William Martin Davis in Baker Woods

Deep in Baker Woods, young William Martin Davis dreams of hunting wild turkeys, both asleep and awake. Based on a family legend passed through five generations of the Davis and Thoman families, this story is a picture of family life on the Illinois frontier in 1842. Enriched by evocative illustrations from artist Natalie Totire, author Karen Cox Gray’s story is alive with family life and humor.

William Martin’s adventure will be enjoyed by children ages 3–6 as a read-aloud story shared with adults. Older children will like reading this tale of pursuit in the woods for themselves. Classroom studies of pioneer life will be enhanced by this true story of early settlers in the Midwest.