The Chestry Oak

Originally published: New York: Viking Press, 1948.

As he watches his homeland of Hungary being taken over and run by invaders from Nazi Germany, young Prince Michael of Chestry strives to retain his identity and integrity during one of the most dangerous seasons in human history. Michael carries an acorn all the way from his castle home in Chestry Valley to the warm soil of the Hudson Valley farm in the USA where he makes a new home after WWII. It is difficult to decide which are the most unforgettable; the scenes in Hungary, Michael's proud, valiant father and his beloved Nana, or the friendly young GI and his family who take Michael to their hearts and make him their own. Perhaps the most compelling character of all is Midnight, the dancing black stallion, full of fire and beauty, and trained to perform before princes. Kate Seredy's drawings make this a book to treasure. A masterpiece of childhood literature. -Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II The prose is perfect: vivid and often poetic. -National Review ...a modern fairy tale of Hungary. -Kirkus Reviews Kate Seredy's fine illustrations help to link Hungary and America in this story of young Prince Michael whose changing fortunes brought him at last to the warmth of an American home. -Horn Book Occasionally something precious is lost for a while only to be rediscovered and become appreciated all over again. Perhaps never is this more true than with the story Chestry Oak. Originally published in 1948, it is a beautifully told story of a boy who begins with a happy childhood, overcomes peril, and finishes strong. Chestry Oak is a book with all-too-rare and wonderful values that has been cherished by readers for generations. Long out of print, today's readers can once again enjoy the delightful story of Chestry Oak, thanks to Purple House Press. -Jane Claire Lambert, author of Five In A Row

Story of a Hungarian boy and a horse.

A Newbery Honor Book - from the author of The White Stag Jancsi is overjoyed to hear that his cousin from Budapest is coming to spend the summer on his father’s ranch on the Hungarian plains. But their summer proves more adventurous than he had hoped when headstrong Kate arrives, as together they share horseback races across the plains, country fairs and festivals, and a dangerous run-in with the gypsies. In vividly detailed scenes and beautiful illustrations, this Newbery Award-winning author presents an unforgettable world and characters who will be remembered forever. “A genuinely joyous and beautiful book.”—The New York Times

For use in schools and libraries only. Yielding to the command of their gods, the Huns and Magyars, led by Attila, stalk the white stag in a search for the promised land that takes them from Asia to Europe.

With their parents away, city-bred teenaged sisters Kay and Garry take charge of their younger siblings during a severe winter in rural 1930s Connecticut.

Set in the Dust Bowl of the 1930's, here is a moving story that Parents Magazine calls a "poignant tale of how a little girl with a big heart saves the family farm and inspires an entire town." Leah's pony is swift and strong. Together they ride, crossing through cornfields and over pastures, chasing cattle as they gallop under summer skies. Then one year, the corn grows no taller than a man's thumb. Locusts blacken the sky, and the earth turns to dust. Gone were the cornfields and pastures where Leah and her pony used to ride. It is the beginning of the great drought, and Leah's father faces losing the family farm. But Leah's bravely decides to act. This deeply felt story, vividly portrayed through stunning oil paintings, tells the story of a selfless young woman and her sacrifice for her family.

A Newbery Honor Book - from the author of The White Stag Life on the Hungarian plains is changing quickly for Jancsi and his cousin Kate. Father has given Jancsi permission to be in charge of his own herd, and Kate has begun to think about going to dances. Jancsi hardly even recognizes Kate when she appears at Peter and Mari’s wedding wearing nearly as many petticoats as the older girls wear. And Jancsi himself, astride his prized horse, doesn’t seem to Kate to be quite so boyish anymore. Then, when Hungary must send troops to fight in the Great War and Jancsi’s father is called to battle, the two cousins must grow up all the sooner in order to take care of the farm and all the relatives, Russian soldiers, and German war orphans who take refuge there. “A spontaneous, lively tale”—The New York Times