A very nice anthology for children. It's a short book, so it's not overwhelming for little ones, and while the back matter does include some brief infA very nice anthology for children. It's a short book, so it's not overwhelming for little ones, and while the back matter does include some brief information about the authors, the book does not get bogged down in over-explaining things. The poems are sweet or cute or atmospheric or cheery or even a little sad; it's an excellent mix of tones. It's a excellent selection of poets, too, with some who are better-known (e.g. Frost and Sandburg) and some who are lesser-known or even anonymous. Many of the poems featured here come from children's authors, most notably A. A. Milne. Colorful photographs accompany the poems and add a great deal of charm....more
A joyful look at a year of Jewish holidays. The short descriptions of this collection function almost as free-verse poems. They capture a bit of the eA joyful look at a year of Jewish holidays. The short descriptions of this collection function almost as free-verse poems. They capture a bit of the emotion and history behind each holiday, and the slender volume would function well both for very young Jewish children and for non-Jews who have never been introduced to these holidays. Don't look for great depth of information here, but if you would like a charming and informational account that conveys a sense of childlike wonder, you won't be disappointed....more
I greatly enjoyed this volume of poetry. These glimpses of the sea take in its vast presence and awesome power and offer a response that is both visceI greatly enjoyed this volume of poetry. These glimpses of the sea take in its vast presence and awesome power and offer a response that is both visceral and spiritual. There is a range of emotions here, and I greatly enjoyed the journey. That said, I also recognize that my perspective here may be a bit different from that of other people. For one thing, I just love all sorts of sea literature, and so the subject matter may impress me more favorably than it might. I also have a pretty high tolerance for Victorian-era sentimentality. Parts of this collection are highly emotional, perhaps even saccharine or cloying. Again, that doesn't bother me. This book's aesthetic might be a bit out of place in our modern times, but I rather enjoyed this foray into a now-unusual style. One major point is the poetry itself, which, I think, is not always as good as it could have been. (So maybe 3 stars for quality but 4 for enjoyment?) Everything rhymes here, and I think sometimes it might have worked just a bit too hard for the rhyme. I also got the impression that at times the ONLY poetical criterion WAS the rhyme. But I am not a poetry buff, and most of the poetry that I do read is either Tennyson or Frost, and while Springer is certainly not as good as they, well, I can't really hold that against her, either, as that's a pretty high bar. I also give her full credit for creativity here, and I applaud her for being willing to try new things with her art. For example, one of the poems reworks an excerpt from a common hymn by turning each line into its own stanza. I should add that the meter and rhyme of Springer's poem differs drastically from that of the hymn. Consequently, I enjoyed the chance to read a poem that played around with and expanded on a beloved hymn. My favorite element of this poetry collection is the theme of faith and Christian spirituality that pervades it. It showcases strength, power, and also quiet devotion. Splendid....more
Haunting, evocative, tragic. A perfect pairing of poetry and illustrations, this little book captures the crushing tragedy of the Holocaust while stilHaunting, evocative, tragic. A perfect pairing of poetry and illustrations, this little book captures the crushing tragedy of the Holocaust while still acknowledging—even celebrating—the Jewish people, their faith, and their history....more
This book takes place during the final events of The Lord of the Rings. So the whole book (and consequently, my review) is a spoiler for LOTR. You’ve This book takes place during the final events of The Lord of the Rings. So the whole book (and consequently, my review) is a spoiler for LOTR. You’ve been warned. :)
This is literally Bilbo’s last song; this is his final reflection before he leaves Middle Earth forever, near the end of his very long life. This is not Tolkien’s greatest poem, although stylistically, it still fits right in with the other hobbit poetry from other books, and it feels very much like part of that same universe. But the point of this isn’t the form or even the quality of the poem itself: the point is the pathos, and this sure delivers. The poem is emotional, and with the context of the closing events of LOTR, it makes for a very powerful reading experience. Finally, no review would be complete without a mention of the illustrations. For me, the pictures are the highlight of the book. The images tell the story, with most of the page given over to old Bilbo reflecting on his life and journeying to the havens, while running along the bottom of the pages—what a delight!—is the story of young Bilbo’s first adventure from The Hobbit. The illustrations are lovely and evocative. This book hits every mark: a perfect send-off to a beloved character, and a beautiful meditation on the end of the novel....more
This charming little book is a handy reference guide to some of Shakespeare’s best-known quotes. Divided into sections by topic, the book lists a seriThis charming little book is a handy reference guide to some of Shakespeare’s best-known quotes. Divided into sections by topic, the book lists a series of quotes that fit each section’s theme, as well as the play or poem from which the quote was taken. This slender volume isn’t cluttered with commentary or even with background information; consequently, the casual reader can peruse many different remarks one right after another. I found that this approach made for a surprisingly deep and strangely moving experience. And despite the brevity of the excerpts, Shakespeare’s talent and his unique voice come through loud and clear....more
I don’t quite know what to make of this little collection of poems. I would love to know more about the process by which the poems were selected: obviI don’t quite know what to make of this little collection of poems. I would love to know more about the process by which the poems were selected: obviously, these poems all involve cats in some way, but if there was anything else at all that guided the process, I can’t figure out what it is. Not all the poems even seem to have been written by people who liked cats. Some of the poems are beautiful, but others are disturbing, and few are just odd. I also can’t seem to find any sort of intent or continuity with regard to source. There are some modern poems, and some from the 18th and 19th centuries; I don’t know if there are any older than that. There was no information given about the poems or the authors (except to list a translator) so all I know of the poem’s ages comes from my own background knowledge. A few poems have been translated from other languages, but there doesn’t seem to have been any particular effort to include a broad sample or a certain number of countries or regions.
