I knew Momma wouldn't ask Pa to leave this new land . . . but I wondered if I'd ever see her smile again.”

Standing on the dry and dusty prairie, all Pa can see is the promise of the new land before him. All Momma can feel is the sorrow of leaving everything behind to live the life of a pioneer.

Annie thinks she knows what will make Momma happy again: a flower garden like the one back home. With Pa's help, Annie and her little brother Jim clear a patch of earth. And when Momma sees the plot of land ready for planting, she remembers something her sister gave her for the journey -- packets of seeds tied with a lavender ribbon.

Deborah Hopkinson's tender tribute to the brave women and childrenwho traveled west on the prairies is accompanied by Bethanne Andersen's lush and evocative illustrations.