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Overview
Arthur Rasby is ten years old and having the worst summer of his life. His parents don't listen to him, so he writes everything down — everything that's real — in his journal. But when he goes to stay with his Great-Aunt Elda and Great-Uncle Wrisby on their farm, his world is turned upside down. For the first time Arthur wonders what's real and what's not.
His aunt and uncle do things Arthur's parents would never do — like climbing out windows to sit in trees, singing to their pet pig, and speaking French to a pet chicken. Life on the farm happens much too fast to write down — sometimes wonderful, sometimes terrible. Arthur begins to understand there is more than one way of seeing and doing and loving. And he realizes there's a whole world just waiting to be discovered.
Arthur spends a summer with his unconventional aunt and uncle and begins to look at life, his family, and himself differently.
Synopsis
Arthur Rasby is ten years old and having the worst summer of his life. His parents don't listen to him, so he writes everything down — everything that's real — in his journal. But when he goes to stay with his Great-Aunt Elda and Great-Uncle Wrisby on their farm, his world is turned upside down. For the first time Arthur wonders what's real and what's not.
His aunt and uncle do things Arthur's parents would never do — like climbing out windows to sit in trees, singing to their pet pig, and speaking French to a pet chicken. Life on the farm happens much too fast to write down — sometimes wonderful, sometimes terrible. Arthur begins to understand there is more than one way of seeing and doing and loving. And he realizes there's a whole world just waiting to be discovered.
Marilyn Courtot - Children's Literature
Young Arthur had been sent to spend the summer at the farm with his Great Aunt Elda and Great Uncle Wishy. Life at home has been difficult with his parent's bickering and a new baby on the way. Up to this point in his life, Arthur has been pretty much an observer, and it is only through his growing affections for the "Greats" and the animals and his new friend, Moira, that he finally becomes an active participate in the world around him. The writing sweeps readers through the story and the quirky characters hold onto you. Tension mounts as all await the birth of a new litter of pigs and Arthur proves to be a resourceful and brave young lad. Once again Maclachlan grabs readers with a heartwarming story and characters who will live in readers' minds long after the book is put down. It is a quick and thoroughly engaging story from a master of the craft. 2002 (orig. 1980), HarperTrophy,
Editorials
Children's Literature
Young Arthur had been sent to spend the summer at the farm with his Great Aunt Elda and Great Uncle Wishy. Life at home has been difficult with his parent's bickering and a new baby on the way. Up to this point in his life, Arthur has been pretty much an observer, and it is only through his growing affections for the "Greats" and the animals and his new friend, Moira, that he finally becomes an active participate in the world around him. The writing sweeps readers through the story and the quirky characters hold onto you. Tension mounts as all await the birth of a new litter of pigs and Arthur proves to be a resourceful and brave young lad. Once again Maclachlan grabs readers with a heartwarming story and characters who will live in readers' minds long after the book is put down. It is a quick and thoroughly engaging story from a master of the craft. 2002 (orig. 1980), HarperTrophy,— Marilyn Courtot