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Moving the Millers' Minnie Moore Mine Mansion: A True Story
Author Dave Eggers and artist Júlia Sardà spin a quirky historical event into a whimsical and tall-ish true tale of American ingenuity.
Make way for history as only Dave Eggers could stage it. It all started when John “Minnie” Moore built a mine in Idaho and sold it to Englishman Henry Miller. Then Henry married a local lass named Annie and built her a mansion, hence the “Millers’ Minnie Moore Mine Mansion.” After Henry died and Annie was hoodwinked—losing all but the mansion—she and her son took to raising pigs in the yard, as some are wont to do. But the town wanted those pigs out. Who could have guessed that Annie and her crew would remove the whole mansion instead—rolling it away slowly on logs—while she and her son were still living in it? Narrated with metafictional flair, this delightfully illustrated picture book is proof positive that nonfiction can be as lively and artful as any storybook.
Make way for history as only Dave Eggers could stage it. It all started when John “Minnie” Moore built a mine in Idaho and sold it to Englishman Henry Miller. Then Henry married a local lass named Annie and built her a mansion, hence the “Millers’ Minnie Moore Mine Mansion.” After Henry died and Annie was hoodwinked—losing all but the mansion—she and her son took to raising pigs in the yard, as some are wont to do. But the town wanted those pigs out. Who could have guessed that Annie and her crew would remove the whole mansion instead—rolling it away slowly on logs—while she and her son were still living in it? Narrated with metafictional flair, this delightfully illustrated picture book is proof positive that nonfiction can be as lively and artful as any storybook.
56 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 6, 2023
About the author
Dave Eggers
312 books9,000 followersDave Eggers is the author of ten books, including most recently Your Fathers, Where Are They? And the Prophets, Do They Live Forever?, The Circle and A Hologram for the King, which was a finalist for the 2012 National Book Award. He is the founder of McSweeney’s, an independent publishing company based in San Francisco that produces books, a quarterly journal of new writing (McSweeney’s Quarterly Concern), and a monthly magazine, The Believer. McSweeney’s also publishes Voice of Witness, a nonprofit book series that uses oral history to illuminate human rights crises around the world. Eggers is the co-founder of 826 National, a network of eight tutoring centers around the country and ScholarMatch, a nonprofit organization designed to connect students with resources, schools and donors to make college possible. He lives in Northern California with his family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
July 31, 2023
Read this book for my toddler's bedtime. A fascinating story even though it makes me feel like the woman without a husband is too gullible to know how to take care of her money.
I love reading nonfiction picture books for my toddler. True story with illustrations. The best of both worlds. In this story, readers learned about Idaho in the 1870s and how people search for gold and silver. The land that had silver was owned by Minnie Moore who found some silver by accident before it was sold and the new owner who found some more. The new owner got married and later had a son. Somehow he died early and his wife was tricked so she lost her savings. She had to make a living so she decided to raised pigs but where she was living was not an ideal place to raised pigs so she moved.. not just moving herself and her son but also her home. The idea of moving her mom is one I haven't thought of before!
Definitely an interesting story I haven't heard of before. I enjoyed the illustrations. The dogs and pigs had fun expressions on their faces. My toddler asked why the lady had a net on her head. An interesting customs of the 1870s funeral maybe! Excellent book!
Thank you Candlewick Press for the opportunity copy to read and review!
I love reading nonfiction picture books for my toddler. True story with illustrations. The best of both worlds. In this story, readers learned about Idaho in the 1870s and how people search for gold and silver. The land that had silver was owned by Minnie Moore who found some silver by accident before it was sold and the new owner who found some more. The new owner got married and later had a son. Somehow he died early and his wife was tricked so she lost her savings. She had to make a living so she decided to raised pigs but where she was living was not an ideal place to raised pigs so she moved.. not just moving herself and her son but also her home. The idea of moving her mom is one I haven't thought of before!
Definitely an interesting story I haven't heard of before. I enjoyed the illustrations. The dogs and pigs had fun expressions on their faces. My toddler asked why the lady had a net on her head. An interesting customs of the 1870s funeral maybe! Excellent book!
