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Dandelions: A Story About Finding Home on the 1800s Prairie for Children
Eager to start a new life in a new land, Zoe and her family journey west to the Nebraska Territory in the 1800s. When Zoe and her family arrive at their claim, nothing distinguishes it from the miles and miles of surrounding prairie. Even after they build their soddie, the home can't be seen from any distance. Zoe has never seen Papa so happy or Mama so sad. But when she takes a trip to the small prairie town with Papa, Zoe sees something that might make a difference to their new soddie, and to Mama's life, too. "Bunting tells an poignant story, which is made even more affecting by its lovely illustrations." — School Library Journal (starred review)
48 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1995
8 people are currently reading
337 people want to read
About the author
Eve Bunting
307 books406 followersAlso known as Evelyn Bolton and A.E. Bunting.
Anne Evelyn Bunting, better known as Eve Bunting, is an author with more than 250 books. Her books are diverse in age groups, from picture books to chapter books, and topic, ranging from Thanksgiving to riots in Los Angeles. Eve Bunting has won several awards for her works.
Bunting went to school in Ireland and grew up with storytelling. In Ireland, “There used to be Shanachies… the shanachie was a storyteller who went from house to house telling his tales of ghosts and fairies, of old Irish heroes and battles still to be won. Maybe I’m a bit of a Shanchie myself, telling stories to anyone who will listen.” This storytelling began as an inspiration for Bunting and continues with her work.
In 1958, Bunting moved to the United States with her husband and three children. A few years later, Bunting enrolled in a community college writing course. She felt the desire to write about her heritage. Bunting has taught writing classes at UCLA. She now lives in Pasadena, California.
Anne Evelyn Bunting, better known as Eve Bunting, is an author with more than 250 books. Her books are diverse in age groups, from picture books to chapter books, and topic, ranging from Thanksgiving to riots in Los Angeles. Eve Bunting has won several awards for her works.
Bunting went to school in Ireland and grew up with storytelling. In Ireland, “There used to be Shanachies… the shanachie was a storyteller who went from house to house telling his tales of ghosts and fairies, of old Irish heroes and battles still to be won. Maybe I’m a bit of a Shanchie myself, telling stories to anyone who will listen.” This storytelling began as an inspiration for Bunting and continues with her work.
In 1958, Bunting moved to the United States with her husband and three children. A few years later, Bunting enrolled in a community college writing course. She felt the desire to write about her heritage. Bunting has taught writing classes at UCLA. She now lives in Pasadena, California.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
November 26, 2008
This is not just another covered wagon story. It is a rare blend of literature and art. Although it's written for ages 5-8, there is much in it the little ones might not pick up on without discussion -- especially the poignant moments where Mama's unspoken feelings about leaving her lifelong home in Illinois for the isolation of the new prairie home are apparent to an adult, but might be missed by a child.
The story is told by the older daughter, Zoe, beginning with the trip from Illinois to the Nebraska territory which was to be their new home. Here is an excerpt from the first two pages that sets the mood of most of the book:
Papa laughed and sang, 'Look at it Emma,' he said to Mama. Miles and miles of free land.'
'But it's so lonely…,' Mama said.
'We won't be lonely,' Papa promised. 'We have each other and the girls, and in the fall there will be a new baby.' His voice sounded almost holy. 'A new baby in a new land.'
My little sister, Rebecca, put her mouth close to my ear. 'Where are the trees, Zoe?'
'We'll come to some,' I said.
We did. But not many.
The slow journey across the prairie is not described in great detail, but Mama's blue mood continues as she comments when the grass closed behind them that "It's as if we'd never been." The end of the journey did not cheer Mama up much, either, since the scenery of the new home wasn't much different than that of the journey. But Papa remains cheerful and tries to lift Mama's spirits with a visit to the neighbors only a three -hour ride away -- where they were invited to sleep on that first night.
We watch the family plant a garden, dig a well, and move into their soddie. The author still focuses more on Mama's homesickness than on the details of the work of settling in. We see Mama becoming more and more depressed. Then Papa takes Zoe to town with him to buy supplies, a day's ride away. They leave Rebecca and Mama at the neighbor's on the way because of Mama's condition. While in town, Zoe sees a patch of dandelions and decides to dig them up, take them home, and plant them on their roof at home so that their house will be easy to spot from outside. She wants to surprise her mama with them.
Early next morning, the girls planted the dandelions in the trenches they dug in the roof's hard sod. The plants drooped a bit, but improved when given water from the bucket. So the girls got Mama to come and look at them. By the time she got there they had wilted.
"They're dandelions, " I said, fighting down a rush of disappointment. "You can hardly tell."
"They're not very pretty, Zoe," Rebecca said. "I wish they were prettier."
"They will be," Papa said quickly. "They'll cover the roof and they'll shout: 'This is home!' But their roots will have to take hold first, 'Becca. It isn't easy being transplanted."
And, of course, that last line sums up the theme of this book. (And, in case you're wondering, the book ends on a note of hope -- that although it takes time for the roots to take hold, Mama states that she can wait for the miracle to take place. )
Greg Shed's lovely but subdued illustrations enhance the mood of the book and tell part of the story. Each one is worthy of being framed. Though written for very young children, the content would not be insulting to older reluctant readers. It would make a wonderful read-aloud, and would certainly be appropriate when studying what it meant for a family to leave all they've ever known to seek a better life in a very different place. And, of course, it would fit right in with a study of pioneers or the westward movement.
