Sunday, December 6, 2009

Bright Copper Kettles and Warm Woolen Mittens


A Few of My Favorite Things, song by Rodgers and Hammerstein, illustrated by Renee Graef

I love this song, and I love the way it's illustrated in this book. It's a sweet, painterly style. Each scene includes a little girl and usually also her brother. The world of this pair reminds me of my childhood in Maryland-- particularly the fall and winter months (which are so different for me now that I live in the San Francisco Bay Area).

Here is one of my favorite spreads:


That just says "late October afternoon" to me.

I don't read many "regular paper" picture books with Eliza, because she can suddenly decide she wants to crumble, tear, and eat the pages. However, if she is mellow enough, she can even help turn these pages if I prop them up for her.

I shouldn't say I "read" this to her, because I find I am actually unable to just read it-- it must be sung, just like Julie Andrews did. I try anyway.

You should hear me on the last spread:

"And then I don't feeeeeeeeeeeeeel soooooooooooooooooooooo baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaad."

Anyway, if you love the Sound of Music, and if this song is an old familiar favorite of yours, this book captures it just right. I just wish they would make a board book out of it.

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