Customer Reviews

Day Is Done (Peter Yarrow Songbook)

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

 

 

Kiwi Magazine Review:

When the day is done, all will be well. Peter Yarrow croons a lovely tune from father to son, proclaiming that the end of the day brings resolution to the problems of the day. The illustrations are sweet and upbeat, to counter the sad tone of the song. This book just feels like a great big hug after a trying day.

Among the trees and flowers a mama bear hugged her cub close as a pair dragonflies flitted through the air. The little cub's eyes were wide with fright and as she cuddled him she asked what was scaring him. She reassured him by stating that if it was the sound of "thunder in the distance" she would stay close. Other animals in the forest were staying close to their young as well to give them reassurance and protect them. The deer was staying close to her fawn and the mother rabbit bounded through a field with her little bunny. A bird approached her nest with food for her three young babies. "All will be well when the day is done."

A mother raccoon and a mother mouse talked about the woes of the world as their babies nestled close to their bodies. Some possums looked out from a hole in a nearby tree and some butterflies flitted near a pond filled with sweet pink lilies. A few ladybugs went about their business on some leaves as the mothers talked to them. In another part of the forest two more mothers, a frog and a fox, could be seen with their young. The sun had set and the beauty of the forest could be seen beneath the star studded sky. Through a light filled window a father could be seen with his young son. The boy hugged his teddy bear as his father asked, "Tell me why you're smiling, my son. Is there a secret you can tell everyone?" The wise old owl sat in a tree with her baby waiting for the answer.

When I first read through this book, I had to ask myself where the book was going because I was quite surprised at one section in the book. In particular it was these few lines: "Do you ask why I'm sighing, my son? You shall inherit what humankind has done. In a world filled with sorrow and woe, if you ask me why, why is this so? I really don't know." I must admit I was quite taken aback to see this sort of thing in a children's book, but when I read the back material and listen to the CD I realized the intent of this book and had one of those "ahhhhh" moments.

The book is intended to reflect our childlike spirit and "early acceptance of one another." Children have an understanding of some things that are lost on adults. Only then did I begin to appreciate the true beauty of this book. After I sat down again and read the book with the music playing in the background I felt a sense of peace and was totally awed by both the music and the artwork. Those who lived during the turbulent sixties will be totally awed by this book because "all will be well when the day is done."

"Day Is Done" is a sensitively illustrated children's book and three-song CD of the famous song by the same title written by Peter Yarrow. Poignant lyrics, soothing paintings of animal parent and child figures and nighttime scenes make "Day Is Done" a beautiful, classic bedtime book to share between parent and child. In addition to the title song as sung originally by Peter, Paul, and Mary in the 60's, the accompanying CD includes the songs "I know Where I'm Going" and "Dona Dona Dona" recorded by Peter Yarrow (of Peter, Paul and Mary, folk singers trio of 60's and more recent fame) and his daughter, Bethany Yarrow, a combination American/African/Caribbean style folk singer who performs with Rufus Cappadocia as Bethany and Rufus. This past month saw the death of Mary Travers, performer in the original trio. It is wonderful to see the continuing legacy of this creative group in this new format. "Day Is Done" will be beloved by a whole new generation of parents and children, fathers and sons, and is appropriate for children age 3-7.

Maybe the song version is good, but as a book it just doesn't work. Each page has a line of lyrics on it, but parsing it out in this way only serves to highlight how lame the lyrics are. The pictures are really nice, though! Too bad there's no story to go along with it. Whenever my son grabs this book, I never read what's on the page--I just point to and describe the pictures.

First off I barely know the song that this book referenced and I did not get to listen to the CD that comes with the book. I was impressed with the art and the had the tune of the song in my head as I read it. It felt... I wouldn't say depressing but very mellow...almost too mellow.

Also this seems to be only for a son. As in the song or story "I will be here my son" is throughout the book. Nothing wrong with that I just thought Puff the Magic Dragon is more for every child or adult but a little hard to translate this song into book form for more then boys.

I loved the art and the message but not the wording for a book. Maybe with the CD it stands out better.

This is a very peaceful and calming song/book with a valuable lesson for kids (and adults). It has beautiful illustrations and a very catchy folk song to read along with. It offers a real-life lesson for kids ...that even though the day (and the world) may have trials and tribulations...at the end of the day the dad will be there for the son and they will be alright. My daughters and I love it.

The lyrics of Day is Done, the well-known song by folk singer Peter Yarrow (Peter, Paul and Mary) are beautifully paired with stunning watercolor and mixed media illustrations by Caldecott Honor winner Melissa Sweet. The gentle words lend themselves to a bedtime ritual read aloud. The illustrations convey a warmth and sense of belonging, with loving representations of animals in parent/child interactions against a backdrop of a magical forest-like setting. Included with the book is a CD of Peter Yarrow, accompanied by Bethany Yarrow. The three musical selections are sublime, offering children a lovely introduction to traditional folk music. Adults will also find comfort in the familiar cadence of Yarrow voice. The CD is perfect for bedtime, quiet time, or soothing background music for playtime. The book does not have Jewish content, but the third track on the CD is a beautiful rendition of "Dona, Dona, Dona". Although Yarrow has created his own lyrics, the melody maintains the essence of the original composition. Day is Done is appropriate for families and schools. The combination book/CD would also be a beautiful gift. For ages 2 and up. Barbara Bietz

Love the music of Peter, Paul and Mary -- inspired, soothed and entertained over the many years. Great that new generations will discover and be educated by their body of work. Hope more of their work is spread to children this way -- so much of their fine efforts over the years have been for the world's children. A better world.

The artwork is lovely. Quality binding -- lovely book to gift this Christmas to the young ones in your life. An uplifting presentation.

The song featured in the book and on the CD is not the "Day is done, gone the sun / From the lake, from the hills, from the sky / All is well, safely rest, God is nigh" song. For some reason I thought it was. The pictures and words are still lovely, however. Very melancholy, but nice.

How could anyone like this ridiculous book? If I have to read the phrase "the day is done when the day is done" I'm launching this book out the window. The pictures are cute but what was this Yarrow guy thinking when he wrote the words? Could it be more gloomy? I would have returned it if I wouldn't have been charged shipping.