Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1980

Jean Ritchie's Singing Family of the Cumberlands

Written by Jean Ritchie · Illustrated by Maurice Sendak

Discover a family's legacy through the eyes of its youngest storyteller.

4.4 Goodreads · 5 ratings

258 pages· ~700L

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

Journey into the heart of Eastern Kentucky with the youngest Ritchie, who unveils her family's rich legacy through a natural, captivating narrative. As she navigates the past, her story becomes a bridge between generations, capturing the spirit and essence of her heritage. With illustrations that echo the soul of the tale, this narrative invites you to explore the timeless bonds of family and tradition. What secrets and stories will unfold in this intimate portrayal of a family's enduring legacy?

From the publisher

…the story of the Ritchies beautifully told by the youngest member of the current generation-told in a colloquial idiom that suggests the speech patterns of Eastern Kentucky…The diction never does slip into folksiness…Miss Ritchie has somehow made her style perfectly natural, the only appropriate vehicle for her story. No greater compliment could be paid to a prose writer..The very appropriate and unobtrusive illustrations of Maurice Sendak should be mentioned, for they are what is rare, true illustrations of the text no only in subject but in spirit. William H Jensen, Kentucky Folklore Journal

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