Some of my favorite children's books read like poetry to me, illustrated with pastoral or whimsical art. One such favorite is the book Gather Up, Gather in written by M.C. Helldorfer and illustrated by Judy Pedersen. This pretty book, subtitled A Book of Seasons, begins a poetic narration with Autumn and ends there again.
Here is just a bit that appeals to me, as autumn is hidden beneath a blanket of snow:
"Just like that
the trees are bare.
The geese have flown,
and children are home by fires.
The grapes are jam,
and pumpkins, pie.
the trees are bare.
The geese have flown,
and children are home by fires.
The grapes are jam,
and pumpkins, pie.
Gather up, gather in,
gather close tonight:
Winter slips in."
gather close tonight:
Winter slips in."
photos by Aisling, November 2007
5 comments:
I love the part that says the 'grapes are jam, and pumpkins, pie'. The whole piece has such nice words. And I agree that many of the picture books' words are so poetic, whether or not they rhyme.
Nan, I love that part too, and also the words "gather close tonight." I thought of you when I posted this, knowing that you also appreciate the beauty of children's books. :)
Such a lovely rhythm to those words. The very best prose has a rhythm to it, don't you think?
You haven't heard from Catherine Mary, have you? She hasn't commented on my blog for a long time, and I miss her.
Kate, I agree completely! Sometimes, even in an adult book, I have to read a passage aloud a few times to hear the beautiful "music" of the words.
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