Ladybug Nominee

Home in the Woods by Eliza Wheeler (Nancy Paulsen Books, 2019)

This stunningly beautiful picture book from New York Times bestselling author-illustrator Eliza Wheeler is based on her grandmother's childhood and pays homage to a family's fortitude as they discover the meaning of home.

Eliza Wheeler's gorgeously illustrated book tells the story of what happens when six-year-old Marvel, her seven siblings, and their mom must start all over again after their father has died. Deep in the woods of Wisconsin they find a tar-paper shack. It doesn't seem like much of a home, but they soon start seeing what it could be. During their first year it's a struggle to maintain the shack and make sure they have enough to eat. But each season also brings its own delights and blessings--and the children always find a way to have fun. Most importantly, the family finds immense joy in being together, surrounded by nature. And slowly, their little shack starts feeling like a true home--warm, bright, and filled up with love.

About Eliza Wheeler

Eliza Wheeler grew up in northern Wisconsin in a family of musicians, teachers, and artists. She lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Her website is at https://wheelerstudio.com/

Activities & Links

• Check out a behind-the-scenes video of the author at work at https://youtu.be/gMNc0EvtSUU 
• The website Kids Gardening provides activities and lesson plans for teachers and parents to assist kids in learning and growing through gardening, and engaging their natural curiosity and wonder: https://kidsgardening.org/
• The US Forest Service website offers an Educator Toolbox with background resources organized by grade level to help kids understand forests and grasslands. The website also offers professional development opportunities and resources for educators.  https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/conservationeducation/educator-toolbox 
• Parents magazine has a variety of nature inspired crafts for kids: https://www.parents.com/fun/arts-crafts/kid/nature-inspired-crafts-ideas-for-kids/
• Martha Stewart’s website also provides a variety of nature craft ideas for kids: https://www.marthastewart.com/275439/nature-crafts-for-kids
• The NH PBS website is a great source for information about the changing of seasons, as well as ideas for activities related to this subject: https://nhpbs.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/evscps.sci.life.boutseas/about-the-seasons/

This is one of ten titles nominated for the 2020 Ladybug Picture Book Award. We will be posting information about a different nominee each Friday throughout the summer and will issue a pdf voters guide featuring all ten titles at Labor Day.