The story is told by the older daughter, Zoe, beginning with the trip from Illinois to the Nebraska territory which was to be their new home. Here is an excerpt from the first two pages that sets the mood of most of the book:
Papa laughed and sang, 'Look at it Emma,' he said to Mama. Miles and miles of free land.'
'But it's so lonely…,' Mama said.
'We won't be lonely,' Papa promised. 'We have each other and the girls, and in the fall there will be a new baby.' His voice sounded almost holy. 'A new baby in a new land.'
My little sister, Rebecca, put her mouth close to my ear. 'Where are the trees, Zoe?'
'We'll come to some,' I said.
We did. But not many.
The slow journey across the prairie is not described in great detail, but Mama's blue mood continues as she comments when the grass closed behind them that "It's as if we'd never been." The end of the journey did not cheer Mama up much, either, since the scenery of the new home wasn't much different than that of the journey. But Papa remains cheerful and tries to lift Mama's spirits with a visit to the neighbors only a three -hour ride away -- where they were invited to sleep on that first night.
We watch the family plant a garden, dig a well, and move into their soddie. The author still focuses more on Mama's homesickness than on the details of the work of settling in. We see Mama becoming more and more depressed. Then Papa takes Zoe to town with him to buy supplies, a day's ride away. They leave Rebecca and Mama at the neighbor's on the way because of Mama's condition. While in town, Zoe sees a patch of dandelions and decides to dig them up, take them home, and plant them on their roof at home so that their house will be easy to spot from outside. She wants to surprise her mama with them.
Early next morning, the girls planted the dandelions in the trenches they dug in the roof's hard sod. The plants drooped a bit, but improved when given water from the bucket. So the girls got Mama to come and look at them. By the time she got there they had wilted.
"They're dandelions, " I said, fighting down a rush of disappointment. "You can hardly tell."
"They're not very pretty, Zoe," Rebecca said. "I wish they were prettier."
"They will be," Papa said quickly. "They'll cover the roof and they'll shout: 'This is home!' But their roots will have to take hold first, 'Becca. It isn't easy being transplanted."
And, of course, that last line sums up the theme of this book. (And, in case you're wondering, the book ends on a note of hope -- that although it takes time for the roots to take hold, Mama states that she can wait for the miracle to take place. )
Greg Shed's lovely but subdued illustrations enhance the mood of the book and tell part of the story. Each one is worthy of being framed. Though written for very young children, the content would not be insulting to older reluctant readers. It would make a wonderful read-aloud, and would certainly be appropriate when studying what it meant for a family to leave all they've ever known to seek a better life in a very different place. And, of course, it would fit right in with a study of pioneers or the westward movement.
March 22, 2016
The Bolten family decides to move west to build a different life. This family travels crossing the tall grass and rivers until they arrived, but the land there were no water or trees, so the mother did not like the place and she missed their old place and life. However, the father promises that his family will have a nice and well house. This family has two young girls, the oldest one named Zoe. This book shows and the struggles that one has to make to adjust to the new life. Zoe and her father moved to town for a couple days, then she brings a patch of dandelions with her. She and her father want to surprise Mama by this dandelions because this patch of dandelions reminds Mama of home. Zoe and her sister secretly plant the dandelions at home on the roof to surprise Mama. The story end with a picture of their house and all, the roof was completely covered in yellow blooms. Finally, the family adjusts to this life change and the dandelions were a sample of the strength of this family.
This is a great book is a historical fiction book and it helps the reader, especially the young reader to understand what oldest life was like and how the life was more difficult than now and they still have a nice and beautiful moment in their life.
The illustrations were realistic drawings such as the family member faces, the grass, the house, and the animals etc...
The reader can notice that the most color in this story is a dusty gold color or yellow color which gave the story special style and you can really enjoy like spending your afternoon with the beautiful grass and sky and with the Bolten family.
Most of the book have a one-page text with white background and a page with a pic, even there are few pages have a different style. For example, the first page and the last page are double page spread. When I look at the illustration, especially the emotions on the children's faces, I believe that the painter had a great sense. In addition, most of the pictures focus on the characters faces like the Zoe's face. in the end, I enjoyed reading this book especially the illustrations because it was, in my opinion, unique.
November 9, 2009
This is the story of the Bolten family moving west to build a new life. They must travel miles and miles in their covered wagon, crossing plains and rivers along the way. The two young girls already miss their Grandparents, and wonder where all of the trees are on the vast plaines. When the family finally arrives at the land the father has claimed, they are not impressed. There is no well for water, and no neighbors for miles. Papa is determined to make the best of it, and promises that they will build a well and a fine house. Read to find out how the family adjusts to this life change!
This is a great book to help young students understand what pioneer life was like. The dusty gold tinted pictures make you feel like you are spending the afternoon in the tall grasses of the plaines with the Bolten family.
This is a great book to help young students understand what pioneer life was like. The dusty gold tinted pictures make you feel like you are spending the afternoon in the tall grasses of the plaines with the Bolten family.
July 1, 2008
This is the story about a family of pioneers. I felt that the book moved slowly, but honestly that may have been intentional - to capture the essence of the journey and what early settlers went through.
