William's House
by Ginger Howard
Illustrated by Larry Day
William, his wife, Elizabeth, and their two sons have arrived in the New World with big dreams for a home of their own, fashioned after William's father's house in England.
As they fell trees for the frame and uproot saplings for a fence, the family finds creative ways to make do with what they have- instead of glass in their one window, William scrapes a piece of animal horn until it is translucent, and then covers the window opening with the horn. The delight on the faces of the family is tangible as the new window is installed.
Clay and stones from the creek bed build the fireplace, and two pegs on the wall hold Elizabeth's apron and William's extra shirt. A packing crate becomes a board table, and bags are stuffed with corn husks for beds.
William's satisfaction in building a home just like the one in which he grew up is short-lived, however. The family finds that the hotter weather neccesitates the need for a cellar, and the roof must be made of something other than thatch, for the weather is drier and causes sparks from the chimney to smolder. A steeper roof is built for snow to slide off of, and the need for a wider, taller fireplace for warmth completes the transformation into a home that looks unlike anything the family ever saw in England.
But it is home, just the same.
My boys loved the black and white drawings on every other page that quietly depicted what William's sons were up to whenever they were not needed by their father. Forts, dogs, lobsters from the bay- what boy wouldn't love those kinds of pictures?
As a family, this book created much conversation for us, as we have been looking together for a home of our own these months past. Our vision and ideals have been hard to meet, and we've grown discouraged from time to time. We were reminded by this short story that letting go of old ways (expectations and *wants*) makes room for more beauty and memories, and we are determined to be happy with what God provides!
I know you and your family will love this story, too, along with the beautiful paintings of seasons and struggle in the New World. Happy reading!
As they fell trees for the frame and uproot saplings for a fence, the family finds creative ways to make do with what they have- instead of glass in their one window, William scrapes a piece of animal horn until it is translucent, and then covers the window opening with the horn. The delight on the faces of the family is tangible as the new window is installed.
Clay and stones from the creek bed build the fireplace, and two pegs on the wall hold Elizabeth's apron and William's extra shirt. A packing crate becomes a board table, and bags are stuffed with corn husks for beds.
William's satisfaction in building a home just like the one in which he grew up is short-lived, however. The family finds that the hotter weather neccesitates the need for a cellar, and the roof must be made of something other than thatch, for the weather is drier and causes sparks from the chimney to smolder. A steeper roof is built for snow to slide off of, and the need for a wider, taller fireplace for warmth completes the transformation into a home that looks unlike anything the family ever saw in England.
But it is home, just the same.
My boys loved the black and white drawings on every other page that quietly depicted what William's sons were up to whenever they were not needed by their father. Forts, dogs, lobsters from the bay- what boy wouldn't love those kinds of pictures?
As a family, this book created much conversation for us, as we have been looking together for a home of our own these months past. Our vision and ideals have been hard to meet, and we've grown discouraged from time to time. We were reminded by this short story that letting go of old ways (expectations and *wants*) makes room for more beauty and memories, and we are determined to be happy with what God provides!
I know you and your family will love this story, too, along with the beautiful paintings of seasons and struggle in the New World. Happy reading!
10 fellow travelers shared:
Enjoyed your review of this book and how you applied the lessons in it to your own life. I think my son will enjoy this as well....off to find it at the library.
Elise,
How are you? Happy New Year! I wish I had an exceptional book to share this week. It has been too long, but hopefully I can share another book for Children's book Monday soon. I know my boy would love your choice after seeing the sword fighting picture. :)
Wishing you the best with searching for a new home. There's 2 houses for sale on my street, but we're an hour south from you and that probably wouldn't do. Though it would be nice to have a fellow homeschool blogger as a neighbor!
Take care,
:)Mindy
Looks like a lovely book for your two boys.
Don't you give up hope, Elise, for your wishes and ideals. Be patient, and in time, you will be surprised what the Lord has in plan for you...much better than you ever thought.
Blessings,
Andrea
Thank you for the book recommendation. I'm always looking for good 'boyish' books to keep my ds interested in reading.
I just ordered it from the library.
Great review! This sounds like a wonderful book. I'll be adding it to our library list. Thanks for sharing and hosting this.
Renee'
I will have to check this book out. Our family is getting ready to put our house on the market and move to a new place. (At times it is difficult to think of leaving this old place.) Sounds like your book would be a good read for our entire family.
I am so gald you did Children's Book Monday. I was hoping you would continue it!
Blessings My Friend,
~Martie
hi Elise,
This looks like an interesting book. Thank you for reviewing it for us. After checking out many of the books you've reviewed here, I've had to keep adding to my book wish list. Amazon and eBay thank you. :)
Have a great week!
~Anna
Forts, dogs, sword fights??
Sounds just like something my Tyler would love to read!!
Remember our ways are not His ways. And, His ways are eternally best. I can't wait to see what God has in store for your precious family.
I enjoyed this book review very much Elise! I have a feeling my own boys will be captivated by this story! Thanks for sharing!
This looks wonderful! I am back blogging regularly, so I will join you on MOndays soon!
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