The Old Sleigh

by Jarrett Pumphrey, Jerome Pumphrey

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781324054122
Publisher:	Norton Young Readers
Publication date:	11/04/2025
Pages:	48
Product dimensions:	9.00(w) x 10.90(h) x 0.40(d)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Jarrett Pumphrey is an author/illustrator and the former cofounder and CEO of a tech startup. He lives in Austin, Texas.

Jerome Pumphrey is an author/illustrator and a graphic designer at the Walt Disney Company. He lives in Austin, Texas.

Editorial Reviews

"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

"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. It will fit amicably into any celebration or bedtime during those long, chilly months. For those readers in warm climes who long for snow-covered trees, The Old Sleigh will give you all the same cuddly feelings. No shovel needed."— BookPage (starred review)

"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, and once more, the Pumphrey brothers utilize spare text against bustling scenes to tell a visual story, with some spreads containing no words at all. 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 result is a reminder of the wholesome side of the Christmas spirit that focuses on gathering over gift-giving."— 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. The Old Sleigh is a winter wonderland to behold and a joy to read aloud."— Seira Wilson, Amazon Editor

From the Publisher