I do think it captures the many emotions that a settler may have experienced, excitement, fear, disappointment, longing, loneliness, freedom. I like how the dandelions were tied in at the end.
The illustrations were lovely, but the yellow tone (intentional I'm sure) made it hard to make out some of the details. It's not a great bedtime story, too long and detailed and the pictures aren't bright enough to see by dim light.
I do think it captures the many emotions that a settler may have experienced, excitement, fear, disappointment, longing, loneliness, freedom. I like how the dandelions were tied in at the end.
The illustrations were lovely, but the yellow tone (intentional I'm sure) made it hard to make out some of the details. It's not a great bedtime story, too long and detailed and the pictures aren't bright enough to see by dim light.
September 16, 2012
A great historical fiction to use about westward expansion. My focus right now with my students is using prior knowledge and making connections while reading so I focused on this a lot while I did this read aloud.
February 7, 2020
This beautiful historical-fiction picture book is set in the 1800s. It tells a story about a young girl named Zoey and her family, as they undertake a new mission and home. They voyage west, from Illinois into the Nebraska Territory, and find that they miss the comforts of the home they left behind. Mama’s longing for these comforts begins to show its face as the family claim’s their newly acquired ground and the sameness of the Nebraskan grasslands begin to wear on her. With just a small handful of dandelion seeds, Zoey wants to show Mama that their new home can be just as beautiful as the old. Her small gesture spreads happiness into the family’s hearts as they begin to find hope in their new lives.
As a teacher, this would be a great story to pair with a geography lesson in the early to upper elementary levels. After conducting a picture walk through the book by asking and answering questions based on the illustrations, I would create a T-chart and list information learned about the time period and compare it with information learned through previous lessons taught in the classroom. Another option is to generate a list of vocabulary words based on students’ picture observations and questions. Finally, one could show a map of the family’s potential journey and discuss the pros and cons of the geography.
As a teacher, this would be a great story to pair with a geography lesson in the early to upper elementary levels. After conducting a picture walk through the book by asking and answering questions based on the illustrations, I would create a T-chart and list information learned about the time period and compare it with information learned through previous lessons taught in the classroom. Another option is to generate a list of vocabulary words based on students’ picture observations and questions. Finally, one could show a map of the family’s potential journey and discuss the pros and cons of the geography.
July 23, 2021
Zoe and her little sister arrive with her parents to their new home in the Nebraska territory -- well, to their new land, anyway; they have to build their own home (a soddie, made of dirt) and plant their crops. Zoe's mother is homesick for her life before in Illinois, saddened by the sameness of the prairie and lonely. When Papa takes Zoe into town, Zoe finds the perfect gift for Mama's birthday: a patch of dandelions. Transplanting the flowers makes them look wilty, especially after the long drive home, but Papa promises that dandelions are hearty and resilient, and that in time, they'll flourish -- and it's apparent to Zoe that that's a lesson that applies to more than just dandelions.
I read this with my eight-year-old; it's a Battle of the Books book this year. Beautiful illustrations, and I loved how the final illustration did the storytelling. This was the perfect read for Pioneer Day weekend.
I read this with my eight-year-old; it's a Battle of the Books book this year. Beautiful illustrations, and I loved how the final illustration did the storytelling. This was the perfect read for Pioneer Day weekend.
February 20, 2021
I know this isn't very objective, but this book left me in tears and I genuinely learned so much from it. It beautifully portrayed the resilience of a little family uprooting and moving somewhere new. I can imagine a little girl would relate to this, especially if her family is going through a rough patch. The illustrations were simple, but they accurately depicted the scene and enhanced the childlike wonder of the book. The relationships between the family members were raw and mature. It addressed serious family issues from a child's perspective. Instead of prescribing an escape from change, the book challenged the reader to face it with resilience and courage.
May 20, 2023
I'm not sure how you tell a story about white settlers in a covered wagon without a single mention of Indigenous peoples in the entire book. Sigh...
March 27, 2012
Dandelions is a wonderful book about a family who decides to pioneer west and leave their family at home. Once they make it west the mother of the family begins to get terrible home sickness. As her birthday moves closer, the father, and the oldest daughter Zoe make a trip to town. Zoe finds a few dandelions that will hopefully help her mother feel more happy in their new home. As the dandelions begin to wilt, Zoe reassures her mother that the dandelions are strong just like them.
Dandelions is a wonderfully written story. The characters are well developed and are descriped very specifically. The plot is an interesting one that will catch the readers attention, and the resolution is a very modest and believable ending to the story. Eve Bunting definitely brings the story to life through the wonderful details. In the book, it talks about the scorching sun, the pakcing up and leaving, the trips to town, and the start of a new life where there was nothing. The author does a wonderful job of making the reader feel as though they too are pioneers going west. Zoe, the main character, and her family all behave in ways that are believable to the reader and show a little background of the time period. For example, the father is the provider, and the mother takes care of the home. Children obey their parents, and do as they are told, and the amount of work that is done during this time far exceeds the amount of work done now. The conflicts in this story are very plausible. During this time period the conflict of picking up and moving west was a common issue for a lot of families. The theme of this story is still relevant for today's readers. I say this because, Zoe knows that her and her family are strong like the dandelions and can get through anything together. It is important for readers to know that they too are strong and can get through whatever they set their minds too.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was a very smooth and interesting read, that had a wonderful moral at the end. What struck me most was the illustrations of the book. They were very detailed and look very realistic. The illustrations definitely had a part in the affect of the story. I relate it to my own life in the sense that I need to stay strong and know that I can get through anything. It is easy to get discouraged, but to remember that I am strong will help me get through life's struggles. I would use this in my classroom during a pioneer unit, something that children can see right in front of them. They will learn about the struggles, and lack of supplies these families had when they had to pick up and start all over.
