Uncle Jed's Barbershop

I really love this book. It’s a good introduction to the black American experience at a children’s level. The themes of family bonds, working and persevering to reach one’s dream and the importance of community are wonderful. The book is told from the perspective of a young girl named Sarah Jean. She describes her favorite relative and his dream of opening his own barbershop. Until then, he goes to his customers’ homes cutting hair and is the only black barber in the county. She says most people didn’t believe he would really do it, but he continues to work toward his dream despite the setbacks he faces. Though Uncle Jed is ambitious, he is community oriented and in hard times he accepts whatever compensation people can give. He finally achieves his dream and opens his barbershop before he dies. The illustration for this page is my favorite of the book, showing a crowd of beaming customers applauding as he gives the first shape up in his own shop. The book briefly introduces sharecropping, segregation, and the Great Depression in ways that children will understand. The definition given for each is simple and a good beginning point for kids. Segregation is mentioned specifically when Sarah Jean has to go to the hospital, described in part with “There were separate public rest rooms, separate water fountains, separate schools. It was called segregation. So in the hospital, we had to go to the colored waiting room.” It’s an excellent book to use when introducing the history to children while also supporting the following of one’s dreams. Black history isn’t covered enough in education and this is one of the books I will be using to supplement that deficit. The illustrations are nice, soft and fill both pages. This is such a relatable and beautiful story.

This is a great book. Classic. It also has been used by me for inspirational talks and as an introduction to workshops on gratitude and generosity. I have even sent it abroad to some of my English speaking friends who live and work in poor African cultures. It gives individuals a chance to practice their English reading skills. It has also been helpful as well as a tool to work at counteracting the myth that everyone in America is rich and focused totally on materialism ( an attitude that I have encountered on several occasions during my mission trips to more places than I want to mention ) I have used it also as a socialization tool when I read stories to both children as well as mixed age groups - an opener for discussion. I have found that even people with whom I interact on dementia or memory loss units-in nursing homes enjoy the pictures and can recall events in their own lives about haircuts and support from others when illness strikes. It also beautifully exemplifies the idea That poverty does not define your value as a human being.

Don't you want your dream to come true? In the fiction story "Uncle Jed's Barbershop," by Margaree King Mitchell, we learn how an old man's dream came true. One day there was a guy named Uncle Jedediah who was Sarah's favorite relative and who was her dad's brother. Uncle Jed wants a barbershop, but he does not have the money to get the barbershop. He keeps on trying, but he keeps on using the money for other things. Will he be able to have the money to get the barbershop? The author wrote this book to show us dreams can come true. My favorite thing about the book was when Uncle Jed was talking about the barbershop. I would recommend this book to others because in other stories that person's dream might come true. I like this book because other people were helping Uncle Jed out. You should read this book because it is a very sad book because Sarah could have died and I thought she would die. By: Delvina

Great book I discovered a copy of this in a thrift store showed it to my coworker and he fell in love and asked me to order him one as well our kids loved reading this book and I am happy to make the contribution to the author.

This is one of my six year old's favorite books. Beautiful illustrations and a beautiful storyline. It also provided a wealth of opportunities to talk about important real-life subjects with kids - both historical and modern day - including the Great Depression and segregation.

I am a substitute teacher in a primary school. I was subbing in the library and this book was part of the lesson for that day on "perseverance." I loved it so much I had to buy it for my personal library. I highly recommend this for adults as well as children. If you are trying to reach a goal and have a difficult time attaining it, this book is for you. If you are doing what you set out to do read it anyhow. It will inspire you to keep going forward!!

I wrapped this book to a class and they were so captivated by the illustrations and the words in this book. It has so many great things that we can connect to our lives present day. The students really enjoyed it and it made my heart smile!

We use this book for our economy unit. It goes through the good and the bad of entrepreneurship with a real world experience. It also shows diversity as a black man can have his own business through lots of work and dedication

Nice children's book.

One of the BEST STORIES for little children. A story of community, patience, dreams, and perseverance.

