Children instinctively love poetry, with its appealing mixture of rhythm and rhyme. And Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, with his suspenseful narrative verse, deceptively simple structure, and powerful images of 19th-century United States, makes an especially suitable subject for the critically acclaimed Poetry for Young People series. Brilliant, specially commissioned artwork brings to life all the atmosphere, drama, and emotion of his writing: the vital energy of "The Village Blacksmith," the urgency of "Paul Revere's Ride," and the sorrow of "The Wreck of the Hesperus." An opening essay tells of Longfellow's life: his childhood in Maine, his family history (the Longfellows played a major role in New England politics), his success as a professor of foreign languages, and his often-tragic personal life. More than just a biography, it reveals the inspiration for many of Longfellow's most popular works. Nearly 30 poems appear, most in their entirety, including "The Arrow and the Song," "The Rainy Day," "Woods in Winter," "The Forest Primeval" (from "Evangeline"), "Hiawatha's Childhood" (from "Song of Hiawatha"), "A Psalm of Life," and the abolitionist "The Witnesses." As always in this series, supplementary word definitions give children the knowledge they need to fully understand the poems. 48 pages (all in color), 8 1/2 x 10.
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
From School Library Journal
Grade 4-8-Schoonmaker's careful selection and meticulous editing, and Wallace's luminous full-color paintings (some dramatic, some serene, and all in harmony with the verses featured) will make Longfellow's work more approachable to children. The poems range from lengthy works (e.g., "Hiawatha's Childhood") to ballads (e.g., "The Wreck of the Hesperus") and shorter pieces (e.g., "The Arrow and the Song"). Biographical information and some background on the selections are included. Unfamiliar terms are discreetly defined on the pages where they occur. A slim, attractive introduction to a classic American poet.
Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Kirkus Reviews
Presented in picture book format, this unfocused collection of poems and extracts from this 19th-century poet gathers up a few chestnuts, but also (unintentionally and unjustly) suggests ample reason to avoid the rest of his oeuvre. Preceded by a dense introduction, the more accessible selections``The Arrow and the Song,'' the ever-charming ``Children's Hour,'' and the wonderfully lurid ``Wreck of The Hesperus''are scattered gems among such deadening material as ``Woods In Winter'' (``with solemn feet I tread the hill,/That overbrows the lonely vale''), ``A Psalm Of Life,'' and ``Hymn To The Night'' (``Peace! Peace! Orestes-like I breathe this prayer!''). In addition, ``Evangeline'' is represented by a mere six lines, and even ``Paul Revere's Ride'' is incomplete. Painting in a realistic style, Wallace shows more facility depicting landscapes than people. Even though Longfellow's famous poems are readily available elsewhere, few readersafter plowing through this uninspired handfulwill feel an urge to read more. (Poetry. 9-14) -- Copyright ©1998, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
CERTAINLY ONE TO READ WITH THE YOUNG READER,
This review is from: Poetry for Young People: Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (Hardcover)
I cannot think of a better way to introduce the poetry of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow than this small volume. The selection is excellent and of interest you the young reader. The commentary is quite relevant as are the pictures which accompany it. I find that often now, our young people go all the way through the early grades in school and many of them have never heard of Longfellow much less read his poetry. This was the sort of stuff my generation and the generation before it grew up on and cut our teeth on. I do not feel I am any worse for the wear. I am fearful that we are bringing up an entire generation (rightfully or wrong, although I feel it is the later) of young folks who will have no appreciation to this great art form and will miss a lot. This book helps. This entire series helps, as a matter of fact and I certainly recommend you add this one and the others to your library. Actually, it is rather fun reading these with the young folk and then talking about them. Not only do you get to enjoy the work your self and perhaps bring back some great memories, but you have the opportunity to interact with your child or student. It is actually rather surprising what some of the kids come up with. I read these to my grandchildren and to the kids in my classes at school. For the most part, when I really get to discussing the work with them, they enjoy it. NOTE: After reading the reviews above from School Library Journal and Kirkus review, I am not sure if they or I read the same work. I would personally recommend you rather ignore some of the negative comments. I will say though, that this is one you might want to read with your child or children though, as there are some rather archaic terms used, delightful, but archaic. Recommend this one highly.
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