Little Britches

I have recently been reading a series of books by Ralph Moody, that I have enjoyed so much opening with "Little Britches."  The first book is set in Denver, Colorado in the early 1900's, and I read it out loud to the boys when they were younger when we were new to Colorado.  We really enjoyed this true story of Ralph Moody becoming a rancher with his father, and it felt a little like the Little House on the Prairie books, though more for boys. 

 

This year I read the book again, because Connor didn't really remember it, and the story was a new one for the girls.  We all loved it again and when we looked on the library website, we were surprised to discover that there was a whole series.  I became hooked.  Generally, when I read a book to my kids, I will read the first book and then let them read the rest on their own, and this was no exception.  Only, they had to stand in line behind me while I read the books.  The later books are just as good as the first, but there are some amazing twists and turns in the stories and no two books are alike, other than the fact that they worked hard to survive and were quick to think and be creative in their survival.

I love several things about these books.  One of my favorite things is to be able to envision the world my grandpa grew up in, as he was born in 1901 and truly was a cowboy.  I only saw him in overalls or a suit my entire life.  I like the simplicity of the times they lived in and how there were less choices to be made.  The constant struggle to provide a roof over their heads and food to survive brought them closer to God. 

I love his descriptions of the way he and his siblings contributed to the household and were proud to do so.  They learned to work and the value of money by contributing.  It is hard for people in our era to create work for our children outside of the home.  My oldest son has tried to apply for minimum wage service jobs to no avail.  No longer are paper routes run by youth but by adults.  He is able to do some yard work and dog sitting that was once done by younger children.  Babysitting is more of an option for girls, so it is tough for him to earn his own way or to get a job at 17. 

I know that I tend to idealize the past and prefer the comforts of my generation as well as the many miraculous technical advances that allow us to accomplish so much, but I do wish at times for a simpler era.  I also love his mother and wish I was a little more like her.  It is easy to see that he loved her dearly and looked up to her.  I'm glad to know that just when you think you've read all the great books out there, others turn up!