I really love this book. It’s a good introduction to the black American experience at a children’s level. The themes of family bonds, working and persevering to reach one’s dream and the importance of community are wonderful. The book is told from the perspective of a young girl named Sarah Jean. She describes her favorite relative and his dream of opening his own barbershop. Until then, he goes to his customers’ homes cutting hair and is the only black barber in the county. She says most people didn’t believe he would really do it, but he continues to work toward his dream despite the setbacks he faces. Though Uncle Jed is ambitious, he is community oriented and in hard times he accepts whatever compensation people can give. He finally achieves his dream and opens his barbershop before he dies. The illustration for this page is my favorite of the book, showing a crowd of beaming customers applauding as he gives the first shape up in his own shop. The book briefly introduces sharecropping, segregation, and the Great Depression in ways that children will understand. The definition given for each is simple and a good beginning point for kids. Segregation is mentioned specifically when Sarah Jean has to go to the hospital, described in part with “There were separate public rest rooms, separate water fountains, separate schools. It was called segregation. So in the hospital, we had to go to the colored waiting room.” It’s an excellent book to use when introducing the history to children while also supporting the following of one’s dreams. Black history isn’t covered enough in education and this is one of the books I will be using to supplement that deficit. The illustrations are nice, soft and fill both pages. This is such a relatable and beautiful story.

This is a great book. Classic. It also has been used by me for inspirational talks and as an introduction to workshops on gratitude and generosity. I have even sent it abroad to some of my English speaking friends who live and work in poor African cultures. It gives individuals a chance to practice their English reading skills. It has also been helpful as well as a tool to work at counteracting the myth that everyone in America is rich and focused totally on materialism ( an attitude that I have encountered on several occasions during my mission trips to more places than I want to mention ) I have used it also as a socialization tool when I read stories to both children as well as mixed age groups - an opener for discussion. I have found that even people with whom I interact on dementia or memory loss units-in nursing homes enjoy the pictures and can recall events in their own lives about haircuts and support from others when illness strikes. It also beautifully exemplifies the idea That poverty does not define your value as a human being.

Don't you want your dream to come true? In the fiction story "Uncle Jed's Barbershop," by Margaree King Mitchell, we learn how an old man's dream came true. One day there was a guy named Uncle Jedediah who was Sarah's favorite relative and who was her dad's brother. Uncle Jed wants a barbershop, but he does not have the money to get the barbershop. He keeps on trying, but he keeps on using the money for other things. Will he be able to have the money to get the barbershop? The author wrote this book to show us dreams can come true. My favorite thing about the book was when Uncle Jed was talking about the barbershop. I would recommend this book to others because in other stories that person's dream might come true. I like this book because other people were helping Uncle Jed out. You should read this book because it is a very sad book because Sarah could have died and I thought she would die. By: Delvina

Great book I discovered a copy of this in a thrift store showed it to my coworker and he fell in love and asked me to order him one as well our kids loved reading this book and I am happy to make the contribution to the author.

This is one of my six year old's favorite books. Beautiful illustrations and a beautiful storyline. It also provided a wealth of opportunities to talk about important real-life subjects with kids - both historical and modern day - including the Great Depression and segregation.

I am a substitute teacher in a primary school. I was subbing in the library and this book was part of the lesson for that day on "perseverance." I loved it so much I had to buy it for my personal library. I highly recommend this for adults as well as children. If you are trying to reach a goal and have a difficult time attaining it, this book is for you. If you are doing what you set out to do read it anyhow. It will inspire you to keep going forward!!

I wrapped this book to a class and they were so captivated by the illustrations and the words in this book. It has so many great things that we can connect to our lives present day. The students really enjoyed it and it made my heart smile!

We use this book for our economy unit. It goes through the good and the bad of entrepreneurship with a real world experience. It also shows diversity as a black man can have his own business through lots of work and dedication

Nice children's book.

One of the BEST STORIES for little children. A story of community, patience, dreams, and perseverance.

We used this book for a unit on Personal Narrative writing. It was rich text to show the students about reading as a reader AND a writer. The illustrations were engaging and story's content illustrated many of the comprehension strategies and metacognitive strategies that we used not only in the lesson but throughout the year as well.

Great story, beautiful illustrations and a fun read aloud. Perfection

This was an amazing purchase for less than $1.oo. Shipping cost exceeded the purchase price of the book. Surprisingly, the book was in mint condition! It is a terrific book for children to read and learn from.

A must have for any classroom library- or child's collection!

This book is nicely written and beautifully illustrated. It seems like a fairly simple picture book but can be used across several age ranges ans reading levels to introduce concepts related to segregation, racism, frugality, The Great Depression, family, perseverance, etc...

