The Good Master facts for kids
 |
|
| Author | Kate Seredy |
|---|---|
| Illustrator | Kate Seredy |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Children's novel |
| Publisher | Viking Books |
|
Publication date
|
1935 |
| Media type | Print (Hardcover) |
| Followed by | The Singing Tree |
The Good Master is a children's book from 1935. It was written and illustrated by Kate Seredy. In 1936, it received a Newbery Honor award.
The story takes place in the Hungarian countryside. This was before World War I. It follows a spirited young girl named Kate. She goes to live with her Uncle Marton's family. Her father sends her there because he cannot control her. Country life helps Kate change for the better. Later, Kate and her father move back to the country. They want to be close to Uncle Marton's family. Kate's father, Sandor, also loves rural life. He sees how much the country has helped Kate.
Adventures of Young Kate
Young Kate is not what her cousin Jancsi expects. She is a wild and uncontrolled girl. Her father sends her to live with his brother's family. Kate's Uncle Marton is known as the "Good Master." He is a kind and respected man. Kate's mother had passed away. Her father had spoiled Kate a lot since then. He hopes his brother can help her learn good behavior.
At first, Jancsi does not like Kate's unpredictable actions. But they share many adventures on his father's ranch in Hungary. They ride runaway horses and visit a Country Fair. They also celebrate holidays like Easter and Christmas. These are done in traditional Hungarian ways.
Over time, Jancsi learns to like Kate's lively spirit. Kate also learns to love and respect the people around her. When her father visits at the end of the book, he is surprised. Kate has become polite and self-controlled. She convinces him to move to the country to teach.
The Story Behind the Book
The Good Master was written because of a suggestion. May Massee, an editor at Viking Press, asked Kate Seredy to write it. She wanted a story about Seredy's childhood in Hungary.
The events in the book are based on real experiences. Kate Seredy spent summers with her father. They were on the rural plains of Hungary. Her father studied the life of local farmers. The book shows the old customs and way of life in Hungary.
The Singing Tree is another book by Kate Seredy. It is a sequel to The Good Master. It also won a Newbery Honor award. This book describes how World War I changed the people and countryside.
Important Ideas in the Story
One main idea in The Good Master is that country life is better than city life. Kate starts as a city child. She is often grumpy and unhappy. Moving to the country helps her. She interacts with animals and people who work on the land. This helps her become happier.
A shepherd Kate meets explains this idea well. He says the sky gives him sunshine and rain. The ground gives him food and water. His sheep give him clothing and a bed. He wonders if money or schools can give him more. This idea is important in many of Kate Seredy's books.