Dandelions is a wonderfully written story. The characters are well developed and are descriped very specifically. The plot is an interesting one that will catch the readers attention, and the resolution is a very modest and believable ending to the story. Eve Bunting definitely brings the story to life through the wonderful details. In the book, it talks about the scorching sun, the pakcing up and leaving, the trips to town, and the start of a new life where there was nothing. The author does a wonderful job of making the reader feel as though they too are pioneers going west. Zoe, the main character, and her family all behave in ways that are believable to the reader and show a little background of the time period. For example, the father is the provider, and the mother takes care of the home. Children obey their parents, and do as they are told, and the amount of work that is done during this time far exceeds the amount of work done now. The conflicts in this story are very plausible. During this time period the conflict of picking up and moving west was a common issue for a lot of families. The theme of this story is still relevant for today's readers. I say this because, Zoe knows that her and her family are strong like the dandelions and can get through anything together. It is important for readers to know that they too are strong and can get through whatever they set their minds too.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was a very smooth and interesting read, that had a wonderful moral at the end. What struck me most was the illustrations of the book. They were very detailed and look very realistic. The illustrations definitely had a part in the affect of the story. I relate it to my own life in the sense that I need to stay strong and know that I can get through anything. It is easy to get discouraged, but to remember that I am strong will help me get through life's struggles. I would use this in my classroom during a pioneer unit, something that children can see right in front of them. They will learn about the struggles, and lack of supplies these families had when they had to pick up and start all over.
February 1, 2018
I marked this as a "to-read" five years ago and picked it up at the library recently without realizing it was already a book I was hoping to read. I am forever enamored with this subject matter, both as a lover and "armchair-researcher" of the Pioneer era in America and an admirer of the lifestyle and immense resolve of the farm families that journeyed west during this time. Going into reading this work of Ms. Bunting's, I had high hopes, because I am familiar with her work. I was not disappointed. This story is poignant and real and its development contains a rawness that provides a sense of heightened emotion that transfers to the reader. This is a good work for children to begin making inferences, especially pertaining to the feelings and inner thoughts of Mama in the book. I found her character to be most interesting. As a reader who is 20-something, I was drawn into her character and trying to decipher her inner-workings, her internal conflicts, and other elements of her character that were alluded to. It was so interesting to focus on this aspect of the story because it is a reminder of the difficulties and struggles that the women before us went through to follow their husbands in their wanderlust and dreams of settling. So many women lived comfortable lives in well-established towns and cities, many in the lap of luxury. They went with their husbands and children to lands completely unknown, rough and harsh landscapes, desolate areas, and places where they would have a life drastically different from the one they had known all their lives. They left their other family behind, not knowing if they would meet again. And like Mama in the story, many of them likely dealt with traversing the country while expecting and then knowing they would have to deliver their babies unassisted or in an unfamiliar town. I am inspired by women like Mama. In the story, she worries constantly about their home, her husband, the children, and takes care of the home, the cooking, helping with crops, and is essentially a rock for her family- trying to maintain her strength for her children and husband while battling her inward fears and worries.
I thought the development of each character was well done, and the writing and composition of the story nicely done, as well... The book was wrapped up well, also, with a sense of hope unfolding in the final pages. I thoroughly enjoyed "Dandelions" and hope to read it again someday.
I thought the development of each character was well done, and the writing and composition of the story nicely done, as well... The book was wrapped up well, also, with a sense of hope unfolding in the final pages. I thoroughly enjoyed "Dandelions" and hope to read it again someday.
July 27, 2010
Zoe, traveling with her family to Nebraska, knows her mother has doubts about moving to an unsettled territory, but her father is unable to provide for them back in Illinois where they lived with her grandparents. When they arrive at their staked-out territory and commence to digging a well and building their sod house, Mama's doubts continue to weigh on her and she pines for her old home. On Mama's birthday Papa takes Zoe to town for supplies and a small gift. As they leave the town, Zoe spies a clump of dandelions to be her gift. They carefully transplant them to the sod roof, but when morning comes the flowers are wilted and sad. Zoe pleads, "They'll bloom, Mama -- they're strong, just like us." Mama is quiet, and Zoe knows that somehow the conversation is about more than the flowers. Mama tells her she must be patient, it's hard for flowers to be transplanted, and the story ends with a visual scene of a little sod house on an open prairie, roof covered in yellow blooms.
This beautiful story captures the courage of Americans who risked everything to settle in unknown lands. It features a strong female protagonist who supports her father's leadership and shows genuine love toward her mother and sister. In a book of this length much is necessarily left out -- you will have to read On the Banks of Plum Creek or Sod Houses on the Great Plains to learn how a soddie is built -- but Bunting's spare text gives just enough detail to evoke the feelings these settlers must have experienced, leaving the reader with the desire to learn more about this piece of American history.
