Books from Warbranch Press: Growing Up Cartoonist in the Baby-Boom South | Francis Marion and the Legend of the Swamp Fox | Palmetto: Symbol of Courage | Bear Hug | The Pink House | The Little Chairs | A Gracious Plenty | Octopus Hug | How Many Feet in the Bed?
 

The Little Chairs

Publisher: Warbranch Press
Year: 1999
Author/Illustrator: Kate Salley Palmer
Reading Level: Grades 3-5
ISBN: 0966711424

  

The Little Chairs

In The Little Chairs, a happy family—mama, daddy, and two children—is suddenly faced with a problem that affects the whole family. The daddy has fallen victim to sad thoughts and begins to sit in a dark corner. The daddy says he's making himself sad and doesn't know how to stop it. The mama isn't the reason why he's sad, so she can't make him happy. She wants to help him come out of his dark corner, so she starts bringing him little wooden chairs to paint. After four days, four chairs, and several coats of brightly colored paint, the daddy feels like eating his supper with the family again.

A view of the four chairs--one for each family member--painted by the daddy in The Little Chairs.

    

Reviews and Reader Comments

The mama asks the daddy what is making him sad, but he doesn't know. The mama gives the daddy a little chair to paint.As the daddy paints the chair, he finds himself drawn in to the task by the paint's bright color and the smooth motion of the brush across the wood.

The State (Columbia, SC)
Kate Salley Palmer is the writer and illustrator of this colorful little book, which deals sensitively with a situation children (and adults) may find very difficult and upsetting to comprehend.

Anderson Independent-Mail (SC)
The Little Chairs shows that a loving family member can reach out to someone who is troubled and let them know they are needed until they find their way back.

Jennifer Minchin, Amazon.com, 2000
It is Palmer's bright, cheerful illustrations which make this book a joy to read, brightening the sad and difficult topic. Her realistic ending also helps children who are facing very real problems. Because of its vivid illustrations and few words, this book is perfect for little listeners as well as older children.

Copyright Warbranch Press, Inc., 2008