Mary Ann Kinsinger and Suzanne Woods Fisher's Life with Lily ~ Reviewed

Life with Lily

By Mary Ann Kinsinger and

Suzanne Woods Fisher

Published by Revell

ISBN#978-0800721329

288 Pages

Back Cover: For a child, every day is a thing of wonder. And for six-year-old Lily Lapp, every day is a new opportunity for blessings, laughter, family, and a touch of mischief. As she explores her world, goes to school, spends time with her family, and gets into a bit of trouble with her friends, Lily learns what it means to be Amish and what it means to grow up. From getting a new teacher to welcoming a new sibling, Lily's life is always full of adventure.

The first of four charming novels that chronicle the gentle way of the Amish through the eyes of a young girl, Life with Lily gives children ages 8-12 a fascinating glimpse into the life of the Amish--and lots of fun and laughter along the way. It combines the real-life stories of growing up Amish from Mary Ann Kinsinger and the bestselling writing of Amish fiction and nonfiction author Suzanne Woods Fisher. With charming illustrations throughout, this series is sure to capture the hearts of readers young and old.

Review: 

I came home from work to discover a review copy of this book in the mail.  I sat down to check out a page or two of this adorable book. I ended up reading over half of it before my husband told me dinner was ready. I was immediately drawn into the book by the front cover and transported inside an Amish farm cracking up over this heartwarming story of Lily and her family.

This is the first of four books in a series aimed at readers eight years old and up. It has thirty-nine short chapters with beautiful illustrations that reminded me of those in the Little House on the Prairie books.

Each chapter unfolds a new adventure through fun loving Lily’s eyes. This precious novel begins with Lily and her younger brother, Joseph being rushed off in the middle of the night to their grandparents’ house without saying good-bye to their mother. This troubled Lily greatly. They would learn the next day about the new member added to their family. Dannie was their new baby brother.

I loved how Lily asked her father where this new baby came from and her father’s reply.

“God brought him to us, Lily.”

“Lily clasped her hands at the thought. How wonderful that God had taken the time to bring a baby to them! “Is God still there?” she asked hopefully. But Papa said, No, she couldn’t see God today.”

“What a disappointment. Lily wished she had been home to meet God when He stopped by the house to bring a baby.  The thought of meeting God was even more exciting than having a new baby.”

I was captivated by this sweet six year old girl. Lily stole my heart. I found her view of life charming, innocent and real. I smiled big as I read about Lily’s life. I enjoyed reading of how they added a new family member, had a barn raising, a new dog, cow, and chickens and took a trip to Kentucky to see their grandparents delightful. All the while learning life is always changing and there are new things to discover and learn. 

It reminded me of the Little House on the Prairie books by Laura Ingalls. It’s definitely a story for all ages. The detailed illustrations enhance the story. The reader will get a peek into the Amish life style through this child’s eyes and learn how this community does family, school and how they interact with friends. I highly recommend this novel for readers of all ages, it’s fun and enchanting.

Reviewed by: Nora St.Laurent

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