Book Review: Yonie Wondernose
Rating: 
Yonie (short for Jonathan) is a seven-year-old Pennsylvania Dutch boy whose curiousity and distractability earns him the name “Yonie Wondernose.” One day his parents leave him with his sister and grandmother to care for the farm overnight, and Yonie strives to prove that he is worthy of the responsibility entrusted to him. That night a fire breaks out in the barn, and he and his grandmother must rescue the animals (the family’s livelihood) from the flames. Throughout the adventure, Yonie strives to earn the reward his father has promised him”when he is old enough to be trusted like a man.”
This story deservedly won a Caldecott Honor in 1945 for its excellent writing and fine storyline. de Angeli does a fine job capturing the exuberant immaturity of this likable child, drawing an appealing picture of a young person striving to overcome childish impulses and earn respect. It is especially wonderful that the prized reward has to do with his desire to attain to manhood: rather than seeking to gratify his immature desires, Yonie aspires to the respect and honor that is only given to the mature. His father’s quiet pride and understated affirmation, following his near-heroic efforts to rescue the animals, are a prize worth gaining.
De Angeli captures a little of the flavor of Pennsylvania Dutch language along with many details of everyday life. Her characters are appealing, the family is warmly loving, and the story itself is full of excitement and danger. It will appeal to both boys and girls, but especially boys. It contains more prose than most picture books and is a perfect fit for children who are just transitioning into chapter books.
Categories: 5 Stars, Age 04-08, Caldecott Honor, Classicalhomeschooling.org, First Chapter Books
Tags: Adventures, Animals, Coming-of-Age, Courage, Creation Stewardship, Diligence, Duty, Faithfulness, Farm Life, Fire, Historical Fiction, Honoring Authority, Maturity, Obedience, Pennsylvania Dutch, Persistence, Problem Solving, Responsibility, Self-Control, Strong Families, Truthfulness, Work
Posted on January 13, 2010
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