I bought this book for my classroom. The children loved it. They tried to act like the little girl. It is great.

I love the story of Uncle Jed's Barber Shop. My problem with the book is that the print is so little on the Android that I can't evn read the story even with my glasses on. The book won't turn the longway and you can't make the words bigger so I feel like it was a waste of money because I still have to buy the book in ordewr to share it with my GrandChildren.

This book was a great read. It's a great book to use when talking about the depression and even segregation.

My favorite book for kids of all ages! Pictures are beautiful. Wording is inspiring!

Avery good book gift for my nephew

A loving story of family and perseverance overcoming racism and the difficulties of the Great Depression. A book for upper elementary aged students and up.

This was a book my wife use to read to the kids she use to take care of and now wanted to give it to a mom to be

This book should be on the required reading list for Middle & High School Students. I would also recommend to book to adults as well to understand simple business procedures.

Great book to teach children about never giving up on your dreams and family ties. This book is very easy to read to students.

One of my favorite books. Touching story and beautifully illustrated.

Excellent classic children's book!

👍🏾👌🏽

I loved this book as a kid and now my kids love it.

This is a lovely book with equally lovely illustrations. Sarah Jean is a young child living in the 1920s in the deep south. The hard times and the segregation the family faces are part of the story, but not the focus of the story. Sarah Jean loves her Uncle Jedediah, who is her grandfather's brother. He is the only black barber in their small rural southern community, so he travels for miles to give his customers haircuts. His ultimate goal is to open his own barbershop. He describes how he wants his shop to look with "shiny, sparkling sinks" and a floor that is so clean that people can see their reflections. Sadly, Sarah Jean becomes critically ill and needs an undisclosed operation that will cost $300.00. Her family waits in the segregated waiting area of their local hospital until the doctor can see her. Uncle Jed steps up to the plate with the $300.00 to pay for his niece's treatment. When the Depression hit with an economic vengeance, once again Uncle Jed has to start from scratch to save money for that barbershop. He even plays "barber" with Sarah Jean, lathering her neck and letting her see the tools of his trade. Over time he does save enough to open that shop and people came for miles for haircuts. Towards the end of the book, Sarah Jean, by then a grown woman spins around in one of her uncle's barber chairs. This is a masterpiece of a book that might make you cry. The ending and the beautiful final illustration make a strong story even more effective. Uncle Jed was a humble man with great dignity. He left a legacy of a good work ethic, dignity and persistence. Best of all, Uncle Jed was truly a good person. I highly recommend this book for everybody. The 1962 Elvis song, "Follow that Dream" could be the soundtrack of this book. Just follow that dream wherever it may lead you.

Picture books featuring black characters in history come out every year. Mostly these books are either folktales or deal directly with segregation and/or slavery. "Uncle Jed's Barbershop" is a little different. In it, the characters live in the deeply segregated South of the 1930s. Rather than let this be the focus of the book, however, author Margaree King Mitchell has chosen to simply allow this to be the background to the actual story. I appreciated greatly the fact that Mitchell was such an adept writer that she could teach kids history without making that history the focal point of the text. When you add this fact to "Uncle Jed's" emotion packed storyline, you find you've a book that's not only well written and illustrated but also deeply meaningful. Sarah Jean lives with her parents on a farm in the South. Her favorite relative, by far, is her granddaddy's brother, Uncle Jedediah. The only black barber for miles around, Uncle Jed travels from home to home giving haircuts. His dream, however, is to someday have a barbershop of his own with sinks, "so shiny they sparkled, the floor so clean you could see yourself". When little Sarah Jean gets sick and needs an operation, however, Uncle Jed readily parts with the $300 required to make her better. A few years later he saves enough money to buy the land and build a building when the Depression hits. Suddenly all his money is gone and he has to start all over again. Finally, at the grand old age of seventy-nine, his dream becomes a reality. People from all over come to him and the now adult Sarah Jean sits in a seat and lets him twirl her around in a chair. Says Sarah Jean at the end, "Uncle Jed died not long after that, and I think he died a happy man". The final shot is of the autumn leaves falling past a window. Inside, Jed sweeps the floor of the shop that he can now call his own. Much as with his "Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt" (which this book would pair brilliantly with during a storytime), illustrator James Ransome has done a superb job. To prepare for these pictures, Ransome returned to his hometown in North Carolina, used old photographs of his grandfather's chickens, and included subtle elements that give each scene a sense reality and a flavor of its own. There's a particularly autumnal feeling to this story as well. The book begins with leaves falling and it ends with leaves falling. Using his customary oil paint on paper, even the thickest of Ransome's lines contain enough delicacy to make the pictures seem real. Uncle Jed is a great character in this pages and it's his vibrancy and stoicism that pulls the book together. Mitchell's plot is a good one too. Books with the moral of if-at-first-you-don't-succeed-try-try-again fall into two distinct camps. Either they're schmaltzy goo of the "Little Engine That Could" variety, or they speak to something deep inside of us. "Uncle Jed's" belongs to the latter category. You agonize with Jed when he loses everything in the stock market. And you're just as amazed as everyone else when he wins in the end, however briefly. I tend to avoid books with lessons because usually the lessons learned are poorly presented. This book, however, has a lesson that I think has been given delightful packaging. With Mitchell's words and Ransome's pictures, you've got yourself a heckuva book. Definitely consider checking it out today.

