Down Down the Mountain

by Ellis Credle

Hetty and Hank live in a small cabin in the mountains and although cozy, they are poor and have never owned a pair of shoes. "They each wanted a beautiful shining pair that sang, 'Creaky-squeaky-creaky-squeaky,' every time they walked."

However, Mammy and Pappy give them reasons they cannot have them, such as, "You can't find shoes like that in these hills!" and "We've everything we need right here in these hills." So they go to Granny who gives them an idea to plant turnip seeds and when they grow into "fine big turnips" they can take them down down the mountain to town to sell for a pair of shoes. So that is just what Hetty and Hank do.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Read For School, American, Historical Fiction, United States

56 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1934

About the author

1902- 1998

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ellis_C...

Reviews

[Mary Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

My five year old was getting worried for the children, half way through the book. He loved how it turned out. He appreciated that the children were kind to others at their own expense and that they were still taken care of in the end.

[Lmichelleb · Rating 4 out of 5]

A simple and sweet story about a brother and sister who learn to be both industrious and generous.

[Gordon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Down Down the Mountain, by Ellis Credle, is a very sweet story about a family living in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Mammy and Pappy live in a tiny log cabin up in the hills, where their children, Hetty and Hank, work and play alongside their parents. The children each dream of having a pair of shoes that would not only keep their feet warm during the winter months, but would also sing a "squeaky creaky song". However, money is tight and, frankly, the equally barefoot parents don't exactly see the need. Granny suggests a plan to help them reach their goal. Will the plan work? There's just no tellin'. (Ok, I could tell, but that would spoil the fun. Wouldn't it?)
First published in the early 1930s at the height of the Depression, the book with its two color illustrations has an austere feel, just perfect for a story about wants and needs that may be just slightly out of reach.

[Michelle Fournier · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun short Picture book with lovely illustrations that takes place in the Blue Ridge Mountains. A simple story that gives a good taste of life in the Blue Ridge Mountains ~100 years ago. Perfect as an addition to our North Carolina history.

[Susan Petersen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A compelling story about two Appalachian children wanting their first pair of shoes and how they worked hard to get them. Teaches several good traits-hard work, perseverance, generosity, and empathy.

[Maya · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my very favorite childhood books - out of so many: my mom was a children's librarian and brought home stacks of stories every week to enjoy.

Reading it paired with Eve Rice's "New Blue Shoes."

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent picture book, on the long side, but still interesting enough for even my three-year-old daughter to sit through.

I like how the country people of the Appalachias are shown to be honest, hard-working, friendly, and generous, though poor.

[Perkins Y · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5. A forgotten book with a good story about working hard and helping others.

[Nanny B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story of working hard for something you want, sharing with neighbors, and life years ago in the Blue Ridge mountains.
Illustrations ate brown and blue drawings.

[Danette · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read with Naomi.

[Tirzah · Rating 5 out of 5]

My sister and I read this book many a time as children. The story teaches readers the ethic of hard work to achieve something that you desire. In this case, Hetty and Hank plant turnips so they can buy a pair of brand new shoes. Hetty and Hank are also shining examples of kindness to those less fortunate than they. And the illustrations are unique and lovely. I highly recommend to those with children for the values the book teaches.

[Mochapelt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Five in a Row book, not one old the best ones.

[Lisa Sellers · Rating 5 out of 5]

a weekly reader that I love written year dad was born.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

good story of how hard work and perseverance can reap desired rewards.