Synopsis
Mama and Papa agree that eggs for breakfast would be nice, but they’re too busy to go to the store. So they decide that Hetty is old enough to go by herself. Although she practices walking smoothly up the hill so she won’t break the precious eggs, she can’t help running all the way down. Young readers will hold their breath as Hetty tries her very best to get those eggs home safely. “The story is remarkable for its evocative imagery, and the loving interchange between the characters sets a charming tone. The words are perfectly complemented by Lewis’s dazzling, impressionistic watercolors that show the joyous power of love and depict a warmly supportive world in which Hetty ventures forth toward independence. A fine book that speaks straight to the heart.”—Booklist
Children's Literature
One morning, Mama and Papa decide that they would like fresh eggs for breakfast. They also decide that Hetty is responsible enough to be trusted to travel "down the road," all the way to the old-fashioned grocery store to buy and fetch the eggs home. Although Hetty is careful to anticipate potential dangers to the eggs, on her return trip she gets distracted by picking apples and manages to break the whole dozen. This quiet, warm-hearted story ends with Mama and Papa's understanding and forgiveness. Lovely, realistic, watercolors depict the warmth of this African-American family and the beauty of the summer countryside.