Home in the Woods

Really nice balance between the poverty of the family and the treasures they discover. Please write more, Eliza Wheeler!

But I’m not an expert so I’ll just call it a really cool thoughtful book for children to read. I love reading it with my daughter and showing her how life used to be not too long ago

My granddaughters ask for this book again and again (4 and 6 years old). I like that it evokes a much more difficult time matter-of-factly without being overly sentimental. It was a good way to introduce the ideas that bad even terrible things can be managed (losing a father and a home) if everyone works together. The idea of going to a store and not being able to buy any of the things they wanted was astounding to my 21st century grandchildren, the idea of ‘want’ being something they really hadn’t considered. The book illustrates these realities without sugar coating them, but provides a context for children to understand the hardships our ancestors survived, and apply those lessons to their own lives.

This is probably my favorite childrens book we own. It captures the dire times of the Great Depression, but from the pint of view of a child, who finds beauty and joy in the simple things. My kids and i have had wonderful conversations about gratitude and how blessed we are. I always have a yearning to live a little more simply after reading this. I highly recommend it!

Perfect book for any family who reads together; this story is historical and wonderfully written and illustrated. Great for grandparents to have and also to enjoy.

Author/illustrator Eliza Wheeler delivers her touching family history in attractive picture book format. She introduces ancestors and relatives who find home in a dilapidated shack in the woods during the Great Depression. Following the loss of their husband and father, the family heals through caring for each other and relying on the woods for kindling and food. While facing poverty, the eight siblings discover what’s valuable: seeds and growing plants are “treasures [that] take a little time,” berries are “sweet jewels of blue and red,” and preserves are stacked “in the cellar like buried treasure.” Yet most valuable is their love and togetherness, highlighted in a scene where the family dines on food they’ve harvested and prepared: “A feast for the kings and queens of the forest,” as one of the children proclaims. Gorgeous art—illustrations of people are particularly delicate and detailed—and a wonderful heart-warming story. Back matter provides interesting facts about the author’s family.

This is the most wonderful children’s book I have seen in a very long time! It is beautifully written with imagery and metaphors, and the illustrations are simultaneously simple and full of emotion. The narration is short, making it good for both readers and listeners of all ages (even my busy 2.5yo son enjoyed it). The family is an incredible example of how to work and play together through the most difficult of circumstances. This is my first introduction to this author but I will be looking into more of her books because this is exactly the kind of storytelling that I want to share with my five young kids. Beautiful writing, beautiful illustrations, beautiful message! A must buy!

The moment Eliza mentioned the trees of "birch, poplar, pine, and sugar maple" I knew I was home. The Northwoods of Northern Wisconsin could not have been described better. The swampy homes for the frogs and the blueberry patches said this is next-door ... and it was, to the place in "my woods" where I grew up. Bennett WI was a bit south of my home in the woods - we were closer to Lake Superior by 20 some miles. But we had tar paper shacks in the woods, and pumps for our drinking water, and crystal clear winter nights below zero. Thank you, Eliza, for a beautiful story and beautiful illustrations. My favorite of all illustrations was the winter night when Mum was whispering to the stars. I can't wait to share this book with my grandchildren.

Another lovely children's book by Eliza Wheeler. I can't recommend enough these warm, beautifully illustrated books.

Las ilustraciones y la narración de la vida de esta familia es muy hermosa, realmente vale la pena, sería increible tener una version en español pero si sabes ingles te da la posibilidad de disfrutar esta joya.

Amé este libro. Lo compré para mi niño de 6 años. Cuando lo vio, lo dividió en dos haciendo me saber que solo leería la primera parte. Pero la historia lo capturó de tal forma que terminó leyendolo completo.Es un picture book dividido en capítulos. Los cuáles están marcados por las estaciones del año.

Inspiring, beautiful story! Love the paintings also!

One of our absolute favourite books. My kids are 6 and 4.