Jarrett and Jerome Pumphrey’s The Old Sleigh is a simple, gentle story. Season after season, snow after snow, a boy and his father use their horse and sleigh to deliver firewood to their small-town neighbors. But towns grow larger, wooden sleighs wear down and sometimes things have to change. The Old Sleigh, in typical Pumphrey fashion, is simple and charming, featuring their ever-present message of persistence, tradition and community. Its soft, snowy hills and fireplace-warmed homes will make even the most diehard winter haters—such as this reviewer—long for mountains of the cold stuff.
As in their previous works (The Last Stand), the Pumphrey brothers’ signature stamp illustrations tell the entire story, no words needed. One can imagine the careful planning that goes into this kind of art: Every image must be thoughtfully placed, every moment planned. The result is soft and cozy, with colors that are both bright and well-worn, and spreads that are uncluttered yet impeccably detailed and imagined. Even with its ever-grinning characters, The Old Sleigh doesn’t tip over into cheesy but remains firmly grounded in kindness, hard work and respect for the people and objects around us. Little eyes will enjoy finding the cheerfully colored cardinals that visit most pages.
While light on narration, The Old Sleigh says exactly what it needs to, exactly how it needs to. Repetition and some easy personification help drive home its message. A particularly compelling detail is how the connotation of “light” and “warmth” changes with the illustrations as the story progresses.
The Old Sleigh will slip perfectly into storytime rosters with its lovely message that there are things, customs and communities worth preserving. Since this isn’t specifically a holiday book, it will fit amicably into any celebration or bedtime during those long, chilly months. And for those readers in warm climes who long for snow-covered trees, The Old Sleigh will give you all the same cuddly feelings. No shovel needed.
