The Singing Tree

by Kate Seredy

Paperback, 1992

Status

Available

Call number

PB Ser

Call number

PB Ser

Local notes

PB Ser

Barcode

1634

Publication

Scholastic Inc (1992), Edition: First Thus

Description

Life changes drastically for a Hungarian family when World War I upsets their peaceful, contented existence and the children are left in charge of the farm.

Language

Original publication date

1939

User reviews

LibraryThing member Book_Shelter
The Singing Tree, while being a Newbery Honor, I thought started out to be very juvenile. Perhaps a little too young even for the age group intended. However halfway through the book, it suddenly turns into a great resource for WWI European history for kids. I liked how the author pulls us into the
Show More
story of what Europe was like for many children. Families taking in other children and even housing prisoners of war as workers.All in all I likes the book , but had a verrry slow beginning.
Show Less
LibraryThing member desislc
This book, because it is overshadowed by World War I, is possibly even more beautiful than its predecessor. Kate and Jansci are definitely growing up (I originally didn't like this, but the more I read this book, the better it gets!). When WWI begins it at first seems far away from the farm. Then
Show More
Father volunteers for military service and goes MIA. Meanwhile back at farm, the family takes in several people including six Russian POWs and six very young German refugees. Farm life continues, without Father, but with young Jansci at its head instead. Like "The Good Master" the author illustrations are lovely.
Show Less
LibraryThing member Murphy-Jacobs
A companion book to "The Good Master", this second journey into Hungary during wartime has a magic haze around it. I've read it several times and still pull it out to read now.
LibraryThing member Cheryl_in_CC_NV
Oh those proud, good, brave, kind, beautiful Hungarians! I have no idea if the the (softened) history is accurate, but what a different picture of WWI is given here than other accounts I've read. I liked this more than The Good Master because, even though it wasn't as much of a fun story, the
Show More
info-dumps were helpful and so the story made more sense - the exotic culture didn't seem so mysteriously alien.
Show Less
LibraryThing member fingerpost
The first half of "The Singing Tree" continues the tale of Kate and Jansci in their Hungarian country home from "The Good Master." The second half tell of life on their little farm during World War I. Uncle Marton goes off to do his duty and fight in the war, leaving teenage Jansci as the "man of
Show More
the house." Soon they are made guardians of a sort, of six Russian prisoners of war. Far from being kept as prisoners, the six big Russian men immediately become loving members of the household.
"The Good Master" was weakened by the instantaneous way Kate's moving to live on the rural homestead converted her from hellion to wonderful loving child. In "The Singing Tree," the same thing happens with another obnoxious child, and then the six captured Russian soldiers, who immediately become members of the family instead of enemy prisoners. The anti-war message of the book is sweet, but incredibly naive. Knowing that this was published immediately before Germany invaded Poland, to begin World War II, makes the innocent naivety of the book stand out all the more. Yet, there is truth in this message as well. What matters is not what side one is on, but rather, that one is a good, kind person, helping those in need, whoever they may be, and doing all one can for family, friends and neighbors.
I liked this book a little more than its predecessor, in spite of, or maybe partly because of, its naivety.
Show Less

Rating

(80 ratings; 4.2)
Page: 0.463 seconds