An Eager Child

About the Book

Even her Mama asks, "Where does Ovidie get these ideas?" We can ask that, too, of this fine-spirited, industrious youngster growing up in an obscure mountain area of Norway in the late 1800s, on a centuries-old farm, with a seemingly unchanging centuries old lifestyle.

For Ovidie’s hard-working parents, who have already raised three now-grown children, life is sufficient and good. So, what’s there to change?

They are untiring as they provide for the family in a faith-based, self-contained environment. Theirs is a caring home, a home where everyone has a role and a goal. Ovidie is the youngest, a strong-willed and thoroughly adored child; she has her role and fulfills it with diligence. And, yes, indeed, she has a goal, too, although it’s her secret.

Delightful to read and highly illustrated, this storybook is written as Ovidie lived—simply but with purpose. Enjoy the stories of Ovidie’s growing up eager, and let messages from Ovidie’s journey of life-lessons learned on the farm emerge from between the lines for reflection. Ponder the wonder of how we are influenced by the lives and decisions of our forbearers.

About the Author

BETTY F. ENGH PETTERSEN is a retired social worker who lives in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Whereas formal writing has been a constant companion and one she has not minded having around through career, church life, with community groups, and even with family, this is her first published work.

ILLUSTRATOR BIOGRAPHY

Elva Hurst, of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, is the author and illustrator of the Farm Life Series, Wooley the Lamb, and other books depicting life growing up in the Old Order Mennonite tradition. With her husband and four children, she operates Barnyard Art Studio and Gallery on the family farm, and is well-known in the area for her inspirational Chalk Talk presentations.