs, bed clothing, and even the dishes and dishtowels ...
Heck, I'd pay more than $50 just to be able to go through everything. To my disappointment, Moody didn't say anything more about the purchase. How much did they move? What did they find that was 'exciting'? Did they sell stuff they didn't need? Who did the moving? Too bad that his sister Grace didn't write a chapter on this subject. Surely she would have given a more thorough recounting!
setting: Medford, Mass.
This book continues the Moody story from Jan 1912 through April, covering five months of adjustments. As stated in the title, the focus here is on Mary Emma and the huge responsibility that landed on her shoulders when her husband passed away. My impression is that Moody loved his life in Colorado; that passion is lost in this volume. Yes, he continues to be ingenious but without the animals and the open spaces, the tone of his writing changes.
Mother decides that she'll take in laundry to support her six children. She'd had experience with lace curtains in Denver but in Medford she focused on 'fine laundering.' She tells her children:
p 97 I know of no more honorable occupation—or profession, for that matter—for fine laundering is an art if practiced as we shall practice it, with the utmost skill and artistry. And as for serving others for hire, that is the foundation of our whole society, whether we be doctors, lawyers, ministers or laundresses. One is respected in a community to the extent, and only to the extent, that he or she respects his own position in life.
Yes, much of this story has to do with the laundry business, but my favorite part receives surprisingly little attention -- the acquisition of furniture. The family left Denver with little more than the clothes on their backs and some personal belongings. Not only did they need to find a place to live, they also needed enough household furnishings to supply seven people. An elderly lady had passed away and her son was emptying the house. When Mother returned from meeting with him, she was laughing crying, and sputtering:
p 73: Frank, Hilda, children, you never saw anything like it in all your lives! That house is furnished from cellar to garret with the loveliest old walnut furniture: dressers with acorn handles and marble tops, gate-legged tables and tapestry-seated chairs, four-poster beds and a beautiful square-grand piano, and I've bought every stick and stiver of it for $50—rugs, bed clothing, and even the dishes and dishtowels ...
Heck, I'd pay more than $50 just to be able to go through everything. To my disappointment, Moody didn't say anything more about the purchase. How much did they move? What did they find that was 'exciting'? Did they sell stuff they didn't need? Who did the moving? Too bad that his sister Grace didn't write a chapter on this subject. Surely she would have given a more thorough recounting!
August 28, 2016
I always hate finishing this book. It is my favorite in the series. It is so full of tenacity and creativity. I am just smitten with this leg of the story.
First reading October 2014
First reading October 2014
January 14, 2024
I just don’t know how these books can keep getting better and better! Favorites are definitely books 1, 2, and 4.
Don’t miss this one in the series either!
Ages: 8+
Content Considerations: d*mn is used a number of times. A son doesn’t always tell his mother what he’s doing. A boy gets into a couple of fights but not by his instigation.
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Don’t miss this one in the series either!
Ages: 8+
Content Considerations: d*mn is used a number of times. A son doesn’t always tell his mother what he’s doing. A boy gets into a couple of fights but not by his instigation.
**Like my reviews? Then you should follow me! Because I have hundreds more just like this one. With each review, I provide a Cleanliness Report, mentioning any objectionable content I come across so that parents and/or conscientious readers (like me) can determine beforehand whether they want to read a book or not. Content surprises are super annoying, especially when you’re 100+ pages in, so here’s my attempt to help you avoid that!
If you’re considering a book or looking for a new title to read, check out my highly categorized shelves, read my reviews and Friend or Follow me to spiff up your feed with clean, wholesome, living books.
February 6, 2017
The author has quite some talent and no mistake! This is some of the most interesting writing I've ever seen. It's even more immersing than many works of fiction. This is quite a feat, by my standards leastways.
March 13, 2024
I love this series.
December 27, 2025
Would happily read stacks of these + James Herriot books till I die.
Almost makes you want to die tragically so your children become resourceful geniuses.
Almost makes you want to die tragically so your children become resourceful geniuses.
January 8, 2012
I don't dish out 5 stars readily... but I knew right from page 41 that the widowed heroine of the story, Mary Emma, would be a kindred spirit.
This is a story about a family who uprooted and moved from Colorado to Massachussets in 1912 and how they industriously made a new life for themselves. It was a VERY inspirational read.
