Portrait of a Farm Family

by Raymond Bial

Tells the story of Dennis and Jane Steidinger and their eight children, portraying the difficult but rewarding way of life for a farm family. By the author of Amish Home and Frontier Home.

48 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1995

About the author

Author and photographer Raymond Bial (1948-2021) has been creating acclaimed books for children and adults for more than thirty years. His books have been published by Houghton Mifflin, Scholastic, Walker & Company, Marshall Cavendish, Crickhollow Books, and other fine publishers and university presses. Raymond also makes images on assignment, and his stock photographs have been used by book publishers such as National Geographic, advertising agencies such as Leo Burnett, and media such as PBS.

Raymond’s most recent books are Ellis Island: Coming to the Land of Liberty, which is an excellent companion volume to Tenement: Immigrant Life on the Lower East Side; The Shaker Village, a lovely collection of color photographs depicting the simplicity and grace of this remarkable utopian community; a lovely paperback edition of Where Lincoln Walked published in honor of the bicentennial of the birth of this great president; Dripping Blood Cave and Other Ghostly Stories, the third volume in a popular series of ghost stories for young readers; and Rescuing Rover: Saving America’s Dogs, which has been selected for the Junior Literary Guild Book Club. Rescuing Rover is currently receiving high praise across the country.

Chigger, his most recent novel, is receiving fine reviews from readers, young and old alike. Anyone who likes to root for the underdog will love this sweet story of an unforgettable girl.

Reviews

[Kendra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fairbury and Piper City are spitting distance from us and we've even visited Kilgus Farmstead. Brightens a kid's interest when the topic is so local. On the downside, id this is intended to be a children's book, the "agribusiness" lingo was lost on my 1st grader.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Though moderately outdated, it still offers a wonderful glimpse into the world of farming and raises many concerns along the way. I for one was reminded to not simply grab the cheapest milk and produce available at the store, but to buy local and family owned whenever possible.

[Chris Dobrosky · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book small but a wonderful story. Reminds me of helping my grandpop on the farm. I do hope everyone in this family remains active on the farm. What a wonderful life.