I love this book! Author, King-Mitchell, created an excellent story while incorporating how things were back in the South during the period of segregation. As a reader, this story portrays the discipline of saving monies for a long sought-after dream (Uncle Jed owning his very own barber shop one day), and teaches children if they are patient their dreams can come true. All it takes is discipline, strong will, and perseverance. In addition, this story takes a sudden turn when Sarah Jean gets ill. Her dear Uncle Jed shows how much he loves her by giving all that he had (his life savings) to pay for her operation. Even though he wanted the barber shop more than anything, he loves Sarah Jean very much, and family means more than money. This book is great for teaching steadfastness, care, and love. Teachers can also use this book as a thematic lesson in their classrooms and counselors in their small group sessions as they teach lessons of determination and care. I highly recommend Uncle Jed's Barbershop on bookshelves in every classroom across our nation!

I was personally encouraged and touched by Uncle Jed's story. And, as a single mom who struggled to raise four children, I know how important it is to believe in your dream. But, even so, I think of my father who is now in his seventies, and could be encouraged by Uncle Jed. What is important about Uncle Jed is that in spite of very discouraging circumstances, circumstances that would cause others to become bitter or to make excuses for not attaining their dreams, he has faith in his dreams. That faith causes him to pick up and go on. It sustains his selflessness. I see no bitterness, no "poor me" in Uncle Jed. Uncle Jed is a great role model, not just for children, but even for adults who have experienced a lifetime of setbacks and necessary sacrifices. What makes this book doubly significant, is the time in history the book is written. It could be a window for children, a view of how things once were in this country and to get them to think about how these things have impact on what is now. It can, also, help them to think about how things are for others outside of their own personal environment. I plan on buying several copies of this: not just for the kids, but for many of the adults in my family.

I love this book. It has everything a good historical fiction needs. Beautiful illustrations accompany the lyrical text. The voice is warm and authentic. Readers will hardly believe this story isn't true. The story follows the dream of one man through the eyes of his brother's grand-daughter. He weathers hard times, segregation, the Great Depression, prejudice, and poverty with nobility of spirit and inspiring determination. The bittersweet ending underscores the struggles caused by bigotry without limiting the story to racial inequality. the text will raise questions and open the door for discussion. Beautifully accomplished.

I love this book so so so much, even though I nearly cry every time I read it. My three year old loves it too. I wish there were more children’s books like this. Such an inspiring message.

This is an uplifting story about chasing your dreams in the face of adversity. Despite toughing out the Great Depression and racial discrimination in the 1920's, Jedediah Johnson had a dream of owning his own barbershop. Being the only black barber in the county, Uncle Jed would travel to his customers and cut their hair and give them shaves. Despite many being unable to pay him, Uncle Jed continued toward his dream of owning his own shop. After many years of trying, Uncle Jed finally got his shop at the ripe age of 79. I liked this book because it helps children understand racial oppression in the past, as well as how having a dream and working hard can pay off... no matter what the time period or the dreamer's age.

