Ernestine's Milky Way

Written by Kerry Madden-Lunsford

Illustrated by Emily Sutton

Schwartz & Wade Books, 2019. Picture Book.

Ernestine lives in the Smoky Mountains with her Mama while her Daddy is at war. She and her Mama milk their cow Ole Peg every morning. One day Ernestine's Mama gives her a special job: she has to take two jars of milk down yonder to their neighbors, all by herself. It's a little daunting to the plucky five-year-old, but she begins her journey as the morning star lights her way. The path takes Ernestine through terrain marked only by plants and wildlife, from thickets of crabapple to a valley of doghobble. Along the way she hears animal sounds that make her nervous. Could that scratcha-scratcha-scratchin be a bear? Her mantra reassures her throughout it all: "I'm five years old and a big girl!"

Ernestine's Milky Way reads like a bighearted folktale about neighborliness, courage, and dairy. The rich, colorful illustrations reveal details about a different time, a different place and a different way of life. Recommended as a read-aloud in small settings.

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