My thoughts: From time to time, I come across books written and illustrated in such a way that my heart is warmed and blessed. They might not necessarily be religious in content or from a Christian publisher. Yet, they are a blessing to look at and to absorb the words. Such is the case in my experience with Out and About: A First Book of Poems by Shirley Hughes.
Let’s just say I am charmed. I am delighted. The sheer sweetness of the pictures and sweet poetic thoughts draws and captures my attention and will that of the child as well. The watercolor and pen illustrations are detailed with facial expressions and scenes of the most pleasant of atmospheres. The colors soft yet vibrant. There is a wealth of experiences on the pages inhabited by these visual delights.
The poems are short, expressive and capture each of the seasons and experiences as the child is “Out and About” the neighborhood or down at the seaside. It has been said by Philip Pullman, “Shirley Hughes is a national treasure.” How true. Families will treasure this delightful book and probably pass it along to future generations.
“Waves pouring inTo a sand-castle moat.Mend the defenses!Now we’re afloat!Water’s for splashing,Sand is for play.A day by the seaIs the best kind of day.”
Wet
Dark clouds,Rain again,Rivers on theMisted pane.Wet umbrellasIn the street.Running noises,Damp feet.
GIVEAWAY
1 Copy of "Out and About: A First Book of Poems"
Begins July 5 & ENDS July 23 @ 12:01 a.m. EDT.
Open to USA & Canada addresses only.
Begins July 5 & ENDS July 23 @ 12:01 a.m. EDT.
Open to USA & Canada addresses only.
About the author: Shirley Hughes has illustrated more than two hundred children’s books and is one of the world’s best-loved writers for children. She has won the Kate Greenaway Medal twice and has been awarded an OBE for her distinguished service to children’s literature. In 2007, her book Dogger was voted the U.K.’s favorite Kate Greenaway Medal–winning book of all time. Shirley Hughes lives in London.
DISCLOSURE: I was provided a complimentary copy by Candlewick Press to facilitate this review. Opinions are mine alone. I received no compensation for this review.
Around the time I learned to read I was blessed with a baby sister whom I read all I could get my hands on. I loved rhyme and poems!
ReplyDeleteReading was an important part of my formative years. I read all the time. Went to the library every Saturday with my friends. It was a small library and I think we read everything several times, poetry included. Whatever there was to read, we all read it many times over!
ReplyDeleteI'm sure I read some poetry as a child but I don't remember what it was. A lot of first readers are written like poetry with rhyming words at the end of each sentence. I think it's wonderful that they are writing books of poetry for young children.
ReplyDeleteI did not have poetry read to me, from what I can recall.
ReplyDeleteI can't recall having anyone read poetry to me when I was younger. My parents used to read me a lot of fables and bible stories though.
ReplyDeleteI remember Dr. Suess and Shel Silverstein books from when I was little :) I hope to pass on many poetry books to my son.
ReplyDeleteI remember lots of poetry in A.A. Milne's Winnie-the-Pooh books
ReplyDeleteI remember enjoying Robert Louis Stevenson's A Child's Garden of Verse. This one has a similar feel to that one, it seems, but more modernized. Love it! Thanks for sharing this at Booknificent Thursday!
ReplyDeleteTina
I loved my copy of A Child's Garden of Verses.
ReplyDeleteI don't remember my kids read to me now
ReplyDeleteMy mom made sure all of us had a copy of A Child's Garden of Verses, which I read all the time. My dad also loved poetry and I have such a clear memory of his introducing me to e.e. cummings, among others.
ReplyDeleteMy biggest memory of poems being read to me or of me reading them was Shel Silverstein. I remember his work being funny, crazy and sometimes a little frightening. The humor resonates with me and I read some of his work to my kids when they were younger.
ReplyDeleteOh, yes, I read poetry as a child! I especially enjoyed the poetry of Robert Lewis Stevenson. We also had to memorize a certain number of lines of poetry in middle school and recite them to the teacher.
ReplyDeleteNancy
allibrary (at) aol (dot) com
I remember Shel Silverstein's poems. :-)
ReplyDeleteOnly thing I rememebr is Dr. Suess and Shel Silverstein.. id if dr suess counts but hey! i read to my kids, but we don't have any poetry
ReplyDeleteI don't remember reading any poetry when I was a child. I think I was in middle school before I started reading poetry and writing my own poems.
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