Everyone has a favorite relative. For Sarah Jean, it's her Uncle Jed. Every Wednesday night he would come over to her house to give her daddy a haircut and shave. Uncle Jed was the only black barber for miles around. He was a generous man who traveled all over the county in the 1920's to cut his customer's hair. But he had a dream -- a dream as big as his generous heart. He wanted to open his own barbershop some day. Life wasn't easy for Uncle Jed, but you'd never know it from his facial expressions or the way he lived life. When Sarah Jean needs an operation and her parent's don't have the money, Uncle Jed gave them $300; money that he's saved for his barbershop. Sure it delayed his dream, but family mattered more to him. When The Great Depression came and his bank closed -- he lost the $3000 he had saved to build his barbershop. But he didn't stop dreaming his dream. He kept cutting hair, saving money and helping people. He finally did build his barbershop and everyone came from all over the county to celebrate the realization of a dream. He was 79 years old and was never prouder! This book will encourage you and your kids to dream big dreams and to never give up . . . no matter what! Steve & Annette Economides - Authors of America's Cheapest Family Gets You Right On The Money [...]

This fabulous book stole my heart. I feel so lucky to have a job that allows me to share my love of books with my wonderful students. I do my elementary counseling through children's literature. UNCLE JED'S BARBERSHOP is a book I enjoy reading over and over to kids of all ages. What a marvelous lesson. I think it is important for kids to be reminded of how unfair things were to African Americans many years ago. But the best part of the book reminds us all that if we work hard enough, we can realize our dream. Even after reading this book to six different classes in one day, I still cry my eyes out on the last few pages--the most perfect ending!

Uncle Jed's barbershop is a wonderful read. It is inspiring and will catch the attention of young readers. Teachers should definitely read this one aloud to their students. It also teaches perserverance in addition to setting and meeting goals. I highly recommend this Coretta Scott King Award winning book. The author is to be commended for writing such a great children's book and the illustrator is definitely worthy of honorable mention. For he brings the words to life. A picture walk with young students or your own children is a must do with this book.

Uncle Jed's Barbershop is a book about Uncle Jed. Uncle Jed was living in a difficult time. He was a person of color who wanted to own a very comfortable barbershop. He had tow issues at this time. First off he was a person of color. Back then there ware many obstacles he had to overcome. The next issue he faced what the great depression. Making ends meat was hard enough saving extra cash was unheard of. Through persistence and overcoming difficult times Uncle Jed made his wish come true at a very old age. While I would read this book to older kids, I think it teaches kids two lessons. First off all the hardships that people had to go through in life to succeed. The second is, if you really want something, keep on trying and it will eventually happen.

This is a definite favorite of mine! Uncle Jed dreams of owning his own barbershop with four cutting stations, sinks that shine, and a sparkling floor. In the 1930's during the depression this seemed like an impossible dream for most African Americans, but Uncle Jed was determined. He worked and saved many times over. Each time he was within reach of his goal tragedy would strike and cause a set back, but Uncle Jed's dream could not be thwarted. I suppose I love this book so much because it reminds me of my father. He is a barber and owns his own shop still to this day. I remember being little, sitting in his big twirly chair on the "high rise." My mother made him give me the dreaded "Pixxy" haircut. "I look like a boy!" I demanded. Somehow, I don't know how, my father would make it all ok. All was right with the world as he lifted me from the big red twirly chair. Once again I was smiling and happy. You must read this book to find out if his dream came true despite his many set backs. Once you read this memorable text you will understand immediately why this children's classic won the noted Coretta Scott King Award.