The complex emotional themes of hope, loneliness and fear, with the symbolism of transplanted flowers to stand for Mama's loneliness, may require explanation for younger readers. This book is probably best suited for ages 5-8.
This beautiful story captures the courage of Americans who risked everything to settle in unknown lands. It features a strong female protagonist who supports her father's leadership and shows genuine love toward her mother and sister. In a book of this length much is necessarily left out -- you will have to read On the Banks of Plum Creek or Sod Houses on the Great Plains to learn how a soddie is built -- but Bunting's spare text gives just enough detail to evoke the feelings these settlers must have experienced, leaving the reader with the desire to learn more about this piece of American history.
The complex emotional themes of hope, loneliness and fear, with the symbolism of transplanted flowers to stand for Mama's loneliness, may require explanation for younger readers. This book is probably best suited for ages 5-8.
April 15, 2012
Dandelions by Eve Bunting is a historical fiction children's book. It is about a family traveling to Nebraska in a covered wagon and oxen. Leaving their home and family, they finally reach their destination after a long trip. They meet up with family friends and are in astonishment of the open land. They travel to the town to get their mother a birthday gift when they stumble upon a huge patch of dandelions. This story is well written according to the literary standards. It has a plot and a story line that is very vivid and clear. The illustrations are very realistic and add to the olden vibe of the book. The author brings the setting to life through the inclusion of authentic details and illustrations. The book seems very realistic and factual about life during that time period and place. The character behave in a believable manner as well. The children and mother show fear and sadness throughout the book due to the fact they left everything they knew to come to a place where there is nothing insight except grass. The father is very brave and optimistic throughout their travel. They are all realistic to people who loved in that time period because they often moved away from their families too and the fathers had to be strong for hiss family. The conflicts are very plausible for the time period. Most families traveled and leaving their homes and family was a huge conflict for them. This is the main one for this time period and Bunting demonstrated it well through her characters. The theme can still be relevant for today's readers. Because some families tend to move to a lot of different places and it can be hard on the children. The children who move around often can relate to the children in this book. I really enjoyed reading this book. I thought it was very factual and presented in a good story. One thing that shocked me was how life truly was so different in that time period. I knew everything that the book talked about but it still was a shock to think about it all. This book could be a very good resouce in the classroom because it is about a family traveling.
April 25, 2012
This is a story about a family's journey west to Nebraska in the 1800's. Zoe and her family struggle with their move and worried how they will make a home out of their new land. Throughout these struggles they still have hope for a place that they can call home.
This story is written well because it has a distinct setting in Nebraska in the 1800s. The setting also produces challenges that the characters must strive against. These challenges include finding a new home and discovering a way of life in a new area. It is written in first person point of view because the story is told by Zoe, who is one of the daughters in the family that is moving west.
In this book, the author doesn't really explain anything during this time period, but the illustrations can help readers understand the time period better in a way that does not overwhelm the story.
The characters definitely behave in ways that are believable. They are moving to a new area, so throughout the book feeling of fear, worry, and happiness are shared between family members. This makes the conflict of getting settled into a new area and making a living plausible and understandable.
The themes in this book would be family and belongingness. These themes are very popular and always present in literature that takes place today. They are relevant and important lessons for children to read about.
I enjoyed reading the book because I liked the illustrations and how the book got the name Dandelions. I like how the danelions represent home for the family and give them the sense to find their home throughout the new land that they are now living on.
This story is written well because it has a distinct setting in Nebraska in the 1800s. The setting also produces challenges that the characters must strive against. These challenges include finding a new home and discovering a way of life in a new area. It is written in first person point of view because the story is told by Zoe, who is one of the daughters in the family that is moving west.
In this book, the author doesn't really explain anything during this time period, but the illustrations can help readers understand the time period better in a way that does not overwhelm the story.
The characters definitely behave in ways that are believable. They are moving to a new area, so throughout the book feeling of fear, worry, and happiness are shared between family members. This makes the conflict of getting settled into a new area and making a living plausible and understandable.
The themes in this book would be family and belongingness. These themes are very popular and always present in literature that takes place today. They are relevant and important lessons for children to read about.
I enjoyed reading the book because I liked the illustrations and how the book got the name Dandelions. I like how the danelions represent home for the family and give them the sense to find their home throughout the new land that they are now living on.
August 13, 2013
Anyone who has ever moved from one place to another will be able to relate to the story told in this picture book. Although there is excitement about moving to a new place where nothing is like it was back home, the Nebraska Territory just seems so lonely and far away from civilization to Zoe's mother. The journey west is long and arduous, and their neighbors, the Svensons, are a good distance away. The author makes it clear just how much work went into clearing the land, digging for a well, and building a soddy. When Zoe and her father head to town for supplies and a present for her mother, she happens to see dandelions growing in town. She and her father dig some of them up and plan a surprise. But they aren't as colorful or as abundant as Zoe had imagined, and she is sorely disappointed. Even her mother reveals her true feelings about the dandelions and their new home when she expresses doubt that they will bloom. The author uses the refrain, "strong, like us" throughout the story to describe the family's pioneer spirit, which will be sorely needed if they can are to thrive from this experience. The text and gouache illustrations effectively show the conflicted emotions of the family, particularly on Mama's face, while also revealing the pride and hopefulness on the face of Zoe's father. There is so much more to the story than is presented here, which prompts readers to think about how the family came to leave Illinois for relatively unsettled territory.