Thank you Candlewick Press for the opportunity copy to read and review!
June 26, 2024
Along with those who are looking for a book that includes pig farming, residents of Bellevue, Idaho will appreciate this (possibly) tall tale about a house in their town. The house is on the National Register of Historic Places. Not knowing much about Dave Eggers, I am curious what inspired him to write a story about Idaho.
July 9, 2024
I love a non-fiction picture book! This one was delightful. Mom and 7 year old both enjoyed. (Although the kid said it ended with violence)
April 12, 2024
3.5
Ogni volta che vedo un libro illustrato da Jùlia Sardà lo compro a scatola chiusa.
E forse dovrei smetterla di andare così a pelle senza prima verificare che la storia in sé mi interessi.
Per carità, nulla da dire all’autore, dato che il tutto è basato su una storia vera e ha quel vibes da vecchio west che intrattiene e ben traspira tra le pagine, ma nell’insieme non mi ha coinvolta quanto immaginavo.
È anche vero che sono fin troppo fuori target ed è visivamente più attraente per un infante date le illustrazioni ironiche e il testo grande, tuttavia le abitudini sono dure a morire.
Nel complesso è un libro dalle atmosfere nostalgiche che raccontano una piccola storia americana adatta ai più piccini.
O a chi si sta scervellando perché deve traslocare e i costi sono disumani.
Ma è anche vero che la soluzione proposta nella storia è valida solo per le case di cartapesta americane e noi europei ci attacchiamo alle fondamenta.
Insomma, non sarà un libro adatto a tutti, ma per chi ama l’illustrazione può essere un valido acquisto.
Ogni volta che vedo un libro illustrato da Jùlia Sardà lo compro a scatola chiusa.
E forse dovrei smetterla di andare così a pelle senza prima verificare che la storia in sé mi interessi.
Per carità, nulla da dire all’autore, dato che il tutto è basato su una storia vera e ha quel vibes da vecchio west che intrattiene e ben traspira tra le pagine, ma nell’insieme non mi ha coinvolta quanto immaginavo.
È anche vero che sono fin troppo fuori target ed è visivamente più attraente per un infante date le illustrazioni ironiche e il testo grande, tuttavia le abitudini sono dure a morire.
Nel complesso è un libro dalle atmosfere nostalgiche che raccontano una piccola storia americana adatta ai più piccini.
O a chi si sta scervellando perché deve traslocare e i costi sono disumani.
Ma è anche vero che la soluzione proposta nella storia è valida solo per le case di cartapesta americane e noi europei ci attacchiamo alle fondamenta.
Insomma, non sarà un libro adatto a tutti, ma per chi ama l’illustrazione può essere un valido acquisto.
August 19, 2023
Delightful children's book set in Idaho and based on a true story.
May 17, 2024
Illustrazioni meravigliose e storia (vera) simpatica e bizzarra. Ti fa sorridere e allo stesso tempo perdere nelle immagini mano a mano che si procede con la lettura. Davvero molto carino.
June 28, 2024
I like Julia Skarda's artwork, but the story was just not interesting to me, an adult, and I can't see why it would be interesting to a child, the intended audience.
August 3, 2023
From the zany tongue twister of the title to the eye catching illustrations. This NF picture book based on a true story is retold with adventure and humor. With themes of architecture, and history this one would be great to create activities to pair with.
Thank you Candlewick Press for the gifted copy
Thank you Candlewick Press for the gifted copy
December 8, 2023
Love learning about random bits of Idaho history. Love the illustrations and storytelling, too.
Read
April 19, 2024I love everything about this book.
July 28, 2024
We have experienced moving a house making this book a fun read!!
