As a child I would periodically visit my grandparents, in the mid 1960’s. They had a children’s book at their house that I still remember (as does my cousin). If I could find the name, I’d love to get us each a copy for the holidays.
Children’s chapter book, green cover, we think, but aren’t 100% on that.
Published definitely prior to 1970, more likely in the 1950’s. The story line was pretty didactic, and that would fit the era. Also, while folks had cars, the vegetable man had a cart.
Generally simple plot: family with several kids move to a new location. The youngest child is named Petey, and he is the main character. Each chapter basically follows one event in Petey’s life. Chapters I can remember:
** Petey makes friends with the vegetable man who comes into town to sell his veggies. Petey and family are invited to go out into the country to visit the veggie man’s family. There was some cross-cultural awareness, but I can’t remember what.
**Christmas is approaching and all the townspeople ask Petey what he wants for Christmas. “Oh, just one of those little cars” (referring to Matchbox cars). Everyone is astounded he wants so little. In the end, everyone in town gets him a little car.
** Bad snowstorm keeps Petey and his siblings indoors. After complaint about nothing to do they all sit and start to create a quilt from leftover fabric. They work all day and succeed in creating quilt.
It wasn’t great literature, but it has sentimental value for us. ☺️
Thank you for any help you can provide! I have been searching for this book for over a decade!