October 22, 2011
“Dandelions” by Eve Bunting is a story about a family moving to Nebraska territory to start a new life in the great plains. The family were originally from Chicago area where the daughters’ mother is from. It’s a story about adjusting to a new life, environment, weather, lifestyle and meeting new people. For that family it was starting over and the father had the best intentions. I wasn’t too excited about this story because I felt it moved rather slow for me but then I put myself in the characters’ situation and I realized that I’ve been there; twice. I’ve moved from Los Angles to small town western New York to Phoenix 100 degrees Arizona. It reminded me about how I felt starting over in a new town because your parents had only the best intentions. My dad was the father in the story, he was happy with the decisions that he’s made while the mother, along with my mother, struggled with moving away from her family and raising kids on her own while the father was working to provide for his family. This story is all too familiar and hits home for.
The pictures in the story are interesting because the style of the artwork kind of reminds me of her other book “Fly Away Home” but not exactly. The colors remind me of how living in the great plains would be like and my favorite photo is when the daughter is hugging her mother, waiting for the dandelions to grow.
The pictures in the story are interesting because the style of the artwork kind of reminds me of her other book “Fly Away Home” but not exactly. The colors remind me of how living in the great plains would be like and my favorite photo is when the daughter is hugging her mother, waiting for the dandelions to grow.
November 20, 2011
I love all Eve Bunting books but this book in particular is my favorite. This book can be enjoyed from 2-5th grade students for a read aloud. It show case life in the prairie and pioneer life.
This is a fictional story of a family that moved from Illinois to the prairie to start a new life. It is narrated from the girl's point of view as she watches her pregnant mother struggle with the move and a father who believes this is the best decision for his family.
It's a great book to show case the women's loneliness and isolation of pioneer life.
As a reader, I never thought about the strain on women during this time. Men were excited to find ways to provide for the family and start a new life with their own land. Women were isolated and lonely. They missed the company of their extended family and neighbors. The particular interaction with Svenson come to mind from the story as both women hugged each other and the narrator, the little girl, wonders if her mother and Svenson's wife knew each other. They didn't but it's been a long time since they saw any other women.
The reader also learn about how self-sufficient they were. Building a well, soddie houses, crops and so on to start a new life. Students can use this book to understand other texts as well, such as The Little House on the Prairie, Sarah, Plain and Tall and other series that deals with pioneer life.
This is a fictional story of a family that moved from Illinois to the prairie to start a new life. It is narrated from the girl's point of view as she watches her pregnant mother struggle with the move and a father who believes this is the best decision for his family.
It's a great book to show case the women's loneliness and isolation of pioneer life.
As a reader, I never thought about the strain on women during this time. Men were excited to find ways to provide for the family and start a new life with their own land. Women were isolated and lonely. They missed the company of their extended family and neighbors. The particular interaction with Svenson come to mind from the story as both women hugged each other and the narrator, the little girl, wonders if her mother and Svenson's wife knew each other. They didn't but it's been a long time since they saw any other women.
The reader also learn about how self-sufficient they were. Building a well, soddie houses, crops and so on to start a new life. Students can use this book to understand other texts as well, such as The Little House on the Prairie, Sarah, Plain and Tall and other series that deals with pioneer life.
October 17, 2014
I love this book. I love the way Eve Bunting uses words and images to draw a picture in your mind that has more than one meaning. I always read this book to my class when we study pioneers. In this book, Bunting poignantly writes about what it was really like to leave everything behind and set out on an adventure of a lifetime westward. This adventure was very hard and extremely lonely, especially for the women and children.
Here are my two favorite quotes from the book:
Day after day we trundled along, our wagon wheels making their own tracks through the tall grass. "See how the grass closes behind us?" Mama said. "It's as if we'd never been."
"They're Dandelions," I said, fighting down a rush of disappointment. "You can hardly tell."
"They're not very pretty, Zoe," Rebecca said. "I wish they were prettier."
"They will be," Papa said quickly."They'll cover the roof and they'll shout: This is home! But their roots have to take hold first, Becca. It isn't easy being transplanted."
"Maybe they'll never bloom," Mama said. "Maybe they'll just die of loneliness.".......
"They'll bloom, Mama. They're strong, like us." I was almost crying and I didn't know why.
Mama and Papa were looking at each other. This was about more than dandelions. I could feel it.
That part always makes me cry!
Here are my two favorite quotes from the book:
Day after day we trundled along, our wagon wheels making their own tracks through the tall grass. "See how the grass closes behind us?" Mama said. "It's as if we'd never been."
"They're Dandelions," I said, fighting down a rush of disappointment. "You can hardly tell."
"They're not very pretty, Zoe," Rebecca said. "I wish they were prettier."
"They will be," Papa said quickly."They'll cover the roof and they'll shout: This is home! But their roots have to take hold first, Becca. It isn't easy being transplanted."
"Maybe they'll never bloom," Mama said. "Maybe they'll just die of loneliness.".......
"They'll bloom, Mama. They're strong, like us." I was almost crying and I didn't know why.
Mama and Papa were looking at each other. This was about more than dandelions. I could feel it.
That part always makes me cry!
