header


Sam Bennett's New Shoes
Carolrhoda Books, 2006

$15.95 • 32 pages • Ages 4-8
ISBN 1-57505-822-7

**Included in Bank Street College's
2007 Best Children's Books of the Year **


Spring was a promise away on the day the cobbler traveled over the hill to the Bennetts' farm. It was a special day...for Sam, the oldest child, was getting new shoes. Shoes were costly, but Sam's were worn and full of holes. The new shoes were big. "To give you room to grow," said Papa.
"New shoes! I have new shoes!" shouted Sam, to anyone who would listen.

Sam Bennett needs new shoes. His old ones are full of holes, and Sam is growing up. With new shoes, he will now be allowed to help his papa plow the fields and shear the sheep. Yet when Sam's new shoes arrive, he learns that his old shoes still have a purpose. Together, Sam and his papa hide his old shoes in the walls of the house to bring the family good luck.


"Thermes's tale is chock-full of historical facts and tidbits. Her detailed illustrations show much about 18th-century life...an enjoyable read-aloud."

–School Library Journal


Click here to learn more about the custom of hiding old shoes in the walls of a house!

Click here to purchase a copy of Sam Bennett's New Shoes.





When I Was Built
Henry Holt and Company, 2001

$16.95 • 32 pages • Ages 4-8
ISBN 0-8050-6532-6


Today, big houses surround me, up and down my street. When I was built, the Fairchilds were the only people around for miles and miles.

Standing strong and proud, a trusty old farmhouse reflects on its beginnings, remembering the Fairchild family who built it more than two hundred years ago and comparing what life was like then to the bustling world of the Gray family, its present dwellers.

With rich historical detail and warm affirmation of both past and present, When I Was Built celebrates continuity and change, as it conveys the welcoming spirit that makes a house a much-loved home.


"...sure to appeal to the many children who wonder how things were "a long time ago" and who will be fascinated with both the differences and similarities."

–School Library Journal


Click here to see interior illustrations from When I Was Built.

Click here to purchase a copy of When I Was Built.


footer
Home | Portfolio | Black & White | Maps | Books | Clients | Bio | Process | Teachers | Visits | Blog | Links | Robert's Snow | Contact

All artwork on this website ©2010 Jennifer Thermes


click tracking