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A Long Road on a Short Day
A story of a father-son adventure with themes of community and kindness, in short chapters with vivid full-color illustrations.
In a story of perseverance and determination told with warmth and sparkling with humor, a short winter day finds Samuel and Papa walking a long road on Samuel's first trading trip. Meeting strangers, practicing good manners, and proud to be in Papa's company, Samuel watches and learns as Papa trades up from almost nothing to the milk cow Mama is yearning for.
In a story of perseverance and determination told with warmth and sparkling with humor, a short winter day finds Samuel and Papa walking a long road on Samuel's first trading trip. Meeting strangers, practicing good manners, and proud to be in Papa's company, Samuel watches and learns as Papa trades up from almost nothing to the milk cow Mama is yearning for.
64 pages, Hardcover
First published November 10, 2020
8 people are currently reading
414 people want to read
About the author
Gary D. Schmidt
75 books2,187 followersGary D. Schmidt is an American children's writer of nonfiction books and young adult novels, including two Newbery Honor books. He lives on a farm in Alto, Michigan,with his wife and six children, where he splits wood, plants gardens, writes, feeds the wild cats that drop by and wishes that sometimes the sea breeze came that far inland. He is a Professor of English at Calvin College.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 190 reviews
February 2, 2026
"Early on a white January morning, Samuel's mother said, 'I do wish we had a brown-eyed cow to give us milk for the baby.' "And so Papa and Samuel set off with only Papa's shiny Barlow knife and four apples to tide them over. They needed to move quickly today but if they're lucky, they'll get Mama her brown cow.
They first meet Mr. Snow, who offers two tin lanterns for Papa's fancy knife. He accepts the trade and soon Samuel and Papa head over to Mr. Perry's who offers them a fancy poetry book.
"Keep up," said Samuel's father. He looked up at the gray clouds. "It's a long road for a short day."
The two of them continue on their snowy adventure - visiting neighbors and townspeople. But will they get Mama her brown-eyed cow in time?
This was a very sweet old-timey story. It gave me cozy Little-House-On-the-Prairie vibes (though without the ever-present threat of starvation and poverty).
The plot was slow - but in a good way. I rather liked the easy story and the gentle adventure. I thought the family bonds between Papa and Samuel was so cute - the way Papa would ask Samuel's opinion on a trade or have him help inspect the items offered.
I really liked how the illustrator showed the animals in this story - the kittens, border collies, sheep, and (of course) cows, were so gosh dang adorable. (Though, I will admit that sometimes the proportions on the people felt a smidge off).
But overall, I really liked this wintry tale. I really hope the author writes more of these!
January 16, 2021
Read with my son, and we both are in agreement - Papa must have been running some shady scam behind the scenes, because how else do you start a series of trades with a pocket knife and end it with a grown milk cow of your choice? How? 🤷♀️
November 21, 2020
I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange foran honest review via netgalley and the publishers.
***AUDIO BOOK VERSION***
A long road on a short day is such a relaxing and warm book for children about a boy and his father going for a walk to try and barter and exchange a knife for a brown eyed cow which his mother really wants so she can feed her baby but the boy is secretly hoping for a puppy instead.
On their long walk they end up exchanging the knife for one thing then exchanging that for another and so on.
The boy ends up coming home with a wealth of knowledge learned from his father and the moral of the story is family love, time and bonding between a father and his son.
This was a delightful book and I can only imagine that the physical copy is even more beautiful if it contains pictures (I listened to the audio version which lasted approx half an hour).
The narration was very befitting to the story and so was the voice and speed it was read by/at.
***AUDIO BOOK VERSION***
A long road on a short day is such a relaxing and warm book for children about a boy and his father going for a walk to try and barter and exchange a knife for a brown eyed cow which his mother really wants so she can feed her baby but the boy is secretly hoping for a puppy instead.
On their long walk they end up exchanging the knife for one thing then exchanging that for another and so on.
The boy ends up coming home with a wealth of knowledge learned from his father and the moral of the story is family love, time and bonding between a father and his son.
