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