AR: 5.0

Fantasy

Life on the Hungarian plains is changing quickly for Jancsi and his cousin Kate. Father has given Jancsi permission to be in charge of his own herd, and Kate has begun to think about going to dances. Jancsi hardly even recognizes Kate when she appears at Peter and Mari's wedding wearing nearly as many petticoats as the older girls wear. And Jancsi himself, astride his prized horse, doesn't seem to Kate to be quite so boyish anymore. Then, when Hungary must send troops to fight in the Great War and Jancsi's father is called to battle, the two cousins must grow up all the sooner in order to take care of the farm and all the relatives, Russian soldiers, and German war orphans who take refuge there.

The first half of "The Singing Tree" continues the tale of Kate and Jansci in their Hungarian country home from "The Good Master." The second half tell of life on their little farm during World War I. Uncle Marton goes off to do his duty and fight in the war, leaving teenage Jansci as the "man of the house." Soon they are made guardians of a sort, of six Russian prisoners of war. Far from being kept as prisoners, the six big Russian men immediately become loving members of the household.
"The Good Master" was weakened by the instantaneous way Kate's moving to live on the rural homestead converted her from hellion to wonderful loving child. In "The Singing Tree," the same thing happens with another obnoxious child, and then the six captured Russian soldiers, who immediately become members of the family instead of enemy prisoners. The anti-war message of the book is sweet, but incredibly naive. Knowing that this was published immediately before Germany invaded Poland, to begin World War II, makes the innocent naivety of the book stand out all the more. Yet, there is truth in this message as well. What matters is not what side one is on, but rather, that one is a good, kind person, helping those in need, whoever they may be, and doing all one can for family, friends and neighbors.
I liked this book a little more than its predecessor, in spite of, or maybe partly because of, its naivety. ( )

good/fair