And about page 41? Mary Emma was quote on that page as saying to her children: "Until you are all grown and ready to have homes of your own, I will not be separated from you children for a moment longer than is absolutely necessary. That means that we must find some way of making our living in our own home."
Highly recommended.
This is a story about a family who uprooted and moved from Colorado to Massachussets in 1912 and how they industriously made a new life for themselves. It was a VERY inspirational read.
And about page 41? Mary Emma was quote on that page as saying to her children: "Until you are all grown and ready to have homes of your own, I will not be separated from you children for a moment longer than is absolutely necessary. That means that we must find some way of making our living in our own home."
Highly recommended.
July 25, 2021
Little Britches moves from Colorado to Massachusetts. The family strives to make a living in the city. Ralph quits rodeo riding for clamming and entrepreneurship.
I miss the western tales, but the family's determination and planning is inspirational.
I miss the western tales, but the family's determination and planning is inspirational.
April 21, 2022
What a beautiful story! After all the moving and changes the family has been through since Charles Moody died, it's so refreshing to see them settle down in a place they can call their own. Ralph grows up fast in this book, plunged into the city and forced to adapt. But he takes more of a back seat to his mother and his sister, Grace. These two really carry the family, working as hard as any man to make a home. It's beautiful to see the family come together, to pull themselves up from virtual poverty to running a successful business and owning a house.
One of my favourites of the series.
One of my favourites of the series.
September 9, 2017
Mary Emma is another literary parent to look up too and inspire to be like! Interesting story for the whole family, about a family that has to pull themselves up by the boot straps and find a way to make a living...and quick. The ideas and businesses they come up with are entertaining and inspiring. I love their dedication, work ethic and how much love they have for each other. The ending put tears in my eyes.
May 21, 2023
As Ralph's story continues, he and his mother, brothers, and sisters settle in to Boston and struggle to find good work that will keep their family together during a rough winter. There are moments of dispair and so many opportunities to give up, but the Moodys' tenacity again pulls them through, stronger and more resilient.
5/23 Finished again, this time as a supper read aloud. The boys (ages 10 and 7) loved it even more than I did. The sledding chapter was their favorite.
5/23 Finished again, this time as a supper read aloud. The boys (ages 10 and 7) loved it even more than I did. The sledding chapter was their favorite.
July 24, 2017
This is one of my favorites of series! I love the family industry.
June 27, 2018
Wow. I actually ended up liking this book a lot better than I thought I would... :D
My Dad read this book out loud, next up is Book 1 of Lord of the Rings!!! (I have never read/listened to them before but I finally convinced my Dad I needed to do at least one of the two XD)
This was honestly such a good book. My favorite is either this one, (book 4) or the third...
It had such wonderful feelings of surviving in a new place, strength in hard times, love for each other, and many other things!
Also the last chapter!!!!!!!!!!! I think that was the best, most sweetest thing ever!! <3
I loved Phillip's character development in this book, I felt that I got to know him much better! I loved that he wanted to work and help out his family, especially his Mother!
Also I liked at times that other boys knew how do some things Ralph didn't (such as clam fishing) and I think that really added to the story because they had to (try to) teach him.
I tell ya, these Moody's have great minds for business ;P
I rate Mary Emma & Company 5 stars! I love this series so much!
(Also we're going to the library either today or Friday so YAY!)
My Dad read this book out loud, next up is Book 1 of Lord of the Rings!!! (I have never read/listened to them before but I finally convinced my Dad I needed to do at least one of the two XD)
This was honestly such a good book. My favorite is either this one, (book 4) or the third...
It had such wonderful feelings of surviving in a new place, strength in hard times, love for each other, and many other things!
Also the last chapter!!!!!!!!!!! I think that was the best, most sweetest thing ever!! <3
I loved Phillip's character development in this book, I felt that I got to know him much better! I loved that he wanted to work and help out his family, especially his Mother!
Also I liked at times that other boys knew how do some things Ralph didn't (such as clam fishing) and I think that really added to the story because they had to (try to) teach him.
I tell ya, these Moody's have great minds for business ;P
I rate Mary Emma & Company 5 stars! I love this series so much!
(Also we're going to the library either today or Friday so YAY!)