This was a delightful book and I can only imagine that the physical copy is even more beautiful if it contains pictures (I listened to the audio version which lasted approx half an hour).
The narration was very befitting to the story and so was the voice and speed it was read by/at.
December 30, 2020
Samuel's mother tells Samuel and his father how nice it would be to have their own brown-eyed cow. Samuel and his father start out for the day with father's best Barlow knife. It is 'a long road on a short day.' As they stop at neighboring farms and businesses, father makes one trade after another. Will he be able to trade all the way up to a brown-eyed cow with some help from Samuel? At each stop, Samuel also meets a new animal and wonders what it would be like to have one of his own. Through the day, Samuel keeps the needs of his family in his mind despite the snow and many stops. Filled with gorgeous illustrations by Newbery-winner Eugene Yelchin, this book is a feast for the eyes and the soul.
November 12, 2020
One wintry morning, Samuel is told to bundle up by his Papa, they are going on a walk to see if they can barter their way to give Samuel’s Mama what she wants - a brown-eyed cow. With a baby needing milk, as well as the rest of the family, it would help them to manage. And so Samuel and his Papa set out to see if they can trade a folding knife, hoping to come home with a brown-eyed cow for his Mama. Along the way, they begin by trading the knife for a lantern, and continue along the way trading one item for another, throughout the day, and visiting with other families, as well. It’s a long day for such a young boy, and all the while Samuel is hoping for a puppy instead of a brown-eyed cow.
There’s an element of this that seems like a by-gone era, the simplicity of the story and the bartering add to that feeling, which I loved. More than that is a strong sense of the bond of family, especially between this father and son as they spend a long day walking in the cold for a gift to bring a smile to Samuel’s Mama. Love in action and deed.
In the end, Samuel’s Mama is happy with their final trades that they return home with, and Samuel is happy with everything he’s learned from Papa, as well.
I listened to the Audiobook version of this, so I can only say that if the illustrations in the book are anything like the cover, I imagine that they also really add to the story.
Aimed at young readers (Ages 8-10), this is a charming story that can be read in one sitting as a family, or enjoyed by the young reader alone.
Published: 10 Nov 2020
Many thanks for the ARC provided RB Media / Recorded Books
November 16, 2020
What a sweet and warm book, perfect for the wintry mood. It's a short story about father-son adventure on the road. It mildly reminded me of Old Yeller and Where the Red Fern Grows. Don't know why, as these two are dog stories. Maybe the narration was similar to those. Anyway, I liked it and may need to check what else is he reading. This book grabbed my attention by its cover, so another point for that.
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January 26, 2021I love children's books. Their purity and simple messages are always such an inspiration to me. Finding that perfect book to gift a new mother is something I never stop enjoying.
That said, I found A Long Road on a Short Day to be NOT AT ALL what I was expecting. I was hoping for an adorable story with a couple life lessons thrown in. Instead, we take a roundabout journey on a snowy day, following a father and son as they barter up through a small rural village, hoping to eventually have enough to trade for a milk cow.
Was this book written in late 1800s America? Was this supposed to read like a Christian proverb or something? I couldn't figure out why this family had so little and things like pride were emphasized so strongly. I tried, I really did, but there was scarcely anything in this book my 21st century city girl's mind could relate to. It felt like an episode of Little House on the Prairie.
I won't rate, because I am clearly not the target market for this particular book. It was nice enough, but I can't imagine a modern child sitting still for it or (unless he's in the same boat) understanding Samuel's sparse and simple life.
Thank you to NetGalley and Recorded Books for providing a free copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
That said, I found A Long Road on a Short Day to be NOT AT ALL what I was expecting. I was hoping for an adorable story with a couple life lessons thrown in. Instead, we take a roundabout journey on a snowy day, following a father and son as they barter up through a small rural village, hoping to eventually have enough to trade for a milk cow.
