FRANCES IN THE COUNTRY

A young city girl experiences the attractions of the countryside.

Energetic Frances feels confined in her city home and struggles to obey the many rules of urban living. A much-appreciated trip to her cousins’ farmhouse in the country allows Frances space to run and play. Frances and her two cousins splash in a pond, chase cats, race one another on quiet country roads, ride in a hay cart, and more. Back in the city, her mother and sister realize that life is rather dull without Frances around, and when she returns, although she no longer has the freedom of movement she experienced in the country, she is happy to be home where she belongs. The text’s use of repetition creates a distinct rhythm that makes this a good choice for read-alouds. Qualls’ signature textured illustrations, done in acrylic paint, collage, and pencil, elevate and add character to this simple tale, using a palette of light colors for the country scenes and darker colors for the city scenes. All characters are Black with skin tones in various shades of brown. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

A familiar narrative about urban versus rural childhoods that’s made fresh by distinct artwork.