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The minute I read “sweet joe-pye,” I was smitten. Poets know that details are important, and the opening for this lovely picture book with a delicious bedtime vibe reads:
This is a house in the hills up high,
with a rusted old car in the sweet joe-pye—
where the clothseline sways on a dogwood breeze,
where the road goes to ruts and fades into trees.
The specificity of sweet joe-pye, the rusted car, the clothesline, the dogwood breeze, the ruts that fade into trees. Oh. My. I am swooning.
Thus begins a nighttime adventure in a world where not many picture books are set, rural Appalachia, and written by an author who lived there with her children. Hoefler’s author’s note is beautiful in relating how she took her children on nighttime drives, and in the process they taught her to see beauty in things that many others would view as junk.
This adventure takes children along wooded roads in a beat-up car and ends up on the moon.
a mooon that is wondrous,
that never will break:
This is the shine
that nothing can take.
The feeling is glorious. The sentiment true. No one can steal the moon’s shine. And I have to think this is a metaphor for something deeper. What do you think?
The nighttime textures are palpable in both the narrative and shadowy illustrations that feel slightly, and purposefully, out of focus. The words are simultaneously exhilarating and soothing. In other words, it’s a beautiful bedtime book.
Now go find it for yourself, so you can experience the magic and awe and share it with kids.
Activities:
Write a five-line poem about a magical trip you’ve taken. It can even be to your own back yard. It just needs to be a place that you love. What did you see? smell? taste? touch? hear?
Discuss the author’s note. Try to think of things in this world you can see differently if you change your perspective.
Make an origami couch to take on your next adventure.
Sweet joe-pye is a wonderful “weed” for pollinators. If you have a garden, you might want to try planting some. Otherwise, watch this video to see where it can be found natively, and take a walk through the woods to see if you can find it in its native habitat.
Title: The Couch in the Yard
Author: Kate Hoefler
Illustrator: Dena Seiferling
Publisher: Holiday House/Neal Porter Books
Ages: Pre-k through elementary school
Themes: wonder, bedtime, Appalachia
For more perfect picture book recommendations, please visit Susanna Hill’s website.
This book sounds so lovely, and Kate Hoefler’s poetic cadence is beautiful! Dena Seiferling’s illustrations are stunning too! As always, love your review and the activities!
Thank you! It is a gorgeous book both visually and to the ear.
It sounds like a great story. I’ll see if my library has it.
Yay! I hope they do!
Lovely language and an unusual setting. I’ll try to get a copy. Thanks for the review.
I hope you can find a copy!
My library has it. I’ve ordered it up. Thanks.
Oh, the poetic language and specificity of unique details grabbed me. The illustrations are also magical. I really want to read this book. Thanks for always finding such awesome books and for your suggestions for activities.
Thank you, Gloria! I think you’re really enjoy this one!
Oh my goodness! I WANT THIS BOOK! Oh and those illustrations! I see this book being used as a master study or mentor text. Such rich texture in words and rich textures in the illustrations. By the way, what a reviewer you are. I love the way you share specific information on the books you feature. Just love it.
Aw, thank you, Pam. When I love a book, I want people to know about it! And this one is a keeper.
What a stunning book. My library has copies & I’ve got one on hold. Thanks for reviewing it! I’m excited to read the rest of it. Love your activities, too.
Thank you! I’m glad you can check it out, Maria! I hope it’s getting lots of attention.