The Old Sleigh
Caldecott Honorees Jarrett and Jerome Pumphrey deliver heart, hope, and holiday cheer in this magical companion to The Old Truck and The Old Boat.
On winter nights, an old sleigh delivers firewood, bringing warmth and light to a small town. But small towns get bigger and families grow. When the old sleigh is overwhelmed, a new sled and a new generation carry on the custom and ensure the town is warm and bright.
This enchanting picture book from the creators of the acclaimed The Old Truck celebrates tradition, community, and simple acts of giving.
Junior Library Guild Gold Standard
USA Today Best-Selling Booklist
The Original Art 2025 — Society of Illustrators
"Simple and charming, featuring the brothers' ever-present message of persistence, tradition and community… The Old Sleigh will slip perfectly into storytime rosters with its lovely message that there are things, customs and communities worth preserving."
BookPage, starred review
"The narrative beguiles… The community's buildings stand out against the snow in reds, greens, and mustards, and the simple and rhythmic text charms. A thought-provoking tale of growth and change."
Kirkus Reviews
"Through spare text and colorful, cheery illustrations, the Pumphreys… draw readers into this cozy world of neighbors caring for one another."
The Horn Book Magazine
"Snowy scenes and diluted colors take viewers right into winter to feel the chill of fingers in mittens and the warmth of a cup of cocoa… The minimal words allow kids to feel the interconnectivity of the town as they recognize the change happening there, along with the things that stay the same—warmth, merriment, and the value of community."
The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
"A thematically rich story for all its seeming simplicity, excellent for shared reading and reflection around the December holidays or any other time."
School Library Journal
"A rich, charming reading experience unfolds to remind readers of the importance of traditions and community, even as change brings new challenges."
Common Sense Media
"With the same beautiful simplicity of the illustrations and spare text that we know and love from The Old Truck and The Old Boat, the Pumphrey brothers have created The Old Sleigh. A fantastic new book to share with little ones all winter long, this is a story about giving, growing, and community, that beautifully conveys the warmth and kindness of the holiday season—without the trappings of tinsel and twinkle lights."
Seira Wilson, Amazon Editor