I decided to read the picture book Ox-Cart Man, by Donald Hall, to my third graders, because we were studying natural, capital, and human resources. However, I found myself drawn in by the pictures that the illustrator created. The illustrator is Barbara Cooney and she used very basic pictures of a family living more than a century ago. The book won a Cauldcott for the pictures and I think I know why. One would normally think that these pictures were just ordinary, but I believe that they match the theme and story line. Life for the family is very basic, they live off the land during the ox and cart days. They grow produce and make things by hand during the winter, spring, and summer, and the father goes into town in the fall to sell and barter these items to get the things that his family will need. When the father returns, the cycle of growing and creating with the seasons begins all over again. The simple things, like peppermint candy, are small treasures. The reader can draw the conclusion that the family is very happy, just working and being together. Just a simple life of living off the land shown through simple pictures and words.
I wonder what life was really like back in those days? What would teaching school be like? I am sure that the things I cherish and the time I spend doing different activites would change completely. As I read the part in the book about the "sugaring off", I remembered reading about the "sugaring off" in the Laura Ingles Wilder book, Little House in the Big Woods.
When I read that as a child, I wanted to be at the "sugaring off", tasting the maple syrup as it mixed with the snow. I always thought that life in the big woods was grand and was truly surprised that the Ingles family decided to move out into the West.
The Ox-Cart Man represents a time in the past when things were alot simpler, but work was still work. Family was important and doing a job well was the only way to do somthing. I fear that this time is gone, with our instant technology and busy lives. However, books like this make me stop, if only for a second, and try to refocus on what life should be about. This simple little book reminds me that simple little lives can sometimes be the most fulfilling.
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2 comments:
I, too, remember the sugaring off in the House in the Big Woods! That was one of my favorite parts! I always wished I lived in a place that snowed so I could reenact the maple candy process. I grew up in California and never had the chance to see snow. Now that I live in Virginia and see snow (occasionally) I get the urge to go outside with my maple syrup!
I was convinced as a child that I should have been born during Laura Ingles time - that I needed the long dresses, covered wagons, the wolves, and the Wild West. I loved thinking of the simpler times. That is, until I got older and was told that they didn't have deodorant or bathe regularly - then, I had second thoughts! Still, I love thinking what life would be like if I had been born 200 years ago. I am going to have to read "The Ox-Cart Man" so I can revisit my simpler time longings.
I also remember reading this book when I was little and wishing that I lived a long time ago. I thought that I should go to William and Mary just so I could wear my colonial dress-up clothes to class.
I actually just picked the book up at the library the other day but haven't gotten a chance to read it yet. Your blog made me really excited to read it.
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