July 31, 2023
Better than The Circle tbh
December 6, 2023
illustrations were a 5 ofcourse
July 31, 2023
Set in the 19th-century frontier of Idaho, this delightfully quirky but true tale unveils a fascinating chapter of history with a touch of humour and resourcefulness. The story opens with the discovery of silver in Idaho by a prospector's dog, and one harassed gopher, leading to the birth of the Minnie Moore Mine. Soon after, it is sold to Henry Miller, an Englishman, who marries Annie, a local woman. Henry builds an opulent mansion for his wife, the Millers’ Minnie Moore Mine Mansion. Tragedy strikes when Henry passes away, leaving Annie conned by a dishonest banker and determined to raise pigs for her livelihood. However, the townspeople disapprove of her porcine endeavour. Not willing to abandon her home, Annie hatches a bold plan to move the mansion outside the town limits, and with remarkable ingenuity, the improbable feat is accomplished: this is the log-rolling crux of the story.
At its core, "Moving the Millers’ Minnie Moore Mine Mansion" celebrates human perseverance, ingenuity, and resourcefulness. It highlights the power of determination and the ability to overcome adversity with clever solutions. The story resonates with themes of home, family, and the importance of holding on to one's dreams even in challenging circumstances.
Júlia Sardà's exceptional illustrations breathe life into this stranger-than-fiction tale. The earthy and subdued colours evoke the historical setting while providing dynamic energy to the scenes; I'm not sure anyone captures movement and energy quite like Sardà, whose attention to detail and fluid artwork enhances the story's humour and dramatic moments.
Eggers' witty narrative, lots of tongue-in-cheek repeating lines, and narrative intrusion to make us smile and lighten the tone, alongside Sardà's masterful illustrations make this book a gem for readers of all ages. Children and adults alike will be charmed by the resourceful protagonist, Annie Miller, and her daring plan to save her beloved home. "Moving the Millers’ Minnie Moore Mine Mansion" is a heartwarming and entertaining read that leaves a lasting impression.
At its core, "Moving the Millers’ Minnie Moore Mine Mansion" celebrates human perseverance, ingenuity, and resourcefulness. It highlights the power of determination and the ability to overcome adversity with clever solutions. The story resonates with themes of home, family, and the importance of holding on to one's dreams even in challenging circumstances.
Júlia Sardà's exceptional illustrations breathe life into this stranger-than-fiction tale. The earthy and subdued colours evoke the historical setting while providing dynamic energy to the scenes; I'm not sure anyone captures movement and energy quite like Sardà, whose attention to detail and fluid artwork enhances the story's humour and dramatic moments.
Eggers' witty narrative, lots of tongue-in-cheek repeating lines, and narrative intrusion to make us smile and lighten the tone, alongside Sardà's masterful illustrations make this book a gem for readers of all ages. Children and adults alike will be charmed by the resourceful protagonist, Annie Miller, and her daring plan to save her beloved home. "Moving the Millers’ Minnie Moore Mine Mansion" is a heartwarming and entertaining read that leaves a lasting impression.
July 1, 2023
I was provided a free copy of this book in exchange for a review in my column for the Idaho Press. Here is my review in its entirety:
Like all of the best stories, this one takes place in Idaho.
The Gem State is a rough and tumble state now and it was even more rough and tumble in its earliest days. The rugged mountains were dotted with small mining towns of entrepreneurs and adventurers seeking their fortune and their own way in the world. This spirit of leaving convention behind and doing things your own way, which became the Idaho Way, powered the state into the intensely independent place it is today. No matter who you are, where you come from or who you vote for Idahoans like to blaze their own trail.
A new children's book from famous multi-genre master Dave Eggers artfully captures a goofy story from Idaho's past and our hard-headed determination. The beautifully illustrated book tells the true story of the origins of a silver mine in the Blaine County town of Bellevue and a gorgeous house built by its owner for his wife. But, after he dies she has to find another way to make a living so she starts pig farming on the property. And after she gets a scolding for pigs not being allowed within city limits, instead of giving up she moves the Victorian house to the outskirts and keeps on with her livestock business.
The writing is breezy and chock full of little asides about vocabulary word meanings and all of the special things we love about Idaho. The illustrations are also not to be missed. They're done in a style reminiscent of Chinese woodblock prints, with the buildings, Bellevue's occupants and animals presented in profile with tiny details about the wild west life poked into every corner. The color scheme gives an old-west feeling with little pops of color that perfectly fit with the tone of the story and its setting.
