Customer Reviews

My Symphony

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I was at the book store browsing for books for my two year old daughter and came across 'My Symphony'. I was drawn to the lovely art on the cover so opened it up and began to read. The poem by W.H. Channing is superb. Simple, elegant, meaningful, touching, humorous, and leaves a lasting impression. (To live content with small means; to seek elegance rather than luxury, and refinement rather than fashion; to be worthy, not respectable; and wealthy not rich, etc). The art work by Mary Engelbreit is a wonderful compliment, page by page, for the poem. As a childrens book I wasn't so certain, but I bought it for myself anyway. I treasure books that inspire me to be my best and this is a graceful and simple version of that. But I still wasn't sure that my daughter, a two year old, would be ready for a book like this. I tried it on her anyway, even though she is a fair amount younger than the four years old suggested. She loves it. She loves the illustrations, she works excitedly to understand the concepts and for the most part gets them. Only the closing lines that refer to spirituality and 'my symphony' lost her and she enjoyed the illustrations anyway. I wasn't an Engelbreit fan at all. My only encounter with her prior to this book was a birthday card I received called 'the queen of everything'. Cute card for sure, but I wasn't aware that the artist illustrated books. Now I adore her work. I ordered her christmas book 'Believe' and I am excited for it to arrive. Engelbreits art seems perfectly suited for the holiday season - traditional and pure, yet fun and fanciful at the same time. I guess you can tell I really liked this book.

My Symphony is a toast to life! While listed as a children's book, I will be sending it to adult friends. The poem is a gentle reminder of what is important, and the reader must contrast that with what s/he has spent time doing recently. The illustrations enhance the text with a delightful lightheartedness. Thanks, Mary.

Because I am a manager of a symphony orchestra, the title and beautiful illustrations were the first attractions for me. Then the poem captured my heart and soul. It has become a daily affirmation for me and during the last three years, it has been my preferred gift for family, children, graduates, new mothers, musical friends and colleagues. I quoted the poem at my brother's funeral, and last week, I read the poem at a memorial in New Orleans honoring a public servant. The book was a gift to his widow.

I love this poem, and one of my very favorites, Mary Engelbreit, has beautifully and perfectly illustrated it. It doesn't get any better than this!

My 2-1/2 year old daughter got it as a gift. She absolutely loves it and requests it all the time. She knows many of the words by heart and asks what they mean. She loves the pictures. I never get tired of the beautiful artwork. It's no wonder Mary Englebreit's art is so popular.

This book is a treasure for all ages.... not just kids. W.H.Channing has written a positive, affirming verse that is wonderfully illustrated by Mary Engelbreit.

"To live content with small means; to seek elegance rather than luxury, and refinement rather than fashion; to be worthy, not respectable, and wealthy, not, rich; to listen to stars and birds, babes and sages, with open heart; to study hard; to think quietly, act frankly, talk gently, await occasions, hurry never; in a word, to let the spiritual, unbidden and unconscious, grow up through the common--this is my symphony." by W.H. Channing



This is a book that I often give to others as a gift. It is the gift that keeps on giving...

My son has had me read this to him at least twice a day since it arrived. We love the poem and the illustrations. My son who is six enjoys trying to tie the verse on the page with what ME has drawn to go with it in an attempt to understand and describe what is being said. It works on us adults too!

I have enjoyed this poem for many years and have a framed calligraphy of it on my wall. The book is wonderfully designed and the drawings fit so well with the words. I would recommend it to anyone for themself or as a gift. It is heartwarming, uplifting and definitely words to live by!

This is a very nice book... I have it on my desk at work for all to see and enjoy!

As a big fan of Mary Engelbreit and a big fan of William Ellery Channing, I absolutely love the book, except for one thing: Channing's name is incorrect on the book. His middle name is Ellery, not Henry.

Other than that, the book is wonderful. I don't think this error would bother most people, but it is amazing that Engelbreit and the publisher didn't get it correct...