Based on the life of the author's grandmother, a beautifully illustrated story of a family during the great depression that moves into a tar paper shack, and through hard work and family bonds, build a meaningful life for themselves during a hard time.

A family has to pack up and move to a new, rundown house in the woods after the death of the father. They work together and with their neighbors to make it a home.
5-8 years old
Bibliotherapy- death + crisis
Fort Steilacoom ECE shelves

What a gorgeous tribute to the author's grandmother--so in many ways, it is inspired by true events! I love how moving, the main girl, Marvel, doesn't see the house in the woods as a home.....initially. I know that is the case for many of us.

I want to give this one a re-read.

I'm also blown away by the detailing and authenticity of the illustrations. They made me feel the emotion of every character. ( )

This book was another recommendation from Read Aloud Revival (Sarah Mackenzie). My kids (5yo & 3yo) LOVED this book! So much so that they asked for me to read it a second time immediately after turning the last page. The illustrations are captivating as they change with the seasons. This gave me the chance to talk about the seasons again with my kids. My kids also loved all the little labels and explanations throughout. The explanation of the inspiration behind the story is in the very back and it’s inspiring indeed. The second time through reading the book I was able to discuss with my kids how blessed we are that everything is so readily available to us now and how grateful we should be. We all loved this book and enjoyed the conversations it spurred. I recommend this book wholeheartedly! ( )

This book is a story about a single mother and her eight children during the Great Depression. The family, recently widowed, is evicted from their house and find a small shed in the woods they convert into a home. As each season passes, the narrator, a six-year-old named Marvel, finds things about her new home that warm her heart. It's truly a perfect story, and the illustrations are unmatched. ( )