The Little Family

This is a sweet little book about a family going through their normal daily routines. It was written in 1932, a much more innocent time, but the daily tasks are basically the same - they're just accomplished differently. My son (age almost 3) loves this book and asks to read it several times a week. I think it is very relaxing and comforting. Some kids books today - like their tv shows - are just so frenetic and silly. Silly is good some of the time, but not always. Lois Lenski just writes about simple real life activities and her books are always a pleasure to read. The illustrations are straightforward but with fun details and the writing spare and to the point. We own 4 of her stories and I've just ordered 3 more. Can't wait to get them!

The story is simple - a narrative of a day in the life of a family, the Littles. Each page has a simple but bright illustration with text about is happening. It is easy to add more detail to what it going on with each character. This was a childhood favorite of my husband, it is nice to read a book can be special to your kids many years later.

If you only read story books that are politically correct, you may not enjoy this one. It was written in 1932 and by today's standard is very limited in the gender roles it portrays. Having said that, let me hasten to add that I LOVE this book and all of the similar titles by the talented Lois Lenski. This is a quaint little book with very simple, colorful drawings. The artwork has a satisfying peaceful, gentle nature with a subtle magic of motion and activity that is almost baffling coming from such simplicity. It describes the daily lives of the Little Family that consists of Mr. and Mrs. Little and their children, Tommy and Sally. We see their house and follow them in their activities on a simple average day. They do their housework, yardwork, marketing, baking, gardening and they also go for a drive together and have a picnic. The children feed the chickens, play with a ball and read a book. The family spends loving time together in their living room in the evening. This book is very simple, no big exciting plot, but endearing and relaxing and actually...quite inspiring. Little children will enjoy it. It's quiet tone makes it a perfect book for a bedtime story. Check out all of the wonderful titles by Lois Lenski. Each one is a delight.