I was taken aback by the beginning: the young girl ashamed of their poor home and wishing her family was rich. Not what I expected from Baylor. But as the story developed, her parents talked about how much they prized different aspects of nature and self-sufficiency. I think the girl changed her attitude too quickly, to make a good story, but realize this is just a short picture book, & better suited for non-judgemental children.

This book is about a little girl nicknamed, Mountain Girl. She doesn’t think her family is rich because they do not have a lot of money. However, her parents, who visit different places, and pan for gold, believe they are rich because they have each other, they are free to roam, and they get to spend their days enjoying nature. They begin to put a price on how they live their life and the girl realizes that they are rich. She comes to understand that money does not define happiness. ( )

This book holds truth in being rich in the simplest ways; the imagery is powerful and the underlying theme is a great lesson. ( )

Gift of Tom Farley

The little girl in this book does not like her life much because she feels her family does not have much. This is a good story around how you do not have to have money in order to live a happy life. It is possible to find joy in other things that may not cost much.