The Favershams

Telling the story of a gentleman and his family in Victorian England, this book charmingly combines English history, intimate family relationships, and colorful pictures. Illustrations (especially of costumes and interiors) are detailed, yet the characters are lovable. Rhyming text is excellent for reading aloud to K-3. Children want to hear it again and again, especially the part about the honeymoon: "I hope you will not think it rude, to see them paddling in the nude". (not an exact quote). The heads of the people are large, but their bodies are quite small, giving them a squished look, which children seem to like. All in all, a quiet, charming look at another time and place.