If you're looking for a new book to add to your family's library or to gift to an Idahoan friend, this is a great pick.
Like all of the best stories, this one takes place in Idaho.
The Gem State is a rough and tumble state now and it was even more rough and tumble in its earliest days. The rugged mountains were dotted with small mining towns of entrepreneurs and adventurers seeking their fortune and their own way in the world. This spirit of leaving convention behind and doing things your own way, which became the Idaho Way, powered the state into the intensely independent place it is today. No matter who you are, where you come from or who you vote for Idahoans like to blaze their own trail.
A new children's book from famous multi-genre master Dave Eggers artfully captures a goofy story from Idaho's past and our hard-headed determination. The beautifully illustrated book tells the true story of the origins of a silver mine in the Blaine County town of Bellevue and a gorgeous house built by its owner for his wife. But, after he dies she has to find another way to make a living so she starts pig farming on the property. And after she gets a scolding for pigs not being allowed within city limits, instead of giving up she moves the Victorian house to the outskirts and keeps on with her livestock business.
The writing is breezy and chock full of little asides about vocabulary word meanings and all of the special things we love about Idaho. The illustrations are also not to be missed. They're done in a style reminiscent of Chinese woodblock prints, with the buildings, Bellevue's occupants and animals presented in profile with tiny details about the wild west life poked into every corner. The color scheme gives an old-west feeling with little pops of color that perfectly fit with the tone of the story and its setting.
If you're looking for a new book to add to your family's library or to gift to an Idahoan friend, this is a great pick.
February 22, 2023
Eggers’ familiar conversational style offers a perfect read aloud of the true story of the Henry Miller family home. In the 1870s, a local dog uncovered a vein of silver in the wilds of central Idaho— where “all the best stories take place.” The land was then purchased from landowner Minnie Moore by Henry Miller who built a silver mine and started the mining town of Bellevue, Idaho. Soon Miller met and married Annie and, while she was “cavorting” around Europe, he built her a beautiful mansion within the town of Bellevue. Shortly however, Miller died, and Annie and her son, hoodwinked by a banker, lost all of Henry’s fortune and were left with just the mansion. In order to earn a living, Annie and her son turned to raising pigs. Town code interfered, preventing her from retaining a pig farm inside the city limits. Annie must quit pig farming or move her pig-odiferous mansion out of town. She chose the latter; mission accomplished. Eggers’ precisely-placed punctuation, his clever tongue-in-cheek banter, and his meta-fictive reader engagement, alongside Sarda’s humorous sepia-toned illustrations offer this delightful and engaging true story of moving a mansion four miles to the outskirts of town. Upbeat, energetic illustrations provide the perfect balance of humor and history. The addition of back matter to explain the historic context of this true story would have been a valuable addition.
July 1, 2023
I don’t know about you but I think it is great fun to find a book that is loosely based on a true story, especially when it has a title like this latest picturebook from Dave Eggers with illustrator Julia Sarda. Moving the Millers’ Minnie Moore Mine Mansion: A True Story. Wow, there is a tongue twister that I immediately wanted to know more about. So many questions were going round in my head when I first picked it up that I was delighted to find answers for. I enjoyed the quirky illustrations too, they are nicely sophisticated and fit perfectly with the story that unfolds. Why read it? Because it is a true story, a history lesson, a fantastic book!
Once upon a time many years ago … really, it's true, there was a time, many years ago, when John “Minnie” Moore built a mine in Idaho (in the USA) which he then sold to the Englishman Henry Miller. Henry went on to marry a local lady by the name of Annie. Henry built Annie a mansion to live in. Henry and Annie were happily married and had a son named Douglas. But sadly Henry died and Annie was convinced, by a banker, to invest all her money with him. He then went bankrupt leaving them with nothing but the house. To make money Annie decided to raise pigs but her neighbours did not much care for the smell. Annie’s solution? To move her house and her pigs out of town…
An absolutely wonderful, true story, retold with flair and a large dose of humour. The perfect non-fiction picturebook.
