This classic and award-winning picture book was written and illustrated by the celebrated Vera B. Williams and was named a Caldecott Honor Book by the American Library Association. "A tender knockout . . . it's rare to find much vitality, spontaneity, and depth of feeling in such a simple, young book."—Kirkus Reviews
After their home is destroyed by a fire, Rosa, her mother, and grandmother save their coins to buy a really comfortable chair for all to enjoy. A Chair for My Mother has sold more than a million copies and is an ideal choice for reading and sharing at home and in the classroom. "A superbly conceived picture book expressing the joyful spirit of a loving family."—The Horn Book
Supports the Common Core State Standards
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"At first sight I didn't think I would care for this book, but after reading it I really enjoyed it. I think the story line is great, a little girl saves up her change to help buy her mom a chair. The girl is very considered and was willing to spend her money on her mother. Unlike some kids when they get money it burns a hole in their pocket. I think this good would be good if trying to teach a life lesson." — Jasmine (5 out of 5 stars)
"At first sight I didn't think I would care for this book, but after reading it I really enjoyed it. I think the story line is great, a little girl saves up her change to help buy her mom a chair. The girl is very considered and was willing to spend her money on her mother. Unlike some kids when they get money it burns a hole in their pocket. I think this good would be good if trying to teach a life lesson."
“A striking, offbeat backdrop for a loving story.”
“It's rare to find so much vitality, spontaneity, and depth of feeling in such a simple, young book.”
" This is an inspiring story with illustrations the really compliment it. "
" Teaches about real life situations; community help and service; family love and honor; sharing; work & industry; overcoming trials; enjoying simple things in life -- like a comfy chair to sit in at the end of a long day. "
" This book was so good because it combined the relationship between mother and child with the love of neighbors and strangers. "
" Still one of my favorite stories to share with students! Recommended for grades 1 - 3. "
" This book is about the family who lost their home and everything they owned in the fire. It is about their love to each other, about support from other family members and the community they live in. I like this book a lot!!! "
" This story can be used as a mentor text to teach the students how Vera Williams could a small moment and made it into a book. This book lends itself to a good discussion on how we can help each other. "
" Great book about family, hardships, needs and wants and making things work despite wha tmay happen. Great story! "
" Overall I think the idea of the story was good, but for small kids it just rambles on and on, and there's nothing to really keep the kids interested. "
" A little girl saves change to buy a comfy chair after her family loses everything in a house fire. This would be a wonderful book to read when talking about homelessness or to inspire your children to get involved in the community. "
" good book about family and supporting one another through the community and each other "
" Love, love--a childhood favorite "
" A family's possessions are destroyed by a fire. Family and community help with temporary housing and donated furniture. But the ladies long for a comfortable chair. "
" She wants to buy a chair, but her reasons are fairly depressing... "
" A great mentor text for details/binoculars. I think I might also use it for visualization next year...read the words first and have students visualize. Then show the pictures. "
" Great to use when talking about money. This book can help show children the importance of saving money. Also children can compare themselves to the text to see how their families are alike and different. "
" 1983 Caldecott Honor "
" The child narrator describes the fire that burnt their house and the changes. The community helped out. But they still needed a chair and they had to save for a year. They fill up a jar with coins and then buy a wonderful chair. Great illustrations. I read this to my son in kindergarten. "
" 'A Chair for My Mother' is a heart worming story about family. The family did not have a pretty chair after their house being burned. However, they bought a chair with the money they earn by recieving tips. "
" I remember this from Reading Rainbow when I was little, and it was a pleasure to revisit it. The message of overcoming tragedy through hard work is lovely, and I really enjoyed the vibrant illustrations. "
" I actually bought a big book and cut out the pictures and framed them when my son was born. This book has stood the test of time and is still one of my very favorite picture books. "
" After losing all their furniture in an apartment fire, the family saves money to buy a new chair. They put the money they save in a jar and when the jar is full, they have enough money to buy a brand new, comfortable chair. "
" This book showed good community when it was needed. I'm not sure how many places are left like that nowadays. "
" This book was very sweet and heart warming! It really shows the love family can have for each other, and what hard work will get you. This book is just a feel good favorite, and might inspire your children to do something selfless for another person. "
" This book is a classic. A very hard working mother and daughter save up to buy a big, beautiful arm chair that their family can relax in. A good book to read to your students when discussing various life skills and creating goals. "
Vera B. Williams is the award-winning creator of many books for children, including “More, More, More,” Said the Baby and Amber Was Brave, Essie Was Smart. Throughout her life she has also taught art, cooking, writing, and nature study. She lives in New York City.
Martha Plimpton, in addition to audio narration, is a film, television, and stage actress. Her first major film roles include The River Rat, The Goonies, and The Mosquito Coast. On stage she made her Chicago debut with the Steppenwolf Theatre Company Ensemble, during which time she received a National Medal of Arts Award. She won the Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards for her performance in Tom Stoppard’s The Coast of Utopia and has received numerous Tony Award nominations for supporting or featured actress. Her television roles included Grey’s Anatomy and Raising Hope, among others. In narration, she won an AudioFile Earphones Award for her reading of Alice McDermott’s After This, which also was a finalist in 2007 for the prestigious Audie Award.
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