Uncle Jed’s Barbershop is written by Margaree King Mitchell, and illustrated by James Ransome. Mitchell wrote this as her first book, and was born in Mississippi. The book won the Coretta Scott King Award in 1994, the year after it was published, which is an award given to books with distinguished portrayal of African American experience. The award was awarded to the illustrator, Ransome, who also won with another book ‘The Creation’ the next year. His art is extremely faithful to the true settings that many people grow up in, and we learn from the back page that he went back to his hometown in North Carolina to study the settings for this story’s pictures. All of the pictures, which are paintings, take up both pages, and exhibit an amazing mastery of representative art that blends creative expression with genuine rendering. The story starts with the main character‘s “granddaddy’s brother” Jedediah coming over, who is her favorite relative and the only black barber in the county. He comes over and shares his dreams of opening a barbershop with sparkling floors and shiny sinks, and even a red-and-white barber pole. The story explains that most of the relatives and the people known at the time were sharecroppers, meaning they worked another person’s land for a share of the crop. In this way, the reader learns a bit about the livelihood that actually is in place for these people, to compare it to the dreams that they hold. Even Uncle Jed’s relatively modest dream, we learn, is not taken seriously by the other family members. We learn about segregation in a memory recounted wherein the main character (who we learn is named Sarah Jean later in the story) was 5 years old, woke up sick, had to drive 20 miles into town, and then sit in the colored waiting room of the hospital. This was the reality, and is portrayed fairly straightforwardly and undramatically, with interpretations made possible through the active participation of the young reader. The doctors wouldn’t do the operation until the family paid the relatively exorbitant sum. In fact, the doctor didn’t even see her until he was finished with all the white patients. Such harsh realities are portrayed honestly in the somewhat objective style of writing. Despite this characterization of the style, the seriousness and incomprehensibility of the situation is portrayed through certain description such as: “Mama held me in her arms all night. She kept me alive until Daddy found Uncle Jed.” Sentences like this raise the stakes dramatically and quickly. Money is, of course, no object, to Uncle Jed, who comes to visit Sarah Jean in bed for a while. Sarah Jean recognizes that the money to restore her health deprived Jed temporarily of his dream of opening the barbershop. It’s interesting the way this story is told through the first person, because it creates a surprising level of intelligence for the 5 year old character, who recognizes such conflicting priorities, and the monetary situation. But the story, still, is told in a sort of retrospective voice that sometimes jumps through time, and other times moves steadily through moments, making the pace of the reading a changing factor. Sometimes there is no time specification, as when we learn that the bank failed and Jed lost over 3000 dollars, which had been almost enough to open the barbershop. As an insight in the larger time and location of these events, this took place at the “beginning of the Great Depression. Nobody had much money.” Jed continues to cut the customers’ hair, despite lack of payment, often accepting food instead until funds became available again. We learn, quite suddenly, that in fact “Ol’ Uncle Jed finally got his barbershop.” This is, of course, a special occasion, and the scene painted here depicts a huge crowd of African American’s crowding around, respectfully observing a man get his neck shaved. The level of detail and realism in the art is balanced by an expressionistic style that makes certain brushstrokes apparent, while blending others. The individuals are rendered with unique attributes and extremely personalized expressions. I even noticed, in this one frame of the barbershop, there are two young children, one in his fathers arms, the other standing, who are looking into the ‘camera’ of the picture place. This creates an eerie, surreal effect where we feel like we are really observing people’s actual lives. Sarah Jean sits in the chair, and, based on the representation, has grown to be a mature woman by this time. Nonetheless, she is treated to the same lotion on the neck and spinning of the chair that she loved as a child. The book ends with Jed’s death, not a sad, but a happy ending in a way, because he taught Sarah Jean to dream. Moreover, even if the dream seems unrealistic or unimportant to others in the environment, or unfathomable given the economic climate of the times, it is achievable through perseverance. The reader learns to never take a setback as an ultimatum.

What a wonderful true story. Uncle Jed's dream took decades of sacrifice but he made it happen.

Sarah Jean is an African-American girl from the South, living during the Great Depression. Every Saturday morning, she looks forward to seeing her favorite family member, Uncle Jed. Each Saturday, he travels from house to house throughout the community, cutting hair. One day, he wants to open his own barbershop. Sarah likes when he pretends to cut her hair by running the clippers over her neck. Sarah becomes really sick and need major surgery that will cost three hundred dollars. When Uncle Jed hears, he gives Sarah's dad the money he has been saving for his barbershop. After saving again, the bank where he has been keeping his money fails. Again, he has to start over saving for his barbershop. During this time, because many customers do not have money he cuts hair for whatever they can give him. On Uncle Jed's seventy-ninth birthday, he opens his new barbershop. People from all over the county come to celebrate the grand opening with him. Not long afterwards, Uncle Jed dies, but he accomplished his dream. The artist, James Ransome uses oil paint, which sets a sad tone of how the South looks during the Great Depression. He won the Coretta Scott King Honor Award for his work.

Deals with Uncle Jed's troubles as a uniquely Black experience, instead of a universal American experience -- working through obstacles, saving money, helping friends and neighbors and relatives, being helped in return, finally reaching the goal and opening his business. Still relevant today for children to understand the necessity of perseverance, and of how economic self-interest helps people succeed through providing valuable services to others, and reinforcing the way work builds character. Beautiful illustrations.