As a Charlotte Mason homeschooler, living books are an integral part of our homeschool. We use real books for every subject, but my favorites always seem to be literature and historical fiction. These are usually the books that find a special place in my heart, because they draw me right into the story alongside the characters.

The mission of Purple House Press is to bring beloved and wholesome children’s books back into print, and one such book they have reprinted is The Chestry Oak. Written by Kate Seredy, a Newbery Medal and Caldecott Honor winner, this book was first published in 1948, with the memories of World War II still fresh.

The young Prince Michael of Chestry is introduced to us as an innocent child, not fully comprehending the war around him. Slowly he watches his homeland of Hungary being torn apart by the war and invading soldiers. Prince Michael then carries the seed of the future, an acorn, all the way to the United States, until he can find a safe place to plant it. 

The book starts a little slow, with long descriptive passages, but as you get into the story, you find not just war and fear and a little boy forced to grow up quickly in a harsh, war-torn valley, but also hope and compassion. You find that he isn’t just holding on to an acorn, but he is holding on to the hope of finding familiarity and comfort. He is searching for a soothing balm for a confused and hurting heart. The ups and downs of Michael’s journey, with a wild horse, doctors, strange dreams and a US soldier, are sure to engage any reader.

I have a few read-alouds going at any time with my kids and we often read from a different book each day. The Chestry Oak has been one of the few books in a long time where they would ask for more. “Are we reading more about Michael today?” I knew we had a winner with the kids, but I admit that this book made my heart feel for Michael as if he were one of my own. Seredy’s writing is superb!

I have purchased a few books lately that have been reprinted by Purple House Press, and I have always been impressed with their choices. The Chestry Oak is no exception. I think this book is suitable for independent reading by upper elementary and middle school ages, but it is a beautiful story for all ages, and makes a great family read aloud. I will be looking for more books by Kate Seredy.

-Product review by Brittney Rutherford, The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine, LLC, September, 2018