The Morning Chair was about a little boy and his family immigrating from Holland to New York City in America. The father was coming to work and the little boy was nervous. He naturally got homesick but once surrounded by his items from home, he was comforted. His favorite was the morning chair that he sat in with momma. This little boy did not do well adjusting immediately to his surroundings but I can tell he was going to learn to find things he liked about NY. Holland was all he knew and changing his home was difficult. I love that the illustrator used really light pastel colors, it made the pictures really fun to look at. The Dutch family wasn't used to the noise or rush or food choices in America but for a better life, they were willing to adjust. In the end, he was comforted as long as he had reminders of home and that was good. ( )

Barbra M Joosse captures the anxiety any child might have when immigrating to a new country in The Morning Chair. Bram is a child from Holland, he and his family immigrate to New York City for more opportunities. Upon arrival many things are different which makes Bram very apprehensive of this new place. Once their belongings arrive and he is able to sit with his Mama in the morning chair from Holland Bram begins to feel a little more at ease. My favorite part was how the author concluded the book by talking about how America is a big places with room for many types of people and things. The whole statement captured the thoughts I believe many immigrants had when coming to America searching for a better life. ( )

Bram isn't just moving, of course, he's immigrating - from Holland to NYC! (I'm a sucker for any book mentioning my city.) The book neatly captures the anxiety most children would have at this sort of upheaval... and the comfort of having your old things with you when you notice new things (like policemen on horses) that you like about your new home.

It's a bit wordy. Maybe not suited for the wigglier set. ( )

Bram is a little boy from Holland who moves to New York City with his mom and dad. The change is very hard for him and he often misses the traditions from home. When he was in Holland he would sit in 'the morning chair' with his mom. It was their tradition. At first Bram had a difficult time coping with the move to America but when the morning chair arrived with their other belongings Bram was able to accept the new with some help from familiar things from home. This book is good for grades 3 and under. I would be useful for helping kids understand some of the difficulties in moving to a new place. I think it would be good to use in a read-aloud along with a geography lesson. Its a good book for students to discuss the differences between America and Holland. ( )