Simeon's Gift [Hardcover]

Julie Andrews Edwards (Author), Emma Walton Hamilton (Author), Gennady Spirin (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 30, 2003 | Age Level: 5 and up | Grade Level: 2 and up

CD included with a reading by Julie Andrews Edwards

In a faraway time and place, a humble musician named Simeon sets out on a quest. Thirsting for knowledge and eager to improve his craft, he risks losing all that is important to him, including the love of his beautiful Sorrel.

The journey brings many discoveries, and though he tries hard to absorb the vast new tapestry of sounds and ideas before him, the scope of choices eventually becomes overwhelming.

Dispirited, he turns for home -- and alone in the grace of nature, he experiences a series of wondrous events that lead him to the discovery of his own true self, and the glorious gift he has to offer.

Julie Andrews Edwards and Emma Walton Hamilton -- with stunning illustrations from Gennady Spirin -- weave a magical tale with a timeless lesson about beauty, music, and the power of giving.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Convinced that his "lowly status" and the "simplicity of his art" will never provide more than a "meager existence" for his beloved, minstrel Simeon sets out on a fairy tale-like quest to free the music "deep in his soul." He encounters a veritable symphony of new sounds on his pilgrimage--the insistent beat of soldiers' drums, the harmonic chanting of monks, the general cacophony of a big city--but sadly, this barrage of new sounds bewilders and overwhelms Simeon, who feels his own attempts at song suffer in comparison. Lonely and weary, he abandons his quest and trades his lute for a canoe to take him home. On the way, Simeon befriends a bright little bird, a beautiful fish, and lovely fawn who become his companions. Heartened by his new friends and overjoyed to see his beloved Sorrel, Simeon breaks into song and discovers the music of his soul.

Julie Andrews Edwards, author of The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles and star of Mary Poppins and The Sound of Music, has teamed up again with her daughter, Emma Walton Hamilton (Dumpy the Dumptruck, etc.), for an original story with all the elements of traditional fairy tales. Award-winning illustrator Gennady Spirin creates magical pictures that hearken back to Renaissance era artists. Also includes a reading by the charming Julie Andrews Edwards. (Ages 5 to 8) --Emilie Coulter

Review

“The illustrator’s ornate, gorgeous watercolors add substance to a pursposeful tale.” (School Library Journal )

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Hardcover: 40 pages
• Publisher: HarperCollins; 1st edition (September 30, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0060089148
• ISBN-13: 978-0060089146
• Product Dimensions: 10.4 x 10.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #573,769 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

36 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Simeon's Gift is a book that delights in every way, January 8, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Simeon's Gift (Hardcover)

The imprint of the 'umbrella' under which this beautiful book was published, "Words, Wisdom and Wonder", fits it all the way. It is a beautiful story, wonderfully told and handsomely illustrated. I'll not retell it here. The editorials have already done that. I would say simply, that Simeon's story belongs in every household that has a child to be enwrapped by it and in any other household that appreciates good things. The book "Simeon's Gift" is definitely one of those 'good things'. I'm a grandmother, with grown grandchildren now...but I got the book for myself and find it a sheer delight to look at and to read. The CD that comes with it is a supersized bonus. Read so clearly and beautifully by Dame Julie and acompanied by lovely and appropriate music, it's a joy to listen to. Thank you Julie! I highly recommend it.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Passionate Fable, July 20, 2008

By 

Patricia Tilton (Dayton, OH, USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Simeon's Gift (Julie Andrews Collection) (Paperback)

"Simeon's Gift," written by Julie Andrews and her daughter Emma Walton Hamilton is a beautifully written and illustrated children's book. It is a magical story of a young roving musician who leaves the woman he loves to prove his worthiness by experiencing the world beyond. He finds his music and self in nature and returns to his beloved Sorrel. This passionate fable blends both music and the arts, which are captured in Gennady Spirin's gorgeous illustrations. I highly recommend this book for children and adults alike.

I had the opportunity to see the premier of the musical adaptation of "Simeon's Gift" July 11, 2008 with the Louisville Orchestra, with Ian Fraser conducting. Julie collaborated with Ian Fraser, who wrote the music, and John Bucchino the lyrics, to bring this magical tale to life on stage. Five costumed singers played the major roles, with Julie narrating. It was a very magical, exciting and memorable evening. "Simeon's Gift" will tour the country in a show called "A Gift of Music."

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful book!, January 1, 2006

By 

S. Miller - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Simeon's Gift (Julie Andrews Collection) (Hardcover)

A beautiful story, beautifully illustrated, and wonderfully told by Julie Andrews (on the CD that is included.)

I know my kids will enjoy it, and recommend it to anyone who loves a beautiful, well told, story!