Barbara Cooney

The child of hardworking immigrants, the narrator tells her tale of growing up and how the family vacations at New York City’s shores inspired her affinity for art. Handsomely hued illustrations evoke family life during an earlier period in this fond family story.

Thus begins a lyrical journey through the days and weeks, the months, and the changing seasons in the life of one New Englander and his family. The oxcart man packs his goods and travels over hills, through valleys, by streams, past farms and villages. At Portsmouth Market he sells his goods. Then, with his pockets full of coins, he wanders through the market, buying provisions for his family, and returns to his home. And the cycle begins again.