Customer Reviews

Caedmon's Song

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Written by Ruth Ashby and illustrated by Bill Slavin, Caedmon's Song is a picturebook rendition of the true story of Caedmon, the seventh-century cowheard who became known as the first English poet. For years, during festivals, Caedmon was unable to take the harp passed around and sing of bloody or savage battles - but one night inspiration struck, and he thought to sing of what he knew. He sang of his faith in the Lord, and praise for God's creations. He found his true calling as a monk, and his place in history. A profound spiritual tale, brought beautifully to life with full-color artwork.

This charmingly illustrated book retells the story of Caedmon, the first Anglo Saxon poet known to us by name,from Bede's Ecclesiastical History of the English people. Caedmon, a cowherd, flees the great hall each night when the harp is passed to him, since he is unable to compose a song / poem to sing to his companions. One night, however, a mysterious stranger instructs him in a dream in the art of poetry, and Caedmon returns to his companions able to sing and compose poems about all that has happened "since the creation of world and the beginnings of the human race." The text is accompanied by a biographical note that includes the Old English text of Caedmon's Hymn (the only surviving fragment of Caedmon's poetry) and a brief introduction to Old English vocabulary. Recommended for anyone interested in introducing children to the history and literature of Anglo Saxon England.

We got this book for my son and he loved it. It is a simple yet interesting story with great pictures. It's hard to find good children's books about the saints--this one is an exception. We loved it.