Drylongso (Hamilton book) facts for kids
![]() First edition
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Author | Virginia Hamilton |
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Illustrator | Jerry Pinkney |
Country | United States |
Language | English |
Genre | Children's literature, picture book |
Published | 1992 (Harcourt Brace Jovanovich) |
Media type | Print (hardback) |
Pages | 54 |
ISBN | 9780152242411 |
OCLC | 24217134 |
Drylongso is a special children's book from 1992. It was written by the famous author Virginia Hamilton and beautifully illustrated by Jerry Pinkney. This story is about a farming family who is going through a very tough time because of a long drought. Their lives change when they decide to help a mysterious stranger.
Contents
The Story of Drylongso
Drylongso tells a powerful tale about hope and helping others. It shows how people can find strength even when things are difficult. The book is set in a time when the land is dry and dusty.
Who is Drylongso?
The main character is a young boy named Drylongso. His name means "ordinary" or "everyday." He lives with his parents on a farm that is struggling. The family depends on their crops, but the lack of rain makes farming very hard.
Facing the Drought
The story begins with the family facing a severe drought. The sun is hot, and the ground is cracked. Their crops are wilting, and their animals are thirsty. This makes life very challenging for them. They worry about how they will survive.
A Mysterious Helper
One day, a strange boy appears at their farm. He seems to have come from nowhere. He is also named Drylongso, but he is different. He has a special connection to the land and the weather. The family decides to take him in and offer him shelter. This act of kindness changes everything. The new Drylongso helps the family in unexpected ways. He brings a sense of hope and magic to their struggling farm.
About the Creators
The book Drylongso was created by two very talented people. They are well-known for their work in children's literature.
Virginia Hamilton: A Master Storyteller
Virginia Hamilton (1936–2002) was an amazing American author. She wrote more than 40 books for young readers. Her stories often mixed fantasy with real-life issues. She was the first African American writer to win the prestigious Newbery Medal. This award is given for the most outstanding contribution to American children's literature. She also won the Coretta Scott King Award multiple times. Her books are loved for their unique characters and deep messages.
Jerry Pinkney: Bringing Stories to Life
Jerry Pinkney (1939–2021) was a celebrated American illustrator. He brought many stories to life with his beautiful artwork. His drawings for Drylongso capture the dusty landscape and the emotions of the characters. Pinkney won the Caldecott Medal for his illustrations in The Lion & the Mouse. This award is for the most distinguished American picture book for children. His art style is known for being detailed and expressive.
Important Messages in Drylongso
Drylongso teaches readers several important lessons. These messages are still relevant today.
Hope and Resilience
The book shows how people can stay hopeful even during tough times. The family faces a big problem (the drought). But they keep working hard and never give up. The arrival of the stranger brings new hope. This teaches us about being resilient.
Helping Each Other
A key theme is the importance of kindness and helping others. The family takes in a stranger, even when they have little themselves. This act of generosity leads to positive changes. It shows how helping others can make a big difference.
Why You Should Read Drylongso
Drylongso is a wonderful book for young readers. It combines a touching story with beautiful illustrations. It will make you think about hope, kindness, and facing challenges. It's a great example of how a simple act can bring about big changes.