Tanya Landman offers a feminist slant on a traditional tale when a farmer trying to determine which of his two sons should inherit his land challenges them to each purchase something for a penny with which they can fill the house. Both of them fail. Then Mary, their overlooked, unconsidered sister, comes up with a perfect, and perfectly simple, solution: She purchases a candle and tinderbox and fills the house with light, and a tiny penknife to carve a hollow reed so that she can fill the house with music, too. “. . . you have filled the house with light and knowledge and music and joy, you have also filled the house with wisdom. You shall run the farm from this day forward.” While a note on tale sources or variants would be welcome, Landman’s lively telling is distinguished by rich language and a judicious use of repetition, while Richard Holland’s distinctive illustrations feature expressive figures and terrific touches of humor that complement the story. (Ages 5–9)

With whimsical illustrations, a feminist fable proves that brains outweigh brawn when three siblings enter a most enlightening competition. (Ages 5-7)

Long, long ago, in the golden, olden days, a farmer devised an ingenious competition to determine who should inherit his farm. Which of his children -- Franz, Hans, or Mary -- could fill the house with something that cost a mere penny? Did straw do the trick? Were feathers sufficient? Or did it take something a little more creative? Tanya Landman's retelling of a traditional tale, illustrated with Richard Holland's stylish artwork, reminds us that sometimes the greatest value can be had for only a penny.