March 23, 2021
I gathered my collection of the Little Britches series piecemeal as I could find them used over the years but I think Mary Emma and Co is the only one I had to buy new for myself a couple years ago. I intended on starting at the beginning again in the series to read them straight through in order since there are some I haven't read yet now that I have them all, but I picked this one up for the first time the other day and nearly finished it all in just two evenings. Even though it's been years since I've read the earlier books in the series, this one stands well on its own after the earlier events in the Moody family. I can see why Mary Emma is often mentioned in lists of inspiring mothers. Her tenacity and endurance in raising six children on her own as a widow after moving from Colorado to the more expensive Massachusetts is admirable and told in a way that draws you in by her oldest son Ralph - and Ralph's entrepreneurial exploits are fascinating too. I don't remember if the rest of the series is as engaging and quick to read as this one but glad I finally picked it up off of my to-read shelf!
February 23, 2018
Didn't enjoy quite as much as the last one; less adventures, but still a good story with pretty solid morals. Sadly, although they live what's "right", for Ralph at least, it seems to be not out of conviction but just because it's what his mother requires or because it was the law at that time. (mostly not working on Sunday)
December 30, 2019
Chandler and I love to listen to these books in our drive to California and the kids phase in and out paying attention. We’re always blown away at the maturity of the children in these books and love the good examples they set
January 5, 2021
Another great Ralph Moody book!
December 14, 2020
So far this is my least favorite book in the series, yet I am still giving it 4.5 stars. I miss Colorado and I feel bad for Ralph having to live in a big city, with no horses to ride.
It's tougher for the family in Boston where the cost of living is high. They are close to some extended family though. I can't imagine being in Mary Emma's situation, a single mother who needs to work from home so she can also care for her six children. I had my doubts about her ability to make a living doing peoples' fine laundry. But she made it work, with the help of most of her children. They are a tenacious bunch.
There are some wonderful stories, from Ralph getting on the "bad boy" list kept by the police - 3 times (poor guy, these weren't all deliberate on his part), massive problems with the old wood/coal burning stove in their rental house, and Ralph earning money for the family working at the grocery store and collecting wood discarded from a bridge that had burned down.
These books are entertaining and impart great lessons to children.
"So often one forgets his blessings in grieving over his mishaps."
It's tougher for the family in Boston where the cost of living is high. They are close to some extended family though. I can't imagine being in Mary Emma's situation, a single mother who needs to work from home so she can also care for her six children. I had my doubts about her ability to make a living doing peoples' fine laundry. But she made it work, with the help of most of her children. They are a tenacious bunch.
There are some wonderful stories, from Ralph getting on the "bad boy" list kept by the police - 3 times (poor guy, these weren't all deliberate on his part), massive problems with the old wood/coal burning stove in their rental house, and Ralph earning money for the family working at the grocery store and collecting wood discarded from a bridge that had burned down.
These books are entertaining and impart great lessons to children.
"So often one forgets his blessings in grieving over his mishaps."
May 30, 2020
This is probably my favorite book of this series. The ways the family figures out how to support themselves, the mom's beautiful attitude even when she's slaving away in a sweatshop, and even the part where they figure out how to paint the ceiling. The whole book is a series of engineering challenges. Like when Ralph hauls the lumber out of the river. Each chapter is endlessly fascinating. It's been such a treat to read them to my kids.
April 24, 2015
Another solid 4-star book in the Little Britches series. In this book, the Moody family moves to Massachusetts and basically starts over from scratch. I was amazed at the creative ways this family found to support themselves. I was inspired by the way they accepted their situation and worked like all get-out to to solve problems and improve their future.
June 28, 2019
This is the 4th book in the series, and it was just as good as the others. I’m sure these stories, like those by Laura Ingalls Wilder, are somewhat idealized, but the indomitable spirit of this family, and Mother’s commitment to thankfulness and cheerfulness is delightful. I’m looking forward to #5!
March 27, 2022
Sweetest story of a family persevering in trials. Mary Emma, gold medal mother of ever there was one, is a widow with six children in a new city. With determination, faith, humility, and cheerfulness, she carries her family through upheaval of all kinds always feeding them, reading to them, and believing in them the whole way.
February 23, 2015
Maybe it is just that I relate to Mother, but I loved this story of Mary Emma working hard to keep her family together in very difficult circumstances. This one just beat out "Man of the Family" as my favorite of Moody's books.
November 1, 2017
Mary Emma is one of the most admirable mothers of any memoir (or fiction) I’ve ever read.
