Summary
Honor America-and Woodie Guthrie's 90th birthday-with this beautiful gift package. Featuring the complete lyrics and musical notation to the beloved anthem "This Land is Your Land," as well as a photo-essay about Woody, a note from his daughter Nora Guthrie, and a tribute by beloved folk singer Pete Seeger, this stunning book paints an unforgettable picture of our diverse land.Now an award-winning CD containing nine popular folk songs performed by Woody and Arlo Guthrie is bound into the book, making this a treasure for the whole family or classroom to share.
Published Reviews
Booklist Review:
"Gr. 3^-6, younger for singing aloud. This lovely picture book celebrates one of America's most important treasures, the familiar folk song sung by people everywhere, of all ages and backgrounds. Originally written by Guthrie to call attention to the plight of those ordinary Americans hit hardest by the Depression of the 1930s, the song is a paean to America's beautiful geography and landscapes, the diversity of its inhabitants, and the indomitable spirit of the American people. Here the complete lyrics serve as the book's main text and are brought to life by stunning, vibrant folk-art illustrations of the people and places of America, coast to coast and past to present. As the lines of the song unfold page by page, meticulously detailed, tiny vignettes and gorgeous, expansive vistas add depth and drama to the words and introduce the beauty and diversity of America. Viewers and readers follow the path taken by Guthrie, from the stark, beautiful deserts and wide-open prairies to the bustling cities with their crowds and awesome architectural feats of engineering. Labeling of many of the vignettes is helpful, although some depictions of historical phenomena and events may puzzle younger children. A complete musical notation is included, as is a tribute to Guthrie written by folksinger Pete Seeger. The biographical scrapbook at the book's end is both fascinating and informative, with photos and text highlighting Guthrie's life and career, the history of the song, and the impact of the Depression era to illuminate further the importance and emotional appeal of "This Land Is Your Land." Like the song itself, this book is a treasure. --Shelle Rosenfeld"
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Publisher's Weekly Review:
"From California to the New York island, readers of all ages will be singing the praises of this picture-book tribute to a legendary folk musician and one of his best-known compositions. The popular version of the song, which Guthrie recorded in 1949, omitted some of Guthrie's original lyrics. Restored here, those verses broaden the song, transforming it to an anthem for the downtrodden: "In the shadow of the steeple I saw my people;/ By the relief office I seen my people;/ As they stood there hungry, I stood there asking,/ Is this land made for you and me?" Acclaimed folk artist Jakobsen's (My New York) expansive, sparkling oil landscapes depict the natural beauty of the countrya stand of redwoods, a country campground, etc. In several multi-paneled spreads, Guthrie stars as wandering troubadour, carrying his guitar from coast to coast and landmark to landmark (all clearly labeled). These spreads are bordered with geometric designs inspired by traditional "tramp art" carvings, while their corners contain hand-lettered snippets of Guthrie lyrics and quotes. One memorable page features a star-studded cast of musicians who have performed Guthrie's songs over the years and also a roster of artists who played at a Woody Guthrie tribute concert in 1996, all of whom are identified in small print. As an added bonus, the final pages contain a tribute from fellow singer/songwriter Pete Seeger; a brief biography of Guthrie, illustrated with black-and-white family photographs; and complete music and lyrics to "This Land Is Your Land." This beautiful homage to America and to a favorite folksinger is sure to be a family treasure. All ages. (Sept.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved"
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
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