December 10, 2012
Genre- Historical Picture book
Summary- This book is about one family’s journey together as they leave Illinois and travel across Nebraska to claim their land and build their new life and home.
Critique-
a. Theme
b. The struggles that this family is faced with represents the time period in which it’s told. Mother is uncertain how they will build a new life elsewhere, especially when their supplies began to run out after building their home. It wasn’t until Zoe, the eldest daughter, surprised her mother with a family of dandelions, that her mother would find promise in their future. In the story, the dandelion is a sign of strength, which Zoe compares to her family and the strength they have to overcome struggles in order to make it their home.
c. Mother’s uncertainties are revealed in the questions that she asks father. For example, once the family shouts, “We’re here!” mother asks, “How do we know this is ours?” She then asks father, “This is where we are to live our lives?” During a conversation, Zoe’s father declares that “Dandelions are strong”. Zoe proudly answers, “Like us”.
Curriculum Connection- This book can be used to teach students about the bond that families have when going through a difficult time. It can also be used to compare people and events between then and now.
Summary- This book is about one family’s journey together as they leave Illinois and travel across Nebraska to claim their land and build their new life and home.
Critique-
a. Theme
b. The struggles that this family is faced with represents the time period in which it’s told. Mother is uncertain how they will build a new life elsewhere, especially when their supplies began to run out after building their home. It wasn’t until Zoe, the eldest daughter, surprised her mother with a family of dandelions, that her mother would find promise in their future. In the story, the dandelion is a sign of strength, which Zoe compares to her family and the strength they have to overcome struggles in order to make it their home.
c. Mother’s uncertainties are revealed in the questions that she asks father. For example, once the family shouts, “We’re here!” mother asks, “How do we know this is ours?” She then asks father, “This is where we are to live our lives?” During a conversation, Zoe’s father declares that “Dandelions are strong”. Zoe proudly answers, “Like us”.
Curriculum Connection- This book can be used to teach students about the bond that families have when going through a difficult time. It can also be used to compare people and events between then and now.
March 14, 2016
I really liked this book about a family moving from the comfort of a well made home in an established town in Illinois. The father had staked some land in the prairie and was taking his family there by covered wagon to start a life for themselves. Beautifully painted illustrations show the vastness and beauty of the prairie, as well as the loneliness and sadness which the mother feels in this new place. After visiting with the nearest neighbors, three hours away, they learn how to build themselves a home of sod, or a soddie. Besides building a home, they have to prepare the land for a crop and they are running low on supplies so Papa and Rebecca have to go into town to buy some supplies. Mama and the youngest daughter, Zoe, stay with the neighbors because Mama is pregnant and it is too long of a trip for her to take. In town, Rebecca sees a lot of exciting things, until she spots a patch of dandelions in the grass right before they are leaving. Papa says he can plant the dandelions on the roof of the soddie so that they will always see the yellow roof, shouting at them, "Home!". This is a picture book for older readers, appropriate for a social studies lesson on westward expansion for students in grades K through 3.
March 18, 2016
I really liked this book about a family moving from the comfort of a well made home in an established town in Illinois. The father had staked some land in the prairie and was taking his family there by covered wagon to start a life for themselves. Beautifully painted illustrations show the vastness and beauty of the prairie, as well as the loneliness and sadness which the mother feels in this new place. After visiting with the nearest neighbors, three hours away, they learn how to build themselves a home of sod, or a soddie. Besides building a home, they have to prepare the land for a crop and they are running low on supplies so Papa and Rebecca have to go into town to buy some supplies. Mama and the youngest daughter, Zoe, stay with the neighbors because Mama is pregnant and it is too long of a trip for her to take. In town, Rebecca sees a lot of exciting things, until she spots a patch of dandelions in the grass right before they are leaving. Papa says he can plant the dandelions on the roof of the soddie so that they will always see the yellow roof, shouting at them, "Home!". This is a picture book for older readers, appropriate for a social studies lesson on westward expansion for students in grades K through 3.
November 5, 2009
This story is written from the perspective of a girl named Zoe and her family's experience moving west from Illinois. It reminded me of the stories "Little House on the Prarie", but this story focused more on what life was like once they got to their new home in the West. The girl speaks of the happiness her father had for the new life, whereas her mother was sad to leave her old life behind. Having these two different perspectives in the book allows the reader to see all sides of what it meant for those who moved west during this time. It shows the struggles that one has to make to adjust to the new life and what a toil it could place on a family. After a trip to town, Zoe and her father come across a patch of dandelions most likely brought in by accident by a wagon. Unlikely to grow in this area, Zoe's father decided to take the patch to remind Mama of home. The girls secretly plant the dandelions at home on the roof to surprise Mama. The dandelions symbolize the family's struggle to survive, yet they demonstrate the strength of the family as well.
October 31, 2018
I thought it was really cool. I can't believe a family would move to Nebraska. I noticed that they were caring for their mom. Then they found this scent that smelled like their Grandma's tree in their front yard and then they found they found some dandelions on the ground and they planted them on the roof and made their mom really happy.
(Bonneville Battle of the Books 2018)
(Bonneville Battle of the Books 2018)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 4, 2009
This story, by Eve Bunting, is about a pioneer father who moves his pregnant wife and daughters to the Midwest in search of a better life. Rebecca and Zoe are very aware of their mother's depression when they arrive at their new home in the middle of the Prairie. Everyone works extra hard to please her, which includes picking a clump of dandelions that Zoe finds in hopes of cheering her up. While the story ends with the clump looking lifeless, the closing sentences indicates optimism in the prairie life to come.
