Home in the Woods Perfect Picture Book Friday

A family, displaced and grieving, finds hope and renewal as they restore their new home, deep in the woods.

text copyright Eliza Wheeler, 2019, illustrations copyright Eliza Wheeler, 2019, Nancy Paulsen Books

This poignant picture book, with roots in Eliza Wheeler's own family history, tells the story of six-year-old Marvel, her seven siblings, and her mother, as they relocate to a new home after the loss of the children's father. In this tiny, broken-down shack in the woods, they find the ingredients they need to start building the next chapter of their lives, together. 

Beginning in summer, and moving through each season of the year, Eliza Wheeler depicts change in the tiny house, as a similar transformation is reflected in the people that live there. Darkness and gloom are replaced with warmth and laughter as the young family learns to survive and thrive, in the midst of pain and lack. With gorgeous illustrations and heartfelt text, this book is a testament to the strength and resilience of a family facing dire circumstances, but growing in love, together.  

Title:  HOME IN THE WOODS

Author and Illustrator:  Eliza Wheeler

Publisher:  Nancy Paulsen Books, 2019

Ages:  4-8

Themes:  Resilience, Family, Problem-Solving, Resourcefulness, Sibling Relationships

Here are a few activities that align with the themes of this book:

• Find author interviews, extension activities, and a free downloadable coloring page at the author's website.
• In the story, the family took fresh fruits and vegetables and preserved them in cans. With an adult, find recipes to can fruits or vegetables, and try it together! For canning resources and recipes, visit this website.
• Conversation starters:  "Think about each of the four seasons. Which season do you think was most difficult for the family to survive in? Why?" "Which character in the story did you relate to most? Why?" 

Looking for more perfect picture books? Check out Susanna Leonard Hill's website!