Once upon a time many years ago … really, it's true, there was a time, many years ago, when John “Minnie” Moore built a mine in Idaho (in the USA) which he then sold to the Englishman Henry Miller. Henry went on to marry a local lady by the name of Annie. Henry built Annie a mansion to live in. Henry and Annie were happily married and had a son named Douglas. But sadly Henry died and Annie was convinced, by a banker, to invest all her money with him. He then went bankrupt leaving them with nothing but the house. To make money Annie decided to raise pigs but her neighbours did not much care for the smell. Annie’s solution? To move her house and her pigs out of town…
An absolutely wonderful, true story, retold with flair and a large dose of humour. The perfect non-fiction picturebook.
July 19, 2023
I absolutely adore the language Eggers uses - I actually interrupted what husband was doing to read him passages aloud several times! And the Gorey-esque illustrative style makes Moving the Millers' Minnie Moore Mine Mansion a treasure!
The true events of this tale are so bizarre and fascinating that they will capture the imagination:
When a silver mine is opened in Bellevue, Idaho, in the 1870's, the owner builds a mansion which changes hands several times until it becomes known as Millers' Minnie Moore Mine Mansion. The mine is successful for many years until widowhood and an unfortunate investment leave Annie Miller faced with a choice between retaining her residence and supporting herself and son by farming pigs outside the town limits. Annie and her son decide to have it both ways and hire men to move the mansion outside town limits where pig farming is legal, or, as Eggers writes, where there were "no prohibitions on porcine pursuits."
We have an amazing story, amazingly worded, which inspires awe and curiosity. If you can roll a house down the road, what else can be accomplished with a little ingenuity?
Eggers and Sarda do this nigh-unbelievable story justice with their masterpiece.
The cover caught my eye and the publisher's synopsis sounded interesting. I have to say, I cannot laud it highly enough - it exceeds my expectations!
The true events of this tale are so bizarre and fascinating that they will capture the imagination:
When a silver mine is opened in Bellevue, Idaho, in the 1870's, the owner builds a mansion which changes hands several times until it becomes known as Millers' Minnie Moore Mine Mansion. The mine is successful for many years until widowhood and an unfortunate investment leave Annie Miller faced with a choice between retaining her residence and supporting herself and son by farming pigs outside the town limits. Annie and her son decide to have it both ways and hire men to move the mansion outside town limits where pig farming is legal, or, as Eggers writes, where there were "no prohibitions on porcine pursuits."
We have an amazing story, amazingly worded, which inspires awe and curiosity. If you can roll a house down the road, what else can be accomplished with a little ingenuity?
Eggers and Sarda do this nigh-unbelievable story justice with their masterpiece.
The cover caught my eye and the publisher's synopsis sounded interesting. I have to say, I cannot laud it highly enough - it exceeds my expectations!
April 1, 2024
If this story is true, then it’s one of the most bizarre things I’ve ever read. And yet, I believe it. It’s one of those tales of old America, when people mined for gold and silver, hunted buffalo, cleared land with axes, tilled them with ox-drawn plows and rode twisters. Okay, maybe they didn’t ride twisters but the stories made it out as if they could have if they wanted.
So it’s not so hard to believe that one ornery, stubborn, strong-willed woman decided to move her entire house away from a city to another spot just so she could raise her pigs and support her son. It’s just odd enough to be true and true enough to be hysterically funny. It’s a tribute to the can-do spirit that we think of when we think of the frontier territories that lay west of the Mississippi River.
The illustrations have a stark look to them, all black, various shades of gray, brown and ochre. It captures a feeling of people who used to work in the outdoors, who dug in dirt, chopped down trees and wore clothes meant for ruggedness and comfort rather than style. They suit the story well.
This is a funny slice-of-history tale and a tribute to Dave Eggers’s versatility. I hope he writes more children’s stories.