I found this story to be rather touching. Eve Bunting does a wonderful job in describing the hardships and bravery of a Pioneer family. The pictures also add to the words by showing emotion through facial expression and body language. It also teaches children that parents didn't always agree on everything long ago, but are able to grow like dandelions with a lot of love. It is a nice story to read to Elementary children since it also take place in the Midwest.
I found this story to be rather touching. Eve Bunting does a wonderful job in describing the hardships and bravery of a Pioneer family. The pictures also add to the words by showing emotion through facial expression and body language. It also teaches children that parents didn't always agree on everything long ago, but are able to grow like dandelions with a lot of love. It is a nice story to read to Elementary children since it also take place in the Midwest.
December 3, 2014
This book begins with the move of a family from Illinois to open land in Nebraska. Although the father is excited about the new place they will build and the farm they will start, the mother is very hesitant about the whole experience. The narrator, Zoe, the oldest daughter, does her best to help her parents and younger sister settle into the new life, but the mother remains unsure and uncomfortable about the new place. Because of this, Zoe does something special to help ensure her that their new home will be ok.
The simple set up of this book, one large picture and one large block of text, makes this book a good choice for an intermediate reader. The story is longer, but it depicts what many families had to go through in history in an interesting way. The images in the book help clearly define what kind of situation the family was in. The dry and barren land that they traveled though and settled in is shown clearly in all of the pictures.
The simple set up of this book, one large picture and one large block of text, makes this book a good choice for an intermediate reader. The story is longer, but it depicts what many families had to go through in history in an interesting way. The images in the book help clearly define what kind of situation the family was in. The dry and barren land that they traveled though and settled in is shown clearly in all of the pictures.
October 2, 2011
While this is historical fiction, this book reaches beyond place and time as it captures the confusion and uncertainty faced by children whose family moves to a new place. Told from the perspective of a girl named Zoe, this story tells about a family's move to Nebraska in the 1800s. The challenge in this story is not extreme weather or land that is not arable. Instead the challenge, so beautifully portrayed, is the internal turmoil of the characters. In addition to adjusting to a new location, Zoe must navigate the feelings of her mother and father. Her mother is having a difficult time adjusting to the move, and brewing below the surface is the implication that Zoe's mother is struggling with depression. There is no easy or obvious solution to the challenges they face, only the recognition that they must support one another, and that adjusting to change takes time.
February 23, 2016
I really appreciated this historical picture book! Dandelions is about a family settling in the Nebraska Territory In the 1800’s. This book highlights different obstacles like traveling by wagon, building their house, and adjusting to a new place. This book is very interesting because I have never read a children’s picture book on people settling in America. Usually you find content like this in textbooks or books suited for older people. Although there are a lot of words on each page and this book is very informative, it is still very interesting and the illustrations make it more interactive. Because this book puts this historical event into a context that is easy for children to understand, I think this book could easily fit into lessons when learning about the history of the United States.
June 19, 2011
This was a very well written text, slightly longer than most picture books, but a book that expertly explains a life that would be almost incomprehensible for people like myself. I certainly wouldn't exchange my life for that of these people, though I admire their perseverance for doing what they had to in order to make a life for themselves. Bunting does an excellent job of creating a narrative that allows the reader to experience the true hardship of life on the prairie without leaving the reader depressed and empty. She pushes the theme of hope against difficult circumstances throughout the text and I think it's this story's saving grace, just as hope would have been the saving grace of many settlers forced to consider a life such as the one described in this book.
September 24, 2018
I read this to my 3rd grader and he really enjoyed it and rated it five stars!
This book is about a family with 2 elementary aged girls who move to Nebraska Territory from Illinois to farm land. It is a three hour wagon ride to the nearest neighbor! Everything in Nebraska Territory was green prairie and the mama worried about her husband getting lost. One day while out with her papa getting supplies in town, one of the girls spotted a dandelion plant and decided to dig it up and plant it on the roof of their soddie house for her mamas birthday surprise so they could spot their “golden” house from far away.
A truly sweet story, this book was a wonderful peek into what it was like to move west during this point in history. I highly recommend!
This book is about a family with 2 elementary aged girls who move to Nebraska Territory from Illinois to farm land. It is a three hour wagon ride to the nearest neighbor! Everything in Nebraska Territory was green prairie and the mama worried about her husband getting lost. One day while out with her papa getting supplies in town, one of the girls spotted a dandelion plant and decided to dig it up and plant it on the roof of their soddie house for her mamas birthday surprise so they could spot their “golden” house from far away.
A truly sweet story, this book was a wonderful peek into what it was like to move west during this point in history. I highly recommend!
October 26, 2010
The reason I chose this books is because of the title. It reminded me of my childhood when our yard was filled with dandelions and my mom use to get so made. Little did I know that when I started reading it, the story took place in Nebraska (my home). This story is a good reminder of the travels of the prairie life. There were many that were uprooted to start a new. While I was reading this story, little house on the prairie came to mind. It has similarities to that, but mostly it stands on its own. I probably would read this story to my students, using the knowledge that it is where I come from. They might get a kick out of that.
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