The Singing Tree

The first half of "The Singing Tree" continues the tale of Kate and Jansci in their Hungarian country home from "The Good Master." The second half tell of life on their little farm during World War I. Uncle Marton goes off to do his duty and fight in the war, leaving teenage Jansci as the "man of the house." Soon they are made guardians of a sort, of six Russian prisoners of war. Far from being kept as prisoners, the six big Russian men immediately become loving members of the household.
"The Good Master" was weakened by the instantaneous way Kate's moving to live on the rural homestead converted her from hellion to wonderful loving child. In "The Singing Tree," the same thing happens with another obnoxious child, and then the six show more captured Russian soldiers, who immediately become members of the family instead of enemy prisoners. The anti-war message of the book is sweet, but incredibly naive. Knowing that this was published immediately before Germany invaded Poland, to begin World War II, makes the innocent naivety of the book stand out all the more. Yet, there is truth in this message as well. What matters is not what side one is on, but rather, that one is a good, kind person, helping those in need, whoever they may be, and doing all one can for family, friends and neighbors.
I liked this book a little more than its predecessor, in spite of, or maybe partly because of, its naivety. show less

Life on the Hungarian plains is changing quickly for Jancsi and his cousin Kate. Father has given Jancsi permission to be in charge of his own herd, and Kate has begun to think about going to dances. Jancsi hardly even recognizes Kate when she appears at Peter and Mari's wedding wearing nearly as many petticoats as the older girls wear. And Jancsi himself, astride his prized horse, doesn't seem to Kate to be quite so boyish anymore. Then, when Hungary must send troops to fight in the Great War and Jancsi's father is called to battle, the two cousins must grow up all the sooner in order to take care of the farm and all the relatives, Russian soldiers, and German war orphans who take refuge there.

Life on the Hungarian plains is changing quickly for Jancsi and his cousin Kate. Father has given Jancsi permission to be in charge of his own herd, and Kate has begun to think about going to dances. Jancsi hardly even recognizes Kate when she appears at Peter and Mari's wedding wearing nearly as many petticoats as the older girls wear. And Jancsi himself, astride his prized horse, doesn't seem to Kate to be quite so boyish anymore. Then, when Hungary must send troops to fight in the Great War and Jancsi's father is called to battle, the two cousins must grow up all the sooner in order to take care of the farm and all the relatives, Russian soldiers, and German war orphans who take refuge there.

Oh those proud, good, brave, kind, beautiful Hungarians! I have no idea if the the (softened) history is accurate, but what a different picture of WWI is given here than other accounts I've read. I liked this more than The Good Master because, even though it wasn't as much of a fun story, the info-dumps were helpful and so the story made more sense - the exotic culture didn't seem so mysteriously alien.

The Singing Tree, while being a Newbery Honor, I thought started out to be very juvenile. Perhaps a little too young even for the age group intended. However halfway through the book, it suddenly turns into a great resource for WWI European history for kids. I liked how the author pulls us into the story of what Europe was like for many children. Families taking in other children and even housing prisoners of war as workers.All in all I likes the book , but had a verrry slow beginning.

This book, because it is overshadowed by World War I, is possibly even more beautiful than its predecessor. Kate and Jansci are definitely growing up (I originally didn't like this, but the more I read this book, the better it gets!). When WWI begins it at first seems far away from the farm. Then Father volunteers for military service and goes MIA. Meanwhile back at farm, the family takes in several people including six Russian POWs and six very young German refugees. Farm life continues, without Father, but with young Jansci at its head instead. Like "The Good Master" the author illustrations are lovely.

• 216 pages, small pages but lots of words per page
• Historical Fiction
• Newberry Honor Book
• Sequel to The Good Master

Set in Hungary beginning in 1915. Jancsi and Kate are 13, and WW I breaks out, sending both of their fathers to war. Covers all the years of the war. Jancsi becomes the man of the family and keeps the farm running with the help of Russian war prisoners. His mother becomes mother to all, including 6 German orphans.

Well-written and more interesting than The Good Master

Appropriate for strong 4th grade readers