So it’s not so hard to believe that one ornery, stubborn, strong-willed woman decided to move her entire house away from a city to another spot just so she could raise her pigs and support her son. It’s just odd enough to be true and true enough to be hysterically funny. It’s a tribute to the can-do spirit that we think of when we think of the frontier territories that lay west of the Mississippi River.
The illustrations have a stark look to them, all black, various shades of gray, brown and ochre. It captures a feeling of people who used to work in the outdoors, who dug in dirt, chopped down trees and wore clothes meant for ruggedness and comfort rather than style. They suit the story well.
This is a funny slice-of-history tale and a tribute to Dave Eggers’s versatility. I hope he writes more children’s stories.
June 10, 2024
In the 1870s, a silver mine was established in Idaho when a dog chasing a gopher starting digging a hole and found silver in the ground. A man named Minnie Moore sold the silver mine to Henry Miller, making it Miller's Minnie Moore Mine. Henry Miller built a beautiful mansion for his wife and son. When he died, Mrs. Miller wanted to keep pigs to make some money breeding and selling them. However, the town wouldn't allow livestock in the yard within town limits. So Mrs. Miller decided to move the entire house outside of town using ingenious means of transport. How did they manage to move a three-story house four miles away from town? You'll have to read the book to find out! Or you could get a hint from the cover art.
What makes this story so interesting is that it's a real true story! I loved the many twists and turns of the story as the mine is sold, and the house is built, but the family has to reevaluate their circumstances once Henry Miller is gone.
I liked the unique art style. The illustrations are very detailed with lots of little things happening in the background.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
What makes this story so interesting is that it's a real true story! I loved the many twists and turns of the story as the mine is sold, and the house is built, but the family has to reevaluate their circumstances once Henry Miller is gone.
I liked the unique art style. The illustrations are very detailed with lots of little things happening in the background.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
June 29, 2023
A more accurate rating would have been one and a half stars. This book needed a few more rounds of editing. As far as content is concerned, it's very difficult to place. The format is attractive to young readers, however the writing itself is too advanced. The vocabulary and writing structure is less effective at engaging young readers.
The book suffers from both information overload and insufficient research. The story is overcomplicated and the author brings up points that they don't have the information to answer.
The constant reiteration of the events being a "true story" was suspicious. Especially when considering the confusing delivery of content within the book. It led me to complete my own rudimentary research about the house. Based on what is available, it becomes harder to separate what is fact and what is fiction. The narrator becomes very unreliable and not concise enough to be considered quirky.
Ultimately, the story needs focus. I wish more time had been taken to decide on who the intended audience was and then the creation process could have been adjusted to support the needs of that audience.
The book suffers from both information overload and insufficient research. The story is overcomplicated and the author brings up points that they don't have the information to answer.
The constant reiteration of the events being a "true story" was suspicious. Especially when considering the confusing delivery of content within the book. It led me to complete my own rudimentary research about the house. Based on what is available, it becomes harder to separate what is fact and what is fiction. The narrator becomes very unreliable and not concise enough to be considered quirky.
Ultimately, the story needs focus. I wish more time had been taken to decide on who the intended audience was and then the creation process could have been adjusted to support the needs of that audience.
September 28, 2024
Mon activité de recenseuse en littérature de jeunesse pour la fondation Battieuw-Schmidt m’a permis de découvrir l’intéressante « Véritable histoire de la maison mobile des Miller », un album de Dave Eggers, illustré par Júlia Sardà, et publié aux éditions Gallimard Jeunesse.
Grâce à la prose pleine d’humour d’un Dave Eggers – qui n’hésite pas à apostropher ses lectaires –, l’étonnante et véritable histoire de la maison mobile des Miller nous est contée, merveilleusement illustrée par la talentueuse Júlia Sardà, dont les dessins ont un charme si particulier.
Voici le récit surprenant d’un chien qui trouve une mine, d’un homme qui la rachète et épouse une femme qui, n’étant jamais sortie de l’Idaho, gagne peu à peu son indépendance et se relève de son infortune après la mort de son mari.
Faisant déplacer sa maison jusqu’à un
endroit où il lui sera permis d’élever les cochons qu’elle compte vendre pour assurer sa survie et celle de son fils, elle fait montre d’une détermination et d’un courage inspirants.
