Ralph Moody was eight in 1906 when his family moved from New Englandto Colorado. Little Britches tells the story of the next few years of their lives as they try to make a go of ranching. It is a heart-warming story wonderfully told. Think of Little House on the Prairie from a boy’s point of view.
But LB transcends Little House in several powerful ways. Laura Ingalls reveals her affection for her father, but Moody’s magnificent reverence for his father shines throughout his book. As he recounts numerous occasions in which his father earned great respect from fellow ranchers and his family. Ralph’s father lived a life of integrity that remained the lasting memory of his son.
Little Britches also shines brightly as Ralph Moody recounts the life and character lessons that his father imparted.
After Ralph has lied to his parents: “Son, there is no question but what the thing you have done today deserves severe punishment. You might have killed yourself or the horse, but much worse than that, you have injured your own character. A man’s character is like his house. If he tears boards off his house and burns them to keep himself warm and comfortable, his house soon becomes a ruin. If he tells lies to be able to do the things he should do but wants to, his character will soon become a ruin. A man with a ruined character is a shame on the face of the earth.”
Little Britches is a book that every boy should read, and every dad should read with his boy. I am sure that girls would enjoy LB, but it strikes me as particularly good for boys.
Reading this book makes this dad want to live an exemplary life so that he can achieve the same kind of legacy with his children. The life lessons from Ralph’s father provide a wealth of opportunities to discuss with children.
Two cautions though. It would be wise to read a chapter ahead so you can consider how to discuss certain events with you son/children. In particular, be advised that Ralph’s dad dies of pneumonia in the last chapter, so I would not recommend this book for younger children.
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