Merle Good

This is a beautifully illustrated book portraying the humble life of the Amish people. When Reuben notes an orange and yellow hot air balloon in the sky, he leaves his work of feeding the cows and funs to where he can obtain a clear view. As the balloon slowly descends, the two friends invite him and his little twin brothers to join them high in the sky.

This is a wonderful experience for all, as they happily wave from high in the sky. While this might not seem like a book with a in depth show more story, the joy of the book is in the stillness of the balloon as it floats high above the barn and the farm. There is a serenity as the three boys wave to those below. They are quite happy with this adventure and I'm sure it will be discussed often round the meal table.

Easton, PA, where I live is located about two hours north of Lancaster and the surrounding areas where large numbers of Amish people till the soil, take care of their farms, and try as best as the can to keep the Amish traditions of simplicity. When visiting that area, it is not unusual to see horse and buggy riding in the country roads. The area where they live is clean, and there is a respect for the land, their animals, their farms and their families. show less

This was a pleasant story about a young Amish boy going about what is largely an average day until the neighbor's barn burns down, and the community comes together to build a new barn for them. It illustrates the lifestyle of an Amish family very well and is a highly approachable text.

Reuben wishes he could have the winter experiences of his grandfather, and gets his wish when a blizzard hits. Their horse-drawn sleigh comes in a handy when their neighbor goes into labor and needs a way across the snow into town.

I discovered this small series of picture books from Ellen McBride. P. Buckley Moss is and an amish style artist and the pictures are of that traditional style. I like how the plot is a bit meater than most picture books (schoolager and older) with a sweet subltle morale in each book (Reuben and the Quilt).