Voici une histoire féministe, incroyable et pleinement satisfaisante.
Grâce à la prose pleine d’humour d’un Dave Eggers – qui n’hésite pas à apostropher ses lectaires –, l’étonnante et véritable histoire de la maison mobile des Miller nous est contée, merveilleusement illustrée par la talentueuse Júlia Sardà, dont les dessins ont un charme si particulier.
Voici le récit surprenant d’un chien qui trouve une mine, d’un homme qui la rachète et épouse une femme qui, n’étant jamais sortie de l’Idaho, gagne peu à peu son indépendance et se relève de son infortune après la mort de son mari.
Faisant déplacer sa maison jusqu’à un
endroit où il lui sera permis d’élever les cochons qu’elle compte vendre pour assurer sa survie et celle de son fils, elle fait montre d’une détermination et d’un courage inspirants.
Voici une histoire féministe, incroyable et pleinement satisfaisante.
September 13, 2023
This hilarious account of the Minnie Moore mine in Idaho takes place in the 1870's. It all started when John "Minnie" Moore's dog found silver in a gopher hole. Some years later, the mine was sold to an Englishman, Henry Miller. He became very rich, married and built a mansion for his wife, Annie, and they then had a son. After living many happy years,Miller died and Annie lost her money to a "crooked " banker. Left only with her son and her house, Annie decided to raise pigs which the town didn't allow. She then hired workers to move her house four miles away, a complicated feat that took a month. There they lived and the pigs did, too - "Until,of course, they were eaten."The author wrote this story in a chatty, gleefully amusing style starting with the alliterative title. The accompanying illustrations, rendered in earth tones, suit the text perfectly. They are expressive and imaginative, full of movement and as funny and delightful as the narrative.
February 8, 2024
A picture book history of a mansion that was built in Idaho for an English silver mine owner's new wife, and how she eventually had it moved so she could raise pigs.
This is a very creatively told true story of a big house that got moved several miles without the aid of any electronics or machines. Eggers weaves the story in such a way it sounds like a tall tale (and perhaps he did make it a bit tall tale-ish...I read a newspaper story that said the move took a fraction of the time Eggers says it did...but did Eggers or the newspaper journalist do more research???). Regardless, it is a very entertaining read, and the illustrations remind me a bit of Edward Gorey in style. The basic facts of the story are all true and you can Google "Minnie Moore Mine House" and find photos of the real thing.
Notes on content: Like on the cover, people are shown smoking pipes in various illustrations.
This is a very creatively told true story of a big house that got moved several miles without the aid of any electronics or machines. Eggers weaves the story in such a way it sounds like a tall tale (and perhaps he did make it a bit tall tale-ish...I read a newspaper story that said the move took a fraction of the time Eggers says it did...but did Eggers or the newspaper journalist do more research???). Regardless, it is a very entertaining read, and the illustrations remind me a bit of Edward Gorey in style. The basic facts of the story are all true and you can Google "Minnie Moore Mine House" and find photos of the real thing.
Notes on content: Like on the cover, people are shown smoking pipes in various illustrations.
February 16, 2024
Its the late 1800's and silver is discovered on John "Minnie" Moore's property in Idaho. He starts mining there until he sells it all to Henry Miller, a man from England. Growing much wealth from this now Miller's Minnie Moore Mine, Henry marries a local Idahoan woman, Annie. However, not long after the turn of the century, poor Annie is not only widowed but also swindled into bankruptcy. Left with a gorgeously ornate Victorian home, Annie's problems have only just begun. She cannot raise pigs (her chosen means of income) where her current home stands. So what does she decide to do? She doesn't just move, but she literally moves her home!
It's crazy to read about that this actually happened! Pretty ingenious of Annie, I'd say! This book is sure to stir some oohs and ahs from our young readers!
It's crazy to read about that this actually happened! Pretty ingenious of Annie, I'd say! This book is sure to stir some oohs and ahs from our young readers!
