From: Robin Smith <smithr>
Date: Thu, 26 Aug 1999 14:57:45 -0500

I am glad you asked about the "easy books" by Katherine. I have always loved the simple story of Marvin and the way he handles his move to a new farm in "The Smallest Cow in the World." As Marvin mourns the loss of his favorite cow, moves to a new farm and watches the rest of his family adjust well to the new life, he is still not happy. Like Rosie, the beloved cow who has had her calf taken away and then is sold, Marvin has lost what he treasures most.
        He then imagines the smallest cow in the world (and surely the only imaginary bovine friend in the history of children's literature!) and we better understand the emotions of a young child as he comes to grips with one of life's sad realities: moving and leaving friends. Katherine Paterson always has empathy for her young characters and sees life through their eyes...even in very simple stories like this one.

        Robin Smith
        The Ensworth School
        211 Ensworth Avenue
        Nashville, TN 37205

        Smithr at ensworth.com
Received on Thu 26 Aug 1999 02:57:45 PM CDT