Case in point: our book selection this week.
Mailing May
by Michael O. Tunnell
Illustrated by Ted Rand
Little May, who lives in Grangeville, wants to visit her grandmother a million miles away in Lewiston, Idaho, but her parents can't afford a train ticket! May tries to get a job to earn the money, but she's too little.The next morning, though, her Pa packs her up and takes her to the post office, where he proceeds to talk the postmaster into mailing May to Lewiston! They classify her as a baby chick, then stick 53 cents worth of stamps on her coat, and off she goes!This book is based on the true story of five-year-old Charlotte May Pierstorff, who was actually mailed from Grangeville to Lewiston Idaho in 1914 by the U.S. Post Office.
It's fascinating the lengths these people went to in order for May to visit her grandmother; and it's virtually unbelievable in this day and age. I have a problem sending thank-you notes in the mail; what if they are lost?
There was a long silence in our household after I finished reading this book. Micah wrapped his arms around my neck and begged me not to mail him anywhere, while Corban eventually exclaimed over how fun he thought being mailed would actually be! Micah soon joined in, and I had to break the news to them that not only would I never mail them anywhere, but until they were much, much older, I wasn't sending them anywhere without me. Plus, they're humongous, so 53 cents would just. not. cut it.
Mailing May is a sweetly illustrated, historically accurate children's book. You gotta love it when you read to your kids for fun and they can learn stuff (of value) at the same time! Check the map to see where Grangeville and Lewiston are, then weigh each other and find out from your local post office how much it would cost to mail a package of the same weight.
Finally, and most importantly, have them call their Grandma. She'll love it.
8 fellow travelers shared:
We have enjoyed all your books so far and this one sounds like another winner! It is going on our library list this week.
Thanks for the sweet comment on my blog!
i love it! do you homeschool? my son is still pre-school age and we do some activities, but i don't incorporate much structured learning time yet. i'll have to look for this book in our library as my son is fascinated with mail and being a mailman. he makes mail each morning and delivers it to each of our neighbors!
Yes, we do homeschool! My son who is 5 is also preschool age, technically, so we do some work while his older brother does. Structure does not work so well with 5 year olds! :)
If you click on the Children's Book Monday icon to the right, it will bring up all of my reviews as well!
Elise, I love Children's Book Mondays! I am soooo Happy that you Blog, it makes me feel as if we aren't as far away. Tell the Boys "Aunt" Anna says hello and squeeze the little one for me! Love you!
I came over after reading Ann's post today. And I can't wait to peek around.
Loved your review of this book. I've just put it on hold at our library. :) My husband is a mailman so this will be a HIT at our house, I am sure!
Blessings,
Stacy
That sounds like an incredible book, and we love books here in this house. Thank you so much for sharing it.
i'm glad i found your blog. i'll be back for more of your book reviews and good writing.
Elise! I was browsing all of your CBM archives to see what I could find on Paperback Swap and came across this post (which was done before I started reading your blog).
I grew up in Grangeville, Idaho! (And we often had to travel those million miles for orthodontists, school shopping, etc. ;) I didn't know this story, but I did go to school with a girl whose last name was Pierstorff and is probably related. What a fun find!
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