Julie Andrews' Collection of Poems, Songs, and Lullabies [Hardcover]

Julie Andrews (Author), Emma Walton Hamilton (Author), Jim McMullan (Illustrator)

Book Description

Release date: October 6, 2009

In this comprehensive collection, coauthors Julie Andrews and daughter Emma Walton Hamilton share a diverse assortment of their most cherished poems, songs, lullabies, hymns, and more.

Featuring a wide range of beloved classics from William Shakespeare, Emily Dickenson, and Robert Frost to playful poems by Jack Prelutsky and Shel Silverstein, this is the perfect collection for families to share throughout the years. Julie and Emma additionally contribute a number of their own poems and reveal the stories behind some of their family favorites. James McMullan's stunning watercolor paintings bring each page to glorious life with his spectacular vision and artistic point of view.

The Collection, now featuring a brand-new cover design, is packaged with a special CD featuring mother and daughter alternately recording twenty-one poems, some of which are recited together. This special keepsake anthology is one that readers of all ages will return to and treasure.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 2 Up—Through sections entitled "All Things Bright and Beautiful," "Accentuate the Positive," and "Leisure" (the proper pronunciation rhymes with pleasure), Andrews relates her lifelong love of poetry and how she and her daughter, co-selector Hamilton, share this passion. Andrews and Hamilton also contribute several poems. The generous collection includes a nice range of old favorites by Robert Louis Stevenson, Rachel Field, and Christina Rossetti. Recent poets include Frank Asch, Nikki Grimes, and Jack Prelutsky. Many of the songs hail from theater and movie musicals: "Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin'!" and "My Favorite Things," "Talk to the Animals," and "Feed the Birds." A CD featuring Andrews reading 21 poems is included. This is a warmly sentimental collection, leavened with humor and poignancy, and though it appears marketed toward adults who will purchase it for their home collections, educators and librarians will also embrace it for its sincere advocacy of reading aloud. McMullan's lush watercolor paintings add to the overall appeal of this well-crafted anthology.—Marilyn Taniguchi, Beverly Hills Public Library, CA END

About the Author

Julie Andrews is one of the most recognized figures in the world of entertainment best known for her performances in Mary Poppins, The Sound of Music and, more recently, The Princess Diaries. Julie is the author of many beloved children's books, including Mandy and The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles, and her recent bestselling memoir, Home. Visit the Julie Andrews Collection online at www.julieandrewscollection.com.

Emma Walton Hamilton is a bestselling children's book author, editor, educator and theater arts professional. She has co-authored and published 16 books for children and young adults, four of which were New York Times bestsellers. Emma is the coauthor of the I Can Read! DUMPY easy readers series with her mother, Julie, and illustrated by her father, Tony Walton.

James McMullan is an award-winning illustrator whose work has appeared in a variety of books for adults and young readers. He has been internationally recognized for his seventy posters for Lincoln Center Theater. McMullan received the New York Times Best Illustrated Book award in 2002 for the picture book I Stink!, and was also awarded with the Society of Illustrator's prestigious Hamilton King Award.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 192 pages
• Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers; 1 Rei/Com edition (October 6, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0316040495
• ISBN-13: 978-0316040495
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 0.9 x 10 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (45 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #425,081 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

114 of 117 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars One Of My Favorite Things... October 10, 2009

By Jenny Moore

Format:Hardcover

After getting some sad news last night, I headed out to the local Barnes and Noble Bookstore in Roseville at 9pm at night, with the full intention of purchasing this book. I was enthralled by what I had heard about it and just wanted to read it. I purchased it and headed home....excited about curling up with a warm blanket with a new book by one of my favorite actors and singers...Miss Julie Andrews. I have read Julie's memoir "Home" and absolutely loved it so I was excited to read her latest book...Julie did not disappoint!

This book is fabulous. Yes it is a "children's book" but as a woman in my thirties, I can tell you that I enjoyed reading this book as much as I imagine any child would enjoy it. It is a book that both children and adults can enjoy. The illustrations are lustrious...the poetry and song lyrics welcoming and comforting. By the time I was finished reading it, I felt like I had been taken on a wonderful journey and really felt a comfort and peacefulness, even after such a hard day that I had.

So, for anyone wanting to read a wonderful book, I highly suggest this book. Whether you are a child or a child at heart, you will enjoy the journey and you too will feel encouraged and uplifted by the selection of poems and song lyrics in this book. Julie Andrews is an amazing and gifted writer. I have to say this book is definitely one of my "favorite things!"

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Poems to bring a smile to your heart! November 4, 2009

By Meadowlarksong

Format:Hardcover

My mother and I have a long-standing tradition of reciting or reading poetry to each other -- my mother truly taught me to love the music inherent in words, and in poetry. As I think about it, this began with the lullabies my mother used to sing to me in her warm, rich mezzo-soprano voice. Poetry -- and lullabies -- have been integral to our lives ever since.

I have loved Julie Andrews Edwards' writing since her first book, Mandy, was published. When I learned that she and her daughter, Emma Walton Hamilton, were compiling a collection of poems, songs, and lullabies, I was thrilled, and immediately pre-ordered my copy, both of the hard-cover book, and of the audio-book.

I have been absolutely captivated by the book ever since it arrived on my doorstep. They included many of my own favorite poems, as well as introducing me to some new poems -- and poets. I was delighted by Julie's and Emma's own poetry -- both women are truly talented writers of both prose and poetry. Julie's poetry touches me especially -- her sense of humor, her sense of wonder at the miracles of nature -- those truly resonate deep within me.

Every time I go to meet a friend for lunch these days, I take along my copy of this wonderful book, and as we wait for our meal to be served, I read aloud from some of the poems. I even quoted one of the poems to a staff person in a store yesterday! Everyone has been delighted by the poems of Julie's and Emma's that I have shared.

This year, people who don't normally receive a Christmas gift from me will be receiving Julie Andrews' Collection of Poems, Songs and Lullabies. I urge others to do the same. It's a great gift for kids, but also for parents, or for grandparents, aunts, uncles, or people who just love words and poetry. It will delight their hearts, I promise!

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A book you will treasure for years November 5, 2009

By Suzie

Format:Hardcover

This collection is a beautiful compilation of all the good things in life. I would recommend this book to anyone of any age! It is timeless, joyous, and of exceptional quality. Buy it!