Customer Reviews

Simeon's Gift

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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.

"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."

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!

Perhaps this book was aimed to be read by children. I had interest in reading it in order to find out its connection whith Julie Andrews' next concert, at O2 Arena-London, next May, because it has been announced that it will be narrated there.
I've discovered a magical book, both for children, but mainly for adults.
I recommend it for those who still believe in human values, nowadays almost considered "out of fashion".

That's what my daughter, 37, said about it as I finished tucking in my granddaughter on her 7th birthday. I'd just given her the book with our cake 'n ice cream celebration and was about to burst to read it to her. My daughter, sadly, is NOT a bookaholic like her mother, but it took her no time at all to see how truly special this book is. Others have mentioned human values, art, and music especially. I'd first mention the look of the book itself, whose marvelous illustrations ("illuminations" better describes the art therein) give immediate evidence that THIS is a book to be reckoned with! Having seen many incunabula and medieval illuminated ms. in my lifetime, I was still blown away by the sheer beauty of any spot one could randomly choose, from cover to cover. To comments about the story, already given "weight" or prominence by what one has seen as one turned to the first page of text, I'd add its wholeness: love, desire for self-improvement, the totality of Creation, persistence in The Search even in the face of much disillusionment, even failure; hope, ever present; the beauty 'round us; eyes to see and ears to hear; creativity; the desire to be worthy of one's Beloved; compassion; empathy, courage, and increasing spirituality. If there were a single word to summarize it I'd say "integrity." I can't imagine being a child and learning this story over and over, to ponder after one's night prayers into the dreams of sleep. This is a book to give every Seeker you know, to every new parent and/or grandparent,to a high school graduate sent on his or her Journey. It is a treasure, and yes, it's breathtaking.

Anything Julie Andrews and her daughter write and publish are great for young and old alike! You can't go wrong!

Believe it or not, Dame Julie Andrews herself signed a copy of this book for me at Harrod's in London! This story has so much heart and the illustrations are simply gorgeous.