Growing Seasons

Name: Growing Seasons
ISBN: 9780399234606

by Elsie Lee Splear

For children curious about how life used to be, this book offers a warm and authentic look at a farm childhood in early 20th-century Illinois, shaped by the changing seasons.

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About This Book

A parent might reach for this book when their child asks what life was like long ago, providing a warm and personal window into the past. "Growing Seasons" is a memoir of the author's childhood on an Illinois farm in the early 20th century. Through gentle prose and detailed illustrations, it shows how family life, from chores to celebrations, was completely intertwined with the natural rhythms of the seasons. This book fosters a sense of gratitude, family connection, and curiosity about history. It’s ideal for children who enjoy stories about nature and family, and it opens up conversations about change, resilience, and the simple joys of a different era.

History Love & Family Nature & Outdoors Joy & Gratitude Family & Siblings Curiosity & Wonder Growing Up Weather & Seasons

What Parents Should Know

Cultural Content GapMild

Describes early 20th-century farm life, including butchering, in a factual, non-graphic way.

Sensitive Topics

The book is gentle and nostalgic. It mentions butchering animals for food as a normal part of farm life, but the description is factual and not graphic. This represents more of a cultural and historical gap for modern readers than a sensitive topic. The approach is secular, though attending church is mentioned as a community and social activity.