cover image The Cellar

The Cellar

Ellen Howard. Atheneum Books, $12.95 (52pp) ISBN 978-0-689-31724-8

Howard ( Sister ; Her Own Song) continues tales based on her family's history in this gentle story of a girl who overcomes her fears. Faith, the youngest of four children, constantly wants to join in what her two older brothers are doing. In the course of one day, she attempts to slide down the cellar doors and round up the cows just like Fritz and William do. But each time she ends up left behind, dirty and tearful. After dinner she surprises everyone, including herself, by volunteering to go into the spooky cellar alone to fetch apples. Despite being in the dark after Fritz plays a trick on her, Faith finds the courage to get back into the house and deliver the apples to Father all by herself. In clear, direct language Howard evokes the simple pleasures of rural life of a century ago, when a fresh apple was a real treat. The large type and liberal use of illustrations make this an attractive package for readers just beginning to tackle chapter books. Ages 7-9. (Apr.)