Was this book written in late 1800s America? Was this supposed to read like a Christian proverb or something? I couldn't figure out why this family had so little and things like pride were emphasized so strongly. I tried, I really did, but there was scarcely anything in this book my 21st century city girl's mind could relate to. It felt like an episode of Little House on the Prairie.
I won't rate, because I am clearly not the target market for this particular book. It was nice enough, but I can't imagine a modern child sitting still for it or (unless he's in the same boat) understanding Samuel's sparse and simple life.
Thank you to NetGalley and Recorded Books for providing a free copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
June 23, 2021
A story about trades and bartering. How will Samuel and Papa trade aBalow knife for a cow for Mama? It reminded me of a shorter and simpler version of Kekla Magoon's The Season of Styx Malone. If younger readers like this, they may want to give Kekla's a try. In addition, fans of Patricia MacLachlan's Sarah, Plain and Tall will like this story that seems to be set in a bygone era.
December 22, 2020
A long walk, and a whole lot of bartering leads to a father and son both getting exactly what they want. A beautiful, gentle story tailor-made for listening to on the shortest day of the year.
February 5, 2026
A Long Road on a Short Day by Gary D. Schmidt
In A Long Road on a Short Day, Gary D. Schmidt (with Elizabeth Stickney, illustrated by Eugene Yelchin) offers a tender, gently paced middle‑grade story about a snowy winter day and the bond between a young boy named Samuel and his father. When Samuel’s mother wishes for a brown‑eyed milk cow to help feed the new baby, Papa sets out with Samuel on foot, trading their way through neighbors’ wares in the hopes of securing that dream cow before daylight fades. Starting with Papa’s best knife and moving through lanterns, a book, a sheep, a pocket watch and even a pony and cart, each trade teaches Samuel lessons about value, community, and generosity as the snow deepens. Full‑color illustrations and timeless storytelling evoke a quieter era and celebrate perseverance, kindness, and family connection.
Reading this story felt like settling in beside a fire on a winter’s day, the simplicity of the father‑son journey rich with gentle wisdom and heartfelt moments that remind me how shared purpose and patience can deepen ties between loved ones. Samuel’s eager curiosity and Papa’s thoughtful guidance made their relationship feel real and warm, and the steady rhythm of each trade kept even the short tale moving with satisfying flow.
4 out of 5: a cozy, thoughtful children’s tale about love, community, and thoughtful generosity.
In A Long Road on a Short Day, Gary D. Schmidt (with Elizabeth Stickney, illustrated by Eugene Yelchin) offers a tender, gently paced middle‑grade story about a snowy winter day and the bond between a young boy named Samuel and his father. When Samuel’s mother wishes for a brown‑eyed milk cow to help feed the new baby, Papa sets out with Samuel on foot, trading their way through neighbors’ wares in the hopes of securing that dream cow before daylight fades. Starting with Papa’s best knife and moving through lanterns, a book, a sheep, a pocket watch and even a pony and cart, each trade teaches Samuel lessons about value, community, and generosity as the snow deepens. Full‑color illustrations and timeless storytelling evoke a quieter era and celebrate perseverance, kindness, and family connection.
Reading this story felt like settling in beside a fire on a winter’s day, the simplicity of the father‑son journey rich with gentle wisdom and heartfelt moments that remind me how shared purpose and patience can deepen ties between loved ones. Samuel’s eager curiosity and Papa’s thoughtful guidance made their relationship feel real and warm, and the steady rhythm of each trade kept even the short tale moving with satisfying flow.
4 out of 5: a cozy, thoughtful children’s tale about love, community, and thoughtful generosity.
May 9, 2020
A beautiful, quiet picture book that feels both old-fashioned and timeless. Perfect for cuddling up on a cold winter's afternoon!
Gary D. Schmidt is one of the word-perfect writers; it's clear to a reader who pays attention to such things that every word was carefully chosen and balanced. To most readers, each sentence and paragraph simply seems remarkably easy to read aloud, with the words rolling off your tongue. That element takes this from a simple, familiar story (or at least style of story) to a masterful telling.
