Customer Reviews

Around the Year

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Around The Year was originally published in 1957, and is generally regarded as one of the author/illustrator's finest endeavors in picture-book form. Tudor has penned appropriate short verses to accompany four pages of delicately-detailed scenes for each month, two done in watercolor and two in pencil.

Miss Tudor is famous for her sensitive and accurate depictions of rural scenes of the past. I consider this book to be the pinnacle of her successful efforts in bringing the loveliness of by-gone days to the present-day young reader. Commonplace events such as running home during a springtime shower and ice-skating on a pond are given as much attention by the artist as are holiday-times and other special moments. Tudor's portrayal of children carving jack-o'lanterns for Halloween and the setting-off of firecrackers on America's Independence Day are quite memorable.

On each page, there is much to be shared between any adult and child reading the book together. The Thanksgiving scenes are particularly evocative (and timely) for the start of meaningful discussions between parents and children. Tudor's observant eye gathers the flora and fauna of New England and delivers them to the observer in a delightful, but natural manner. Throughout the pages, there is a charming lightheartedness and gentleness rare in today's children's books. The careful reader will also find moments of unexpected humor. I highly recommend this book for both its content and delivery to readers of all ages.

That said, I am livid with the publisher's decision to replace what I consider Tudor's finest dust-jacket design with a repeat of an image from the month of April--even though it's arguably the finest single composition presented in the book. The original painting of 12 miniature portraits featuring monthly activities (in a clockface pattern) coupled with a seasonal bird portrait in each corner is a tour-de-force in composition. It hints at the precious jewels to be found inside the book's covers, yet stands alone as a memorable work in itself.

To make matters worse, the original title-page featuring another twelve individual bird portraits each surrounded by Tudor's distinctive twig frames has also been discarded. The new reader is also denied the enjoyment provided by Tudor's clever embellishments of the book's title, including an inchworm wending its way along the top of a letter.

There is an unfortunate lack of faithfulness to both the clarity of line and intensity of color that were so notable in the book's early printings; this happens all too often in the modern world of children's-book publishing. Hopefully, the printer and the publisher will work together to rectify these failings for subsequent printings.

Even with these faults, this book is a visual feast for both those who already do, and those who will now learn to, appreciate the value and importance of America's past rural life. Moreover, it is an enduring testimony of Tasha Tudor's distinguished contributions to the world of children's literature .

Around the Year by Tasha Tudor is a splendid peek into the simply wholesome traditions of a New England farm family throughout the year. Tudor's pictures are darling. My children love it. I'd recomend this book to anyone with children, anyone who needs to teach children about the monthes and seasons of the year, or anyone who just loves a really good poetic picture book. Enjoy! We did.

product packed nicely arrived in due time enjoy tasha tudor books this is first copy of this particular book and i would recommend it for anyone who likes tasha would consider sending to great grandchildren thank you

This is a beautiful book with lovely illustrations and cherished memories from beloved Tasha.

This is the type of book to keep forever and pass down to the children in the family as a treasured keepsake. I thought the quality overall was very, very good: the illustrations were clear and sharp and the colors were soft yet strong; the paper was substantial; the print was clear and hardback cover was very sturdy.

I proudly gave it as a gift and the receiver absolutely loved it!

This book was a Christmas gift for my grandson who is 2.5 years old. He loved it. The adorable illustrations and rhymes make it appealing for the adults who have to read it over and over and over again. I highly recommend this book and any others that Tasha Tudor has written or illustrated.

"October brings us Halloween, When witches, ghosts and spooks are seen."

Pictured: bobbing for apples (p.1), jack-o-lantern carving (p.2), a witch and her cat flying on a broomstick over a graveyard (p.3) and children hiding behind graves (one dressed as a ghost) chuckling at three scared children running away (p.4).

While not a frightening set of pages, they do perplex this reader. Due to the chronology of the book these pages cannot simply be torn out.

Taking a pass on this one.

i could not find any magic in this book. the style is the same but the pictures and colors are just not magical. i hope it is the printers fault. i was also not happy with the amount of information in book. prehaps you should describe these books better. this is the 5th. tasha tudor that i have bought from you and the first i have not liked.

Illustrations of activities for each month showing the change of seasons. Set in the 1800s. Shows a solider in Union Blue for one month. Shows witch flying over cemetery and a ghost in a cemetary scaring children for Holloween themed Oct - which was a little over the top for a young audience. Thanksgiving in church, Christmas for December. Nice illustrations. Seasons don't match where we live (August is still hot summer here rather than birds flying away and turning to fall already). Anyway, talented artisit, so so book.