First sentence: Early on a white January morning, Samuel’s mother said, “I do wish we had a brown-eyed cow to give us milk for the baby.” Samuel’s father set down his mug. “And for your tea,” she said. Samuel’s father smiled and got up from the table.
Premise/plot: Samuel and his Papa go on a LONG ROAD ON A SHORT DAY as they seek to trade their way to getting a milk cow to please Mama.
My thoughts: Such a simple plot. Such a JOYOUS story. I know it's only May. I know that I may read dozens of more stories that I may come to love more than this one. But. I can't help thinking THIS SHOULD WIN THE NEWBERY. Here's the thing: simple can be oh-so-complex to get right. Because you'll never convince me that every word, every line isn't carefully, meaningfully chosen to accomplish that JUST RIGHT feel.
I loved the text. I loved the characters. I loved the plot. I loved the illustrations. This is a gem of read. I want to hold it in my hands and read it again and again and again and again.
© 2020 Becky Laney of Young Readers
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