There is one children’s poem, “The Owl and the Pussycat,” and I was delighted to find it so unexpectedly. By the time I reached the end of the volume, however, the poem about the dead cat, the poem that gives a sad reimagining of a classic nursery rhyme cat, the poem about the person who is disgusted with cats, and the poem about the cat-owner who would like to kill her cat had all dampened my enthusiasm considerably. I understand that this poem book isn’t meant as an ode to cats, but rather as a collection of various depictions of cats in different countries, centuries, and languages; but the bizarre nature of the collection and its overall effect were a bit disappointing. Sometimes anthologies take bits and pieces from all over and craft them into a meaningful, beautiful, poignant whole. Here, however, the many pieces seem disjointed, and they don’t seem to make more than the some of their parts. Something feels lacking overall....more
This book was amazing. Stapert offers an in-depth analysis of the theological content of Bach’s music as understood through the lens of the HeidelbergThis book was amazing. Stapert offers an in-depth analysis of the theological content of Bach’s music as understood through the lens of the Heidelberg Catechism. For clarity’s sake, I’ve separated my review into sections that address different elements of Stapert’s work.
Scope The book’s scope is massive, and it covers a lot of ground. Stapert takes his time in setting up Bach’s music, and a lengthy introduction describes the different types of musical pieces that Bach wrote. A music glossary in the back defines musical terms. I think the intention was to make a book that would be readable even by people who are unfamiliar with Bach and with classical music. For the most part, I think he succeeded, although there were several places where, if I had not had a musical background, I think I would have struggled to understand. That said, the broad themes that he traces will make sense even if a few of the details are lost, and the introduction to Bach’s works was phenomenal. Stapert really packed a whole lot of information into just a few pages.
Theology As for the theology itself, I have to say I was surprised and impressed by the premise of analyzing a Lutheran musician by a Calvinist document. There have been so many divisions in the Church, so much discord and separation, that I am always glad to find a book that actively tries to make connections between different denominations. The only other book I know that tries something similar is C. S. Lewis’ Mere Christianity. Stapert even refers to that book specifically, mentioning the common ground for all Christian denominations. Stapert says, “What unites the various branches of the Christian faith is far more extensive and runs far more deeply than the history of our divisions, quarrels, and animosities would indicate.” This book, then, takes three different sections of the Calvinist catechism and illuminates them with selected passages from Bach’s music. The result is a beautiful, almost reverent, meditation on a specific theological concept. These sections read almost like mini devotionals, and although the focus is perhaps different from Bach’s own Lutheran tradition, the theological statements themselves are on point.
Libretti The libretti are given in their original German, along with an English translation that strives, whenever possible, to maintain the original syntax. In this way, readers can see exactly how the ideas are stated in the music, and they can tell which parts of a sentence are emphasized in the score.
Music I was glad to see the music itself given in-depth analysis. From the Easter music in a minor key to the angelic symbolism of the trumpet—even the strings’ musical “halo” given to Jesus’ lyrics in the Passions—so many different musical qualities are examined in great detail. He examines modulations into different keys; he contrasts various sections as they play the same phrase. He shows certain rhythmic patterns that convey certain emotions, tracing each individual motif across many different iterations. He even goes so far as to trace earlier uses of a single melody across Bach’s many works. If you’ve ever wondered what a Lenten tune was doing in the middle of Bach’s Christmas Oratorio, look no further!
How it could have been better This is a very minor point, but I would have liked more historical context for some of this. For example, at one point, he reminds his readers that Bach’s soprano would have been a boy. I’m not clear on which soprano he means—all of them? Or just one, for a particular piece of music? I’m also not clear as to why. Was that a common practice for Bach’s time? Was it a personal preference of his? Or did it come from the church? If so, would it have held for all the churches where he worked over the course of his career, or just the one who employed him at that specific time? Would things have been different for concert performances? As I said, it’s a minor point, but I was very curious. I was interested to know how the music would have been experienced in Bach’s own time.
