New from Margaret Wise Brown (author of Goodnight Moon) GOODNIGHT SONGS: A CELEBRATION OF THE SEASONS: Illustrated by 12 Award-Winning Picture Book Artists [Review & Giveaway]

Goodnight Moon occupies a warm spot in the heart of a multitude of children (now grown) and their parents (now aged). The author, Margaret Wise Brown, died an untimely death in 1952 but her memory lives on in the hearts and minds of those exposed to the sweet beauty of Goodnight Moon.

A Celebration of the Seasons at Sterling Children's Books
Fluffy clouds, butterflies, furry bunnies,
and life from a bug's-eye view

The following information was provided by Sterling Publishing:  

It’s a little-known fact that Margaret Wise Brown, the legendary author behind Goodnight Moon, had contracts with three different record companies. It was her dream to do for children’s music what she had done for picture books; yet by the time of her untimely death at age 42, only a handful of her songs had been produced. The rest, hundreds of unpublished poems and manuscripts, were packed in a trunk in her sister’s barn where they sat for decades.

Now, Sterling Children’s Books seeks to realize Brown’s dream with Goodnight Songs: A Celebration of the Seasons, the follow up to the New York Times best selling Goodnight Songs. As with the original, this collection brings together twelve of the poems that were discovered in Brown’s sister’s home—all but two of which have never before been published—and sets each to an original score by musicians Tom Proutt and Emily Gary.

Each of Brown’s songs is further brought to life through gorgeous illustrations by twelve award-winning artists. The roster of celebrated names includes Peter Brown, whose books have earned numerous honors, including a Caldecott Honor, a Horn Book Award, two E. B. White Awards, a Children’s Choice Award for Illustrator of the Year, and a New York Times Best Illustrated Book Award; David Small, whose many awards include the Caldecott Medal and two Caldecott Honors; and Coretta Scott King Award winner Floyd Cooper. Children will enjoy poring through the book’s illustrations over and over again as they listen to the accompanying CD of Brown’s sweet lullabies.

My thoughts: I was given the opportunity to review A Celebration of the Seasons published by Sterling Publishing and absolutely delighted to do so. I thoroughly enjoyed reading and listening to the songs. The book is beautifully illustrated showing each of the seasons fittingly illustrated and in keeping with the words of the "poem" for that season.

After her songs were found, then gentle folksy, blue-grassy, ballad style music was added. The result is this lovely book, A Celebration of the Seasons, with accompanying CD tucked into a little pocket ready to be played so kiddies can sing along.

This is reminiscent of records I had for my children (grown now). I especially recall a Burl Ives record and "book." Lovely songs sung by the legend of the folk ballad himself, Mr. Ives. This type of book with accompanying record was a vision of Margaret Wise Brown that has now been fulfilled with her own works.

What are my favorites in the book? Oh my that is so difficult to choose. I particularly enjoyed "Cherry Tree" because it encompasses the passing of the seasons of the Cherry Tree and the child's interaction around the tree. It is sweet, simple, salient.

"There was a time When the cherries were red That I lay on the grass and they fell on my head" .... "But now my dear tree Where the cherries were red Is frozen and gray, The birds are all fled.".....

I love the wonderful variety of illustrations for the seasons. The publisher was particularly astute in selecting the 12 artists because their interpretation artistically adds a dimension of richness to this book already so rich in heritage.

Click to "listen to" some songs of A Celebration of the Seasons 
(You'll drifting high, high up in the sky, etc.)

I simply enjoyed this book and know when I pass it along to my grandchildren they, too, will spend many hours within its pages and listening to these sweet songs.

GIVEAWAY

Begins August 12 & ENDS September 3 @ 12:01 a.m. EDT.

 Open to USA addresses only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
DISCLOSURE: I was provided a complimentary product to facilitate this review by Sterling Publishing. Opinions expressed are my own. Product information was provided by Sterling Publishing. Giveaway copy is provided by Sterling shipped by them to the winner. I was not compensated for this review.