Ox-Cart Man

I love the illustrations in the book Ox-Cart Man by Donald Hall. Barbara Cooney was the illustrator and I love so much of her work, but haven't even seen a quarter of it as she was very prolific. 

Here is a famous quote from her that really speaks to me and how I feel about education: “I believe that children in this country need a more robust literary diet than they are getting. … It does not hurt them to read about good and evil, love and hate, life and death. Nor do I think they should read only about things that they understand. “…a man’s reach should exceed his grasp.” So should a child’s. For myself, I will never talk down to—or draw down to—children.” Anyway, the story is about a family who works all year long spinning wool, planting in a garden, knitting, harvesting maple syrup, etc, and the first time I read it as an adult (it was published in 1979 I believe) I cried.

Comments

[shannon]

We just returned this book to the library a few weeks ago. I loved the illustrations too and I cried the first time I read it too. Its such a wonderful story, I am going to buy a copy to keep in our library.

[leah]

this is one of our favorites too. and thanks for sharing the wonderful quote. i wish that all adults would trust and believe in children a bit more.

[Rachel]

Oh wow! Must go get book.

[Julie]

We love this book and have the cd of Don Hall reading so the kids can follow along. I get teary eyed for this beautiful story !