Other editions of book Mary's Penny by Landman, Tanya

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.

Sometimes the smallest and most unexpected things have the greatest value, as shown in this stylish feminist fable. This is a story of one farmer, his three children, Franz, Hans and Mary, and an ingenious competition that will determine who should inherit the farm. Which of the farmer's children will be able to fill the house with something that costs a mere penny? Will straw do the trick? Will feathers be sufficient? Or will it take something a little more creative? This is a timeless story promoting the value of knowledge and music.