August 2, 2023
“Moving the Miller’s Minnie Moore Mine Mansion” by Dave Eggers narrated by George Newbern. An interesting non fiction picture books for young kids. Telling the story of moving an 1870’s Idaho house outside of the City Limits so that the widow that lives there can farm pigs !
This short story brings the history of the house to life. This book was released on June 6th 2023 with the audio slated for august 7th. Thanks to @talismanonpender @librofm @dreamscape_media @candlewickpress for the #ALC #ARC
This short story brings the history of the house to life. This book was released on June 6th 2023 with the audio slated for august 7th. Thanks to @talismanonpender @librofm @dreamscape_media @candlewickpress for the #ALC #ARC
August 22, 2023
Well, I listened to Dave Egger's story MOVING THE MILLERS' MINNIE MOORE MANSION:A TRUE STORY, not really believing that it was less than 10 minutes long. I suppose it would have been enjoyable in a short story collection, but as a stand alone book, complete with annoying sound effects, it was decidedly NOT.
I am not sure if I have read more than one other book by Eggers, I'll have to try another. I definitely enjoyed THE MONK OF MOKHA a few years ago and think about it from time to time, and I thought that I had read WHAT IS THE WHAT, but cannot prove it, so I will look for that one.
Finally, I am overjoyed that this was less than 10 minutes .
Edit: 2 days after I wrote this, I realized this was a children's book. I still didn't like it. I used to be a children's librarian, so I know what feels right to read to a child. To each his/her own.
I am not sure if I have read more than one other book by Eggers, I'll have to try another. I definitely enjoyed THE MONK OF MOKHA a few years ago and think about it from time to time, and I thought that I had read WHAT IS THE WHAT, but cannot prove it, so I will look for that one.
Finally, I am overjoyed that this was less than 10 minutes .
Edit: 2 days after I wrote this, I realized this was a children's book. I still didn't like it. I used to be a children's librarian, so I know what feels right to read to a child. To each his/her own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 30, 2023
Folksy but not corny, silly but not condescending, and just the kind of true story a kid wants to read -- in fact, I can think of a couple kids I will sell this book to the second it hits the shelves. Another good example of how to do a non-fiction PB.
Also, can I just squee a little and say for the umpteenth time how much I adore Júlia Sardà's work? And why haven't more people read The Queen in the Cave??? Anyway, the subtle way she illustrates the transformation of Annie Miller from young bride to tea-guzzling, pig-rearing woman is wonderful.
Also, can I just squee a little and say for the umpteenth time how much I adore Júlia Sardà's work? And why haven't more people read The Queen in the Cave??? Anyway, the subtle way she illustrates the transformation of Annie Miller from young bride to tea-guzzling, pig-rearing woman is wonderful.
June 30, 2023
Moving the Millers’ Minnie Moore Mine Mansion is the kind of book you just have to pick up. From its tongue-twister title to its stylized illustrations, it’s one that’s fun to read from beginning to end.
There’s a special kind of energy to Moving the Millers’ Minnie Moore Mine Mansion that makes you want to dig it. Eggers’ phrasing makes it a joy to read aloud and Júlia Sardà’s lively artwork begs to be explored.
I can easily see this book being read on repeat at home, and there are lots of fun applications in the classroom.
There’s a special kind of energy to Moving the Millers’ Minnie Moore Mine Mansion that makes you want to dig it. Eggers’ phrasing makes it a joy to read aloud and Júlia Sardà’s lively artwork begs to be explored.
I can easily see this book being read on repeat at home, and there are lots of fun applications in the classroom.
August 9, 2023
MOVING THE MILLERS' MINNIE MOORE MINE MANSION Part gold mining adventure, part love story, and part engineering feat, this is the true story of how an entire house was moved four miles in a town in Idaho in the late 1800s. At the end of the day, I think it's a story of one determined woman unwilling to compromise the things she loves. This picture book reads a little like a tall tale and it is a fun one to read aloud. The writing is well paced. The illustrations were made with a limited, muted palate that lend an "old timey" quality to the story. A delightfully unexpected story.
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