Sometimes the smallest and most unexpected things have the greatest value, as shown in this stylish feminist fable. This is a story of one farmer, his three children, Franz, Hans and Mary, and an ingenious competition that will determine who should inherit the farm. Which of the farmer's children will be able to fill the house with something that costs a mere penny? Will straw do the trick? Will feathers be sufficient? Or will it take something a little more creative?

 

There are 40 pages in this book. This is a picture book. A picture book uses pictures and text to tell the story. The number of words varies from zero ('wordless') to around 1k over 32 pages. Picture books are typically aimed at young readers (age 3-6) but can also be aimed at older children (7+). This book was published 2011 by Walker Books Ltd .

Jan Mark (1946-2006) was one of Britain's most distinguished authors of books for young people. She was twice awarded the Carnegie Medal and also won the Penguin Guardian Award, the Observer Teenage Fiction Prize and the Angel Award for Fiction. Richard Holland is a talented new artist. He has also illustrated The Time Book for Walker. He lives in Essex. Tanya Landman has written numerous books for children and young people including the Sam Swann series, Apache, The Goldsmith's Daughter, Mondays Are Murder and the beautiful picture book Mary's Penny. Tanya lives in Bideford, Devon. Visit Tanya at www. tanyalandman. com.