The story is told by the older daughter, Zoe, beginning with the trip from Illinois to the Nebraska territory which was to be their new home. Although it's written for ages 5-8, there is much in it the little ones might not pick up on without discussion - especially the poignant moments where Mama's unspoken feelings about leaving her lifelong home in Illinois for the isolation of the new prairie home are apparent to an adult, but might be missed by a child. It is a rare blend of literature and art. This is not just another covered wagon story. Bunting has taught writing classes at UCLA. She felt the desire to write about her heritage. A few years later, Bunting enrolled in a community college writing course. In 1958, Bunting moved to the United States with her husband and three children. Maybe I’m a bit of a Shanchie myself, telling stories to anyone who will listen.” This storytelling began as an inspiration for Bunting and continues with her work. In Ireland, “There used to be Shanachies… the shanachie was a storyteller who went from house to house telling his tales of ghosts and fairies, of old Irish heroes and battles still to be won. Eve Bunting has won several awards for her works.īunting went to school in Ireland and grew up with storytelling. Her books are diverse in age groups, from picture books to chapter books, and topic, ranging from Thanksgiving to riots in Los Angeles. Bunting.Īnne Evelyn Bunting, better known as Eve Bunting, is an author with more than 250 books.

The Day of the Dinosaurs by Eve Bunting