Illustrations by Peter Fiore
This children's book takes excerpts directly from Walden and juxtaposes them with wonderful artwork to increase a child's understanding of Thoreau's reflections.

 

From Publishers Weekly:
Schnur (The Shadow Children) deftly plucks Thoreau's own words from Walden, and Fiore's (The Boston Tea Party) luminous watercolor and oil paintings affectingly evoke the simplicity and serenity of this man's existence on his beloved pond. As Thoreau chronicles a key chapter in his life his 1845 construction of the one-room cabin that became his treasured abode he repeatedly marvels at the sights and sounds of the natural world, constantly changing with each season. Schnur's chosen passages reveal Thoreau as a participant in rather than merely an observer of nature: "Sometimes a rambler in the wood was attracted by the sound of my axe, and we chatted pleasantly over the chips which I had made." Spare yet eloquent, Thoreau's words offer intriguing insight into his lifestyle as well as his philosophy. Describing the minimal contents of his house, he notes, "My furniture, part of which I made myself, consisted of a bed, a table, a desk, three chairs (one for solitude, two for friendship, three for society)." Fiore's striking panoramas underscore the beauty and the appeal of the locale that became Thoreau's home and inspiration, while the interiors and spot art emphasize the simplicity of his lifestyle. Ages 5-9.
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

 

Everyone in the bustling town of Concord loves buying grand new things and stylish clothes. Everyone, that is, except Henry David Thoreau. He would rather sit on a pumpkin than a velvet couch. He likes his old breeches patched and his shirts worn and soft. Henry even prefers fresh air and the song of whippoorwills to the hazy breath of smokestacks and the thunder of wagons. But when Henry builds himself a cabin -- "not one inch bigger than I need" -- near Walden Pond and speaks out against a ghastly plan to destroy his beloved Walden Woods, the town brands him a trouble-some rooster. Can Henry prove once and for all that nature is worth more than sooty factories and fancy parasols? An afterword provides historical details and context.

Stunning illustrations distinguish this lively fictional portrait of Henry David Thoreau, a man whose simple yet extraordinary vision made history -- and reminded us that "heaven is under our feet as well as over our heads." author’s comments: Deborah O'Neal and Angela Westengard are friends, writers, and documentary producers. THE TROUBLE WITH HENRY: A TALE OF WALDEN POND is their first children's book. Deborah O'Neal has a Ph.D. in English and until now has published literary criticism. Writing for kids is much more fun, she says, and much more difficult. She lives in California with her husband and very rude cat. Angela Westengard, an award-winning water-colorist and videographer, lives in California also, with her husband and their obnoxious kitty. Having raised daughters of their own, the authors know how painful life can be for children whose individuality makes them stand out like "troublesome roosters." This story, inspired by the exuberant individuality of Henry David Thoreau, celebrates their courage and achievement. illustrator’s comments: S. D. Schindler has illustrated numerous books for young readers, including ONE WITCH by Laura Leuck and THREE PEBBLES AND A SONG by Eileen Spinelli. He spent his childhood summers on a lake in northern Wisconsin and now spends every June in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. For this book, he says, "a trip to Walden Pond and Concord was a highlight (even in the dead of winter)." He lives in Philadelphia with his wife, Susan, and their cat, Furball. Their home includes ponds, woods, and a small stream. "We enjoy the natural year as Thoreau did," he says, "but alas, live much less simply."