A Day on Skates by Hilda van Stockum Illustrated by Hilda van Stockum Library: Hilda van Stockum      Family Collection Timeline: Holland, Early 1900s 40 pp, Hardcover, Ages 4-up Item # A18-0 — $19.95 Quantity:  or order by phone: 1-800-757-6831

           In honor of her life and work, Bethlehem Books is very happy to bring back one of the most delightful family books ever written. With this 1935 Newbery Honor book, author/illustrator Hilda van Stockum made her debut into the world of children's books. Within its pages she adroitly captures Dutch life as it was in the early part of the 20th  century. 
           Twins Afke and Evert have a particularly understanding teacher who decides to take his class on a winter skating trip to a nearby town. Evert and his buddies, shy Simon and loyal Afke all have their share of adventures. Everyone (Teacher most of all) breathes a happy sigh of relief upon arriving home safely after a very full day.
          Seven full-color paintings and numerous line drawings enliven this 2007 Commemorative Edition. With a new special feature "Hilda van Stockum: A Legacy of Light" describing her life and literary history.

HISTORICAL FICTION

SUBJECTS:

• Holland
• Netherlands
• Skating
• Twins
• School
• Winter
• Picnics
• Friendship

Reviews

" What a fabulous book! The illustrations were beautiful and the story was so engaging! In fact, my 4 year old daughter, who I didn’t think would sit through such a long book, kept making me continue reading chapter after chapter. It took us about 3 days to finish it and now she wants me to read it again. I am definitely going to look up the author’s other books and check them out as well. M.M. "
-- MM