All in all, a wonderful book, meticulously researched. Informative and uplifting....more
A charming collection of poems and prayers. I was delighted at the scope of this collection, which features poetry by Emerson, Blake, and Hugo (among A charming collection of poems and prayers. I was delighted at the scope of this collection, which features poetry by Emerson, Blake, and Hugo (among others), as well as lyrics both to famous hymns and to children’s songs. There are also many prayers, inspirational quotes from different saints, and Bible verses. Illustrations of children and animals are bright and cheery, and very, very cute. The book is divided into chapters that are relevant to a child (e.g., one for nature, one for animals, one for being thankful). It is easy to find a prayer or poem for a particular aspect of life, and when read from start to finish, is presents a beautiful journey from the morning chapter to the evening chapter. This version has a padded cover and gold edging on the pages. All in all, it’s a lovely book....more
This collection is okay, mildly interesting, but not all that great. I'd say the first part is a solid 2 stars, while The Christmas Carol parody is a This collection is okay, mildly interesting, but not all that great. I'd say the first part is a solid 2 stars, while The Christmas Carol parody is a probably a 3. That part was easily the best, even if the collection as a whole is a bit of a disappointment. It just seems like most of the stories here are one-trick ponies, without much substance, although their extreme brevity may account for that s well. The idea of being satirical isn't the foundation; it's the whole product. Scrooge's transformation in the last story was much more interesting than the characters in the other stories, perhaps because it was a longer tale with a more complete plot. I'm not sorry I read it, but I could probably take it or leave it....more
This celebration of a people and a culture was a great read for Black History Month. This collection spans from ancient Greece's Aesop to modern AmeriThis celebration of a people and a culture was a great read for Black History Month. This collection spans from ancient Greece's Aesop to modern America's Bugs Bunny, and it includes jump rope rhymes, folk songs, ballads, legends, lore, proverbs, Biblical passages, poems, hand claps, historical information, hymns, and spirituals. African-American contributions to music, to literature, and to society are shared here. More than that, they are celebrated, as products of and testaments to the artists who created them. This book was a joy....more
This rhyming version of Cinderella is unlike any other version I have read. It is based on the Perrault version, but it takes more than a few libertieThis rhyming version of Cinderella is unlike any other version I have read. It is based on the Perrault version, but it takes more than a few liberties filling in details about the characters. I'm a little disappointed that this Cinderella is more passive that Perrault's—no teasing the stepsisters here—but on the whole, the changes are interesting improvements. I like that in this version, the prince has a very emotional scene where he's looking for Cinderella in a panic. I like that this Cinderella gets angry on behalf of someone else's unfair treatment. I like the fairy godmother has a bit of fiery personality, complaining to Cinderella about all the things she wants to do to the stepsisters. There are also a few genuinely cute moments, such as the prince waiting for Cinderella and jumping up every time someone comes in, hoping to see her. There are also several comedic moments, mostly with the stepsisters, and this humor comes out in the illustrations as well. The narrator even refers to finding a husband for the stepsister as finding a "victim." Perhaps my favorite change is (view spoiler)[the realistic ending. There is no supernatural retribution maiming the stepsisters, but neither is there the sappy sweet ending where the stepsisters instantly become good and Cinderella instantly forgives them and helps them marry up. Here, it seems that Cinderella and her stepsisters avoid each other. The stepsisters are still their same rotten selves, and they are free to marry—or not—as they can. (hide spoiler)]...more
This charming poem will not be everyone's cup of tea, but if you're looking for a short read, a sweet fantasia on the Christmas nativity story, then yThis charming poem will not be everyone's cup of tea, but if you're looking for a short read, a sweet fantasia on the Christmas nativity story, then you may enjoy this. The poetry is not the greatest, and Wibberley takes more than a few liberties with the traditional Bethlehem story, but it is precisely these deviations from tradition that make this volume delightful. This is a new take on an old chronicle, the shepherds of Bethlehem as you've never seen them before. And, of course, Wibberley retains the warmth and love that always accompany this story....more
I didn't care for this one as much as the first. Instead of being a pleasant mix of sweet, silly, and naughty, the cats in this collection come off moI didn't care for this one as much as the first. Instead of being a pleasant mix of sweet, silly, and naughty, the cats in this collection come off mostly as cynical, even resentful of the humans who care for them. Many of the poems felt the same to me, repeating a single theme in a few different ways. The first one had smart cats, even slightly sarcastic cats, but it also had a few adorable kitties, as well as a genuinely sad moment that bordered on bittersweet. This volume is certainly more bitter.
It would be somewhere in the range of 3 to 3.5 stars, but the charming photographs put it firmly in the 4 to 4.5 range....more
I learned of this book in a course I'm taking on the history of books. This book tells the story of a boy playing with a gun that he doesn't know is lI learned of this book in a course I'm taking on the history of books. This book tells the story of a boy playing with a gun that he doesn't know is loaded, and when it goes off, it leaves a hole clean through the book. The holes in the pages are incorporated into the artwork and help tell the story. It's a very cute idea, and even though I read a digitized version online (and there are no bullet-holes in my computer screen, thank goodness) I still "got" the humor of the interactive novelty pages. (view spoiler)[I was a bit caught off guard by the manner in which it depicted a racial minority, which sadly marks this book as a product of its time, even as the format itself was so revolutionary. Also, cat-lovers beware! This is a comedy about a bullet that wreaks havoc in humorous, nonfatal ways, and halfway through, a cat gets shot. (hide spoiler)]...more
Loading...
