Travel back in time with this re-published book. The original title was first published in 1946 and they were re-released in 2012. Three Swedish triplets want to plant a garden to earn money for bicycles. They would like to buy bikes to get to school faster because they live in a very rural area far from school. It takes them a while to learn how to buy seeds, how to plant them and then they have to wait for everything to grow. They are shy when they get to the market, but then they get used to the hustle and bustle.
This is a very sweet story that can teach to children how they can help themselves if they need something. The illustrations seem to be the original watercolors from the previously published books. The drawings are accessible and realistic. The color palette has a soft tone and the landscape will let little ones imagine what Sweden looks like in the summer. I would argue that it incorporates some Swedish folk art. The dresses that the children and the women wear are true to the 1930s.
There is nothing objectionable in this book. It is really very sweet and timeless. It has that vintage feel and I think a new generation of children will enjoy this series. It is appropriate for a school library. It could be used in classes exploring Sweden. It would also be a great example of working hard when doing character education lessons. ( )