We Were Tired of Living in a House (Ages 5-8)
By Liesel Mokka Skorpen, Illustrated by Doris Burn
Purple House Press
A family of six—Dad, Mom and four children—are all fed up with living under one roof in a messy house, so the children decide to go live elsewhere. They pack up their things and trek out into the wilderness, where they attempt to live in a tree, a pond, a cave and finally at the beach. Skorpen highlights the beauty and creativity of children’s imaginations, showing how at each stop along the way they are able to make the most of their surroundings: gathering blackberries, fishing, making a fire and even building a raft. The detailed black and white illustrations by Doris Burn likewise expertly capture children’s ability to imagine and create. But although each place is, at first glance, seemingly ideal, each has its downfalls and the children must move on. By the end of the adventure, the four siblings realize that although they have enjoyed fending for themselves, home is really where they belong, and the book ends with parents and children happily reunited. Originally published in 1969, the book has just been reprinted by Purple House Press. Makes a wonderful gift!
This article appeared in Wise Traditions in Food, Farming and the Healing Arts, the quarterly journal of the Weston A. Price Foundation, Spring 2023
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