Gary D. Schmidt is one of the word-perfect writers; it's clear to a reader who pays attention to such things that every word was carefully chosen and balanced. To most readers, each sentence and paragraph simply seems remarkably easy to read aloud, with the words rolling off your tongue. That element takes this from a simple, familiar story (or at least style of story) to a masterful telling.
October 6, 2025
This was lovely. Read aloud to my 6 and 3 year olds but I think my older kids would have loved too. It had the vibe of Ox Cart Man mixed with Sarah, Plain and Tall.
January 26, 2026
Short and sweet read aloud with 8yo and 5yo. Led to good discussion about the blessings that come from choosing selflessness over our own desires. Perfect morning read on this quiet, slow snow day ❄️
April 29, 2021
Wholesomeness pervades this lovely picture book.
Who among all readers (adults and children alike) has not faced a long road on a short day?
As a father and son set off through the northern snow to trade for a milk cow for Mama, we join them in their tenderly illustrated journey. Trades are negotiated among friendly neighbors. Some neighbors trade because they know of the needs of the growing family, others trade because they have a need to dispose of something unusable to them. The road is hard and long, especially for the young boy, but the father and neighbors encourage him. Friendship deepens in mutual care/ trade, hard work pays off, sacrifice strengthens as the boy lays down his desires for the family, purposeful work drives toward future days, and the long road leads home to a warm kitchen full of love and life that inspires us all.
Referred to this book by an adult friend, I read it during a time my road had become difficult. I found in it encouragement that the good, true, noble and worthy of praise, is solid and enduring. I can keep on walking through the snow…
This review brought the book my attention...
https://rocksatmyfeet.blogspot.com/20...
Who among all readers (adults and children alike) has not faced a long road on a short day?
As a father and son set off through the northern snow to trade for a milk cow for Mama, we join them in their tenderly illustrated journey. Trades are negotiated among friendly neighbors. Some neighbors trade because they know of the needs of the growing family, others trade because they have a need to dispose of something unusable to them. The road is hard and long, especially for the young boy, but the father and neighbors encourage him. Friendship deepens in mutual care/ trade, hard work pays off, sacrifice strengthens as the boy lays down his desires for the family, purposeful work drives toward future days, and the long road leads home to a warm kitchen full of love and life that inspires us all.
Referred to this book by an adult friend, I read it during a time my road had become difficult. I found in it encouragement that the good, true, noble and worthy of praise, is solid and enduring. I can keep on walking through the snow…
This review brought the book my attention...
https://rocksatmyfeet.blogspot.com/20...
December 28, 2020
After Mama’s expresses the need for a milk cow for their baby, Papa takes Samuel on a trading expedition. Starting with his hunting knife, they visitsone person after another, making trade after trade until he secures a milk cow. Papa treats Samuel as a partner, discussing various decisions they need to make along the way.
The phrase “Long road on a short day” is repeated by Papa and Samuel as they trod through the thickening snow and impending winter darkness. At just 59 pages of widely-spaced lines, this is a great read aloud for elementary students to discuss and an independent read for transitional readers. Occasional full-color illustrations add to the mood and tone.
Trading up emphasizes the importance of starting small if you’re thinking big, and how different people assign different values to various objects.
The phrase “Long road on a short day” is repeated by Papa and Samuel as they trod through the thickening snow and impending winter darkness. At just 59 pages of widely-spaced lines, this is a great read aloud for elementary students to discuss and an independent read for transitional readers. Occasional full-color illustrations add to the mood and tone.
Trading up emphasizes the importance of starting small if you’re thinking big, and how different people assign different values to various objects.
January 8, 2021
Simply and beautifully told story with a gentle message of putting need before want, putting others first, and showing tenacity in the face of less than ideal circumstances.
I am homeschooling grandsons ages 4.9 and 7 this year. This was our first read aloud for January; we read 2-3 (12 total) chapters each day for our first week back to school. Recalling each trade detail is how we reviewed before reading daily. Because it is set early in the previous century in a rural setting there were many things to explain and explore together: cutting ice, milking cows, shearing sheep, dogs that herd...
