Henry & Bessie—What They Did In The Country

This delightful book takes place in 1853 and follows the story of siblings Henry and Bessie. Having lived all their lives in the city, these two children are excited to move to their new home in the country. Through lovely writing, readers are transported to a more simple time when children explore the wonders of the countryside, plant their first garden, and help change a poor girl’s life. This is not an edge-of-your-seat book with constant thrills and self-centered adventure like many books today. Instead, it is a gentle, heartwarming, funny, and charming book that teaches about life in the country, strong family bonds, kindness, honesty, love of nature, faith, prayer, and the love of Christ. I did this book as a read-aloud for my 8-year-old girl and 5-year-old boy, and they really loved it.

(Reviewed by Jenny Phillips)