Best Selling Books by Rachel Field

The hardships and dangers of pioneer life in Colonial Maine. Grades 7-8.

In ''All This and Heaven Too,'' Rachel Field artfully reconstructs the poignant tale of her great-aunt, Henriette Deluzy-Desportes, set against the backdrop of 19th century France. The novel chronicles Henriette''s ill-fated love affair with the Duc de Praslin, her employer, and her role in the scandal following the brutal murder of the Duc''s wife. Field''s narrative, steeped in historical detail, not only captures the personal tragedy but also the wider societal implications that played a part in the escalating unrest leading to the French Revolution of 1848. Her prose, both lyrical and evocative, offers an intimate glance into an epoch where passion and politics converge with dramatic consequence. The literary style of the novel reflects Field''s adept use of historical fact woven with fiction, resulting in a work that is as much a poignant love story as it is a vivid tableau of a society on the brink of monumental change. As a storied author and playwright of her time, Rachel Field was driven to explore the depths of her own family history through her writing. The personal connection to Henriette, coupled with Field''s fascination with historical nuance, breathes authenticity into her narrative. The familial bond, felt keenly through Field''s reflective excerpt, underscores a connection that transcends time, allowing the author to resurrect Henriette''s story with empathy and complexity. Field''s ability to empathize with Henriette''s plight may have been informed by her own experiences and observations in an era where the role and rights of women were rapidly evolving. ''All This and Heaven Too'' is recommended for readers who appreciate historical fiction that interlaces factual events with rich storytelling. Field''s work is an invitation to ponder over the delicate threads of circumstance, love, and injustice that define human experiences. Scholars and aficionados of literature set in the tumultuous times preceding significant socio-political shifts will find the text an enriching fusion of individual narrative and collective history. Field''s nuanced portrayal of Henriette offers a window into the soul of an era, making this novel a compelling read for anyone who seeks understanding in the echoes of the past.

Hitty is a doll of great charm and character. It is indeed a privilege to publish her memoirs, which, besides being full of the most thrilling adventures on land and sea, also reveal her delightful personality. One glance at her portrait will show that she is no ordinary doll. Hitty, or Mehitable as she was really named, was made in the early 1800s for Phoebe Preble, a little girl from Maine. Young Phoebe was very proud of her beautiful doll and took her everywhere, even on a long sailing trip in a whaler. This is the story of Hitty''s years with Phoebe, and the many that follow in the life of a well-loved doll.

Paired with illustrations of animals and nature, this small book is centered on a poem by the late Rachel Field, which focuses on the cycles of wild geese.

Ideal for sharing, this Caldecott Medal–winning beloved classic presents an illustrated prayer full of the intimate gentleness for familiar things, the love of friends and family, and the kindly protection of God. Bless this milk and bless this bread Bless this soft and waiting bed Where I presently shall be Wrapped in sweet security Winner of the Caldecott Medal and in print since 1941, this is a prayer for boys and girls all over the world. It carries a universal appeal for all ages and brings to our hearts and minds the deep responsibility of preserving for all times the faith and hopes of little children.

A 1942 American romantic novel by Rachel Field, ''And Now Tomorrow'' is about a girl named Emily Blair, who is rich and deaf. Doctor Vance, who grew up poor in Blairtown, is working on a serum to cure deafness which he tries on Emily. It doesn''t work. Her sister is carrying on an affair with her fiance Jeff. Vance tries a new serum which causes Emily to faint... Will it work this time ? To find out, read this fascinating and engaging novel from the 20th century.

Lost Horizon'' is a 1933 novel by English writer James Hilton. It is best remembered as the origin of Shangri-La, a fictional utopian lamasery high in the mountains of Tibet. While attempting to escape a civil war, four people are kidnapped and transported to the Tibetan mountains. After their plane crashes, they are found by a mysterious Chinese man. He leads them to a monastery hidden in "the valley of the blue moon" -- a land of mystery and matchless beauty where life is lived in tranquil wonder, beyond the grasp of a doomed world.

A collection of poems for children on all sorts of subjects.

Contents: Polly Patchwork; "Little Square-toes" ; Miss Ant, Miss Grasshopper, and Mr Cricket; Chimney sweeps'' holiday; Sentimental scarecrow. "Short plays which children can give without much help. Black and white drawings show the type of costumes and the settings needed."