"July - Thick rows of peas I hoe and weed. Vile brine I boil for salt I need." This and similar verses open each double page spread on which a full color pen-and-ink illustration shows typical tenant farmer life. A short explanation of the hard labor of rural men and women during each particular season accompanies each double page spread. Inspired by the Books of Hours so popular during the Middle Ages, the author and illustrator have labored to create the feeling of a similarly illustrated calendar. (Ages 7-11)

Based on a Medieval Book of Hours, this book describes the monthly activities of rural peasants in England during the Middle Ages. Rhyming couplets banner the top of each page while a paragraph for each month elaborates on the daily chores, showing the round of seasons in the farm year. Full color.