Deceptively simple and totally satisfying short story with captivating and appropriate illustrations.
I am homeschooling grandsons ages 4.9 and 7 this year. This was our first read aloud for January; we read 2-3 (12 total) chapters each day for our first week back to school. Recalling each trade detail is how we reviewed before reading daily. Because it is set early in the previous century in a rural setting there were many things to explain and explore together: cutting ice, milking cows, shearing sheep, dogs that herd...
Deceptively simple and totally satisfying short story with captivating and appropriate illustrations.
March 26, 2021
Adorable, a simply adorable chapter book about bartering and family for young readers. The theme "a long road on a short day" gets mentioned a few times throughout the story to help it move along. Happy I picked this one up, the pictures in the book are cute as well :)
May 31, 2021
My kids (ages 7 and 4) were so enthralled with this sweet story of a father and son who set out to get a brown-eyed cow for their mother by trading items with several of their neighbors. The beautiful illustrations round out the rich storytelling experience. A great family read-aloud!
January 12, 2024
This short chapter book can be read in about 45 minutes and is a perfect read aloud for a cold January day.
Mother wants a brown eyed cow, Samuel and his Father embark on the long road on a short day to see if they can trade for a cow.
Mother wants a brown eyed cow, Samuel and his Father embark on the long road on a short day to see if they can trade for a cow.
December 26, 2020
Sweet,cozy, winter day story by a favorite author
January 31, 2023
Super short enjoyable winter chapter book. Read-aloud to the kids in 1 sitting. It was fun when they figured out how it was probably going to end. Pictures were delightful!
August 16, 2024
A lovely short story about “trading up.” Sweet and clever.
January 25, 2023
This was such a delightful book. I've been reading a lot of winter themed books to the kids lately and we really enjoyed this one. If you're familiar with The Princess in Black or Fabled Stable series, then you'll enjoy how short these chapters are. You can read a bunch together or just one, but I like that you can kind of set the pace for your family. We read the book in two days.
While there are not a ton of pictures, the pictures that are there are really well illustrated, but the vivid words really help you picture the scenes in your hand. It is almost like the pictures are there just to keep the book moving for little kids.
One of the things I thought was really beautiful about this book was the sense of pride and responsibility the father helped his young son walked into. Clearly the boy already has a sense of work ethic because he mentions how he has helped take care of various farm animals and is willing to help others. But the way his father speaks to him and compliments him - treating him as a equal and yet understanding that his boy is still young but really allowing for growth and ownership to bloom in the boy. I just thought the relationship between father and son was so good. But then the whole quest about why they are on the Long road on a short day, for a cow with brown eyes for the wife/mother is just a sweet depiction of service to others - along with the fact that no money was ever used. Pure trading. I just loved it. Such a great book for the winter with littles.
While there are not a ton of pictures, the pictures that are there are really well illustrated, but the vivid words really help you picture the scenes in your hand. It is almost like the pictures are there just to keep the book moving for little kids.
One of the things I thought was really beautiful about this book was the sense of pride and responsibility the father helped his young son walked into. Clearly the boy already has a sense of work ethic because he mentions how he has helped take care of various farm animals and is willing to help others. But the way his father speaks to him and compliments him - treating him as a equal and yet understanding that his boy is still young but really allowing for growth and ownership to bloom in the boy. I just thought the relationship between father and son was so good. But then the whole quest about why they are on the Long road on a short day, for a cow with brown eyes for the wife/mother is just a sweet depiction of service to others - along with the fact that no money was ever used. Pure trading. I just loved it. Such a great book for the winter with littles.
May 11, 2020
First sentence: Early on a white January morning, Samuel’s mother said, “I do wish we had a brown-eyed cow to give us milk for the baby.” Samuel’s father set down his mug. “And for your tea,” she said. Samuel’s father smiled and got up from the table.