I don’t understand how these books aren’t as well known and widely loved as the Little House series by Laura Ingalls Wilder.
I don’t understand how these books aren’t as well known and widely loved as the Little House series by Laura Ingalls Wilder.
May 5, 2024
The kids and I just loved listening to this in the car! The Moody kids are so hard-working and ingenious in helping their mother settle into a new home and keep everyone together. Mrs. Moody is my hero. Charming and inspiring.
October 16, 2012
4.5 stars... Another great book in the Ralph Moody autobiographies. I'm loving this series, and am so impressed with this family!
September 24, 2019
In this fourth book of the series, the scene changes from the American West to a Massachusetts city. The family arrives in the middle of winter, and with only the limited money they were able to gain from the quick sale of their few things out West. Fortunately, they have come to family, Mary Emma (Ralph's mother) brother and his wife and children. This must be temporary, however, because Frank and his family are living in a small home with few resources themselves.
The family consists of six children with their mother. Ralph and Gracie continue their amazing hard work ethic, and in this story the younger Philip and Muriel join in to help the family accomplish even more. Mary Emma has laundering in her mind as an occupation she could do while also being mother. Although she has the experience of keeping the Colorado hotel's curtains clean, she now wants to learn more about professional care of clothing (especially ironing difficult garments), so she walks to work at a laundry to learn while her sister-in-law can keep an eye on young Hal and toddler Elizabeth. She is determined to earn money to get the family on its own as soon as possible. Of course, Ralph and Gracie help in tangible ways, too. Ralph gets a job as a delivery boy at a grocery store, but shows his talent for tackling dirty jobs. Gracie helps in a number of ways, most of all helping her aunt and her younger siblings with their schooling. In almost no time (two months at the most), Mary Emma is ready to make her move. Ready to move the family into a rented home and to open her own laundry, she starts looking around. A big home with a large basement comes available, but it needs a lot of work. Undaunted, she sets everyone to methodically working, knowing they have to eat and sleep, but they also need to get a basement laundry prepared as well.
Of course, there are challenges. The heating system in the house is little better than a place where refuse has been burned. Coal is expensive, and with poor pipes, it seems to just smoke up the house. Meanwhile, the house needs furnishing. This family came from Colorado with just what they could carry. For this, the family receives an unbelievable blessing. Because their work ethic gets noticed by the right people along with their need for furniture and kitchen things, they receive all the furnishings from a home of an recently deceased elderly woman for just $50. With this encouragement, they put their shoulder to the wheel with the heating system and get it improved just in time for their first laundry jobs. Meanwhile, Gracie decides that their iron just won't do. It isn't a professional grade iron, and she feels strongly that this is something which is needed. Ralph gets his eager brother Philip to cover his job at the grocery, and he and Gracie go into China town to barter for a professional grade iron. While there, they visit their mother's uncle and get the rare treat of being taken to eat at a restaurant where they tell their uncle what all they are up to. The uncle is very glad to hear of his relations being so active in supporting themselves. Just a few days later, he pays a Sunday visit to the family, bringing enough food to feed their family as well as Mary Emma's brother and family. While the women-folk cook, the men-folk and Ralph go to the basement to make tables and shelving units for the laundry. The description of this afternoon lets the reader know that Mary Emma's ancestors have shown her how to work hard.
There is much more to the book. The children aren't just good at their work. They play hard, too. When a fire in town causes the firemen to dismantle a bridge, Ralph gets the idea to salvage the huge timbers of wood. He knows he will need help, so he makes plans with other young men to get the resources to all who will help.
The last chapter of the book describes a May Day of that time. Just reading about it makes one yearn for those traditions again. The most poignant part of the story is how Mary Emma responds to the love of her devoted children. They have built a home together from nothing, and their hard-working mother is their queen.
The family consists of six children with their mother. Ralph and Gracie continue their amazing hard work ethic, and in this story the younger Philip and Muriel join in to help the family accomplish even more. Mary Emma has laundering in her mind as an occupation she could do while also being mother. Although she has the experience of keeping the Colorado hotel's curtains clean, she now wants to learn more about professional care of clothing (especially ironing difficult garments), so she walks to work at a laundry to learn while her sister-in-law can keep an eye on young Hal and toddler Elizabeth. She is determined to earn money to get the family on its own as soon as possible. Of course, Ralph and Gracie help in tangible ways, too. Ralph gets a job as a delivery boy at a grocery store, but shows his talent for tackling dirty jobs. Gracie helps in a number of ways, most of all helping her aunt and her younger siblings with their schooling. In almost no time (two months at the most), Mary Emma is ready to make her move. Ready to move the family into a rented home and to open her own laundry, she starts looking around. A big home with a large basement comes available, but it needs a lot of work. Undaunted, she sets everyone to methodically working, knowing they have to eat and sleep, but they also need to get a basement laundry prepared as well.
