A boy and his father trek through the snow in what seems to be a fool's errand. Who would trade a milk cow for a pocket knife? But that is just what Samuel and Papa set out to do on a cold day with a storm coming in A Long Road on a Short Day by Gary Schmidt and Elizabeth Stickney, with illustrations by Eugene Yelchin.
I heard about the book on Read Aloud Revival, and their description and comparison to Ox Cart Man (a favorite) had me opening my library tab to request it. Living in the same region as Gary Schmidt almost guarantees that our library will have his books, and they did not disappoint this time.
After a Saturday full of chores, I sat on the floor to organize the library bookcase (no, we don't just have a shelf, we have a small bookcase to hold all the books we request from the library.) My daughter had picked up books on hold earlier. I decided to sit a while longer and read this one. After just one reading, I'm adding it to my wishlist. We are never too old for beautiful stories.
Schmidt excels at showing us the characters through their (few) words. A loving husband and father. An obedient son (who often wishes his mother did not want a milk cow). Neighbors who see the value in a trade that allows the family to obtain what they need. It is the story of a community that looks out for one another while maintaining dignity of one another. Schmidt shows the value of hard work, persistence, family, and a little something extra.
The rhythm of the words, the repetition of phrases, and the progression of the story brought me to New England even though the setting is never stated. The illustrations reminded me of a combination of Richard Scarry's Little Bunny and Barbara Cooney's many works. Samuel's red nose, the clouds of snow, and the hint of a trade at the start of each chapter combine to tell the story alongside the words. The illustrations and words pull the reader to see just how Papa is going to procure a milk cow with only a pocket knife.
Highly recommended!
