Mama Seeton's Whistle

This story is based on a real family. I picked this book out at the library and thought it might turn out to be one that only I enjoyed, but our 6-year-old and 4-year-old boys liked it, too. They enjoyed the magic of the whistle and the detailed illustrations, and I enjoyed the beautiful, expressive, historically accurate illustrations and could relate to the mother's wistfulness. Some reviewers have remarked that it's a problem that the mother is depressed over not seeing her grown kids anymore, and I might have agreed back when I was a single woman raised on feminist ideals -- but not as a mom. I am sure I will have days I miss these boys like crazy. That is mama love! When reading, keep a tissue handy and be ready to teach your kids how to whistle. ;-)