Down Dairy Farm Road

Sorry I didn't blog on Friday, I haven't been up to my usual snuff, and while I got on the computer, writing out my blog was a bit beyond me. But in the end it all worked out as things often do if given a chance.
Saturday I went to an end of school year carnival at my children's old school, St. John the Evangelist. The school is closing, and this will be its last year, so the picnic was bitter sweet. My daughter, wandered into the library and asked the librarian what was happening with the children's books in hope of getting some for the school in which she works. They gave her a whole bunch and I read them yesterday. My favorite was "Down Dairy Farm Road".
This book by C.L.G. Martin is about a little girl named Junie Mae, whose grandfather is the local vet in the town. The time is around 1953 and the area Junie Mae's grandfather works in is very rural. People don't have a good deal of money, so instead Doc receives, pies and peas, fresh milk and silky corn for payment of his rounds. Junie Mae is helping him but is sad this particular day, because another girl has made fun of her hair insisting that only the most fashionable young ladies have their hair permed. Junie Mae asks her grandfather for the money but he can't afford to give it to her. While at a vet visit, one of Doc's patients, Mrs. Olson, gives Junie Mae a basket of kittens, asking her to find them homes. Mrs. Olson tells Junie Mae she can keep whatever she earns for the kittens. Junie Mae decides five kittens are enough to earn her a trip to the beauty parlor. As she looks to find the kittens good homes, however, Junie Mae finds somethings are more important than money.
This is simply a wonderful story. The writing is simple, easy enough for a kindergartner to third grader to enjoy, and the illustrations are just lovely. Colorful, but simply drawn. Little girls who think they are having trouble fitting in will like the story very much as will their parents. It teaches a good lesson about the importance of self worth without being preachy.
Easy to read, enjoyable illustrations, and a good lesson. A three time winner! Head to the library and find a copy today!