Of course, there are challenges. The heating system in the house is little better than a place where refuse has been burned. Coal is expensive, and with poor pipes, it seems to just smoke up the house. Meanwhile, the house needs furnishing. This family came from Colorado with just what they could carry. For this, the family receives an unbelievable blessing. Because their work ethic gets noticed by the right people along with their need for furniture and kitchen things, they receive all the furnishings from a home of an recently deceased elderly woman for just $50. With this encouragement, they put their shoulder to the wheel with the heating system and get it improved just in time for their first laundry jobs. Meanwhile, Gracie decides that their iron just won't do. It isn't a professional grade iron, and she feels strongly that this is something which is needed. Ralph gets his eager brother Philip to cover his job at the grocery, and he and Gracie go into China town to barter for a professional grade iron. While there, they visit their mother's uncle and get the rare treat of being taken to eat at a restaurant where they tell their uncle what all they are up to. The uncle is very glad to hear of his relations being so active in supporting themselves. Just a few days later, he pays a Sunday visit to the family, bringing enough food to feed their family as well as Mary Emma's brother and family. While the women-folk cook, the men-folk and Ralph go to the basement to make tables and shelving units for the laundry. The description of this afternoon lets the reader know that Mary Emma's ancestors have shown her how to work hard.
There is much more to the book. The children aren't just good at their work. They play hard, too. When a fire in town causes the firemen to dismantle a bridge, Ralph gets the idea to salvage the huge timbers of wood. He knows he will need help, so he makes plans with other young men to get the resources to all who will help.
The last chapter of the book describes a May Day of that time. Just reading about it makes one yearn for those traditions again. The most poignant part of the story is how Mary Emma responds to the love of her devoted children. They have built a home together from nothing, and their hard-working mother is their queen.
July 7, 2023
My husband has been reading aloud from the Little Britches series for a few years, as we're able to get the books through interlibrary loan. This book has a different flavor from the Colorado stories (Father and I Were Ranchers and Man of the Family). With Ralph's mom, Mary Emma, featured more centrally in the story, we get to know her character more deeply. We get to know the rest of the Moody family a little better, too, especially Ralph's older sister Grace. Female characters play a much larger role and set the tone for life in the city--where they ladies pull much of the weight to support the family as they get settled in a new place. Though Mary Emma and Grace throw themselves into their laundry business to make ends meet, Mary Emma reminds her children that the greatest work and privilege of a woman's life is to care for her family, her home. The selfless love of a good mother, and the reflection of that love in the lives of her children, makes this book incredibly heartwarming--to a level not quite reached by the previous books in the series.
It truly is amazing what this family accomplishes. There is a bit of the "God helps those who help themselves" mentality, and that isn't good theology, but the characters praise the goodness of God in His provision, and they recognize their need to trust Him--which is refreshing and edifying to read nonetheless.
It truly is amazing what this family accomplishes. There is a bit of the "God helps those who help themselves" mentality, and that isn't good theology, but the characters praise the goodness of God in His provision, and they recognize their need to trust Him--which is refreshing and edifying to read nonetheless.
February 12, 2024
Already missing the characters of this sweet book. Told from the perspective of Ralph, who at 13, is the oldest son in a family of 7. His mother, Mary Emma has taken her 6 children to a town not far from Boston, to be near her brother and his family, after her husband has passed away. It starts at the beginning of 1912, and tells of the adventures of this family, starting over again in a new city. Mary Emma is someone we would all do well to model our lives after. A hard worker, whose priority is her family. She is the heart of this family. Though not a biography, the story is based on the adventures of the author’s own family. He wrote several other books about his family’s life in Colorado before his father passed away, which I haven’t read, yet. For homeschooling moms, this would be an enjoyable book to read aloud. Ralph is a go-getter, but does get himself into trouble on occasion. His heart to help his mother, and the way the family works together, is both inspiring and entertaining.
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