Premise/plot: Samuel and his Papa go on a LONG ROAD ON A SHORT DAY as they seek to trade their way to getting a milk cow to please Mama.
My thoughts: Such a simple plot. Such a JOYOUS story. I know it's only May. I know that I may read dozens of more stories that I may come to love more than this one. But. I can't help thinking THIS SHOULD WIN THE NEWBERY. Here's the thing: simple can be oh-so-complex to get right. Because you'll never convince me that every word, every line isn't carefully, meaningfully chosen to accomplish that JUST RIGHT feel.
I loved the text. I loved the characters. I loved the plot. I loved the illustrations. This is a gem of read. I want to hold it in my hands and read it again and again and again and again.
Premise/plot: Samuel and his Papa go on a LONG ROAD ON A SHORT DAY as they seek to trade their way to getting a milk cow to please Mama.
My thoughts: Such a simple plot. Such a JOYOUS story. I know it's only May. I know that I may read dozens of more stories that I may come to love more than this one. But. I can't help thinking THIS SHOULD WIN THE NEWBERY. Here's the thing: simple can be oh-so-complex to get right. Because you'll never convince me that every word, every line isn't carefully, meaningfully chosen to accomplish that JUST RIGHT feel.
I loved the text. I loved the characters. I loved the plot. I loved the illustrations. This is a gem of read. I want to hold it in my hands and read it again and again and again and again.
September 17, 2020
I received an electronic ARC from Clarion Books through Edelweiss+.
Samuel and his father set out to trade a knife for a milk cow. Readers see the trades they make through the day to get there. Schmidt offers a window into this historical period and brings readers along as Samuel and his father spend the day in the cold and snow to get something his mom wants. A lead in to discussion on past bartering systems and how communities connected with each other. The shorter chapters work for mid-elementary level readers.
Samuel and his father set out to trade a knife for a milk cow. Readers see the trades they make through the day to get there. Schmidt offers a window into this historical period and brings readers along as Samuel and his father spend the day in the cold and snow to get something his mom wants. A lead in to discussion on past bartering systems and how communities connected with each other. The shorter chapters work for mid-elementary level readers.
December 24, 2023
You always know when you are reading a Gary Schmidt book. The calmness and gentleness of his language deliver a world where children are respected - and sometimes get a dog at the end.
12-23: I’m so happy to live in a world where I get to read a Gary Schmidt book.
Favorite things challenge: Silver white winters that melt into spring.
12-23: I’m so happy to live in a world where I get to read a Gary Schmidt book.
Favorite things challenge: Silver white winters that melt into spring.
January 13, 2022
The perfect books to read aloud to your kiddos in winter. This illustrated short story will take you less than half an hour to read together and you’ll be smiling long after it is done.
A story of a father and son going out to look for a brown eyed milk cow on a long road on a short day. It’s about trading, meeting needs, sacrifice, and community. A beautiful illustrated short story!
A story of a father and son going out to look for a brown eyed milk cow on a long road on a short day. It’s about trading, meeting needs, sacrifice, and community. A beautiful illustrated short story!
April 12, 2022
A tender story of a boy and his father trading for the milk cow his mother wants. Some would say this could never happen, but it seems quite like the “one red paperclip challenge” in which a man traded his way from a paperclip to a house. Truth is stranger than fiction, and Schmidt has told his version in fine form.
August 9, 2023
This one is absolutely adorable! But I would expect nothing less from Gary D. Schmidt -- he never disappoints!
It is a children's book, maybe K-3rd grade, but is one that adults could also enjoy -- especially reading to a child :)
I highly recommend it!
(And be sure to look into Gary D. Schmidt's other books!)
It is a children's book, maybe K-3rd grade, but is one that adults could also enjoy -- especially reading to a child :)
I highly recommend it!
(And be sure to look into Gary D. Schmidt's other books!)
January 27, 2022
Sweet little children's book, I liked it but it might be better to read the story so you can look at the drawings too.
The story was good and I liked the narrator.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
The story was good and I liked the narrator.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 190 reviews