Sunshine on My Shoulders (with Audio CD and Musical Score) [Hardcover]

John Denver (Author), Christopher Canyon (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 2003 | Age Level: 4 and up | Grade Level: P and up | Series: John Denver & Kids!

This heartwarming book - an adaptation of one of John Denver’s best-loved songs - is a lovely reminder of the good, pure things in life. Sunshine On My Shoulders celebrates friendship, sunshine and simple joy. Children and adults alike will love Christopher Canyon’s whimsical and humorous illustrations, that capture the innocence of childhood. The hardback edition includes a CD of John singing The Music Is You and Sunshine On My Shoulders, plus the musical score of Sunshine. This is the first of a series of picture book adaptations of John Denver’s songs that reflect the gift of friendship and nature.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Sunshine on my shoulders makes me happy - could there be anything more simple, more elegant, more perfect? -- Ann Schnitz, Co-Pres. - It's About Time, Vice Chair - JD Memorial Peace Cloth, February 2003

"The warmth of the sun shines throughout Canyon's vision of the Denver song..." -- Children's Literature

It just makes sense - John Denver and kids! -- Vince Gill, February 2003

Winner of the 2004 Publisher's Marketing Association Benjamin Franklin Gold Award (Children's Picture Book category) --

About the Author

(Illustrator) As a child, Christopher Canyon was deeply touched by John Denver. "John's songs gave me hope, joy, and an unbounded belief in possibilities," he says. "Sunshine On My Shoulders is a beautiful, moving song of giving, sharing and appreciation. I feel the most powerful aspect of the song is its pure sincerity." Christopher is an award-winning artist, musician and performer dedicated to sharing the joy and importance of the arts with children, educators and families. Two of his previous books for Dawn Publications, The Tree in the Ancient Forest and Stickeen, have won the Benjamin Franklin Award as best illustrated children's picture book of the year.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Dawn Publications (CA) (September 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1584690488
• ISBN-13: 978-1584690481
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 9.8 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (23 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #35,199 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A rapturous experience meant to be shared, September 12, 2003

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sunshine on My Shoulders (John Denver Series) (John Denver & Kids!) (Paperback)

John Denver's Sunshine On My Shoulders presents a picture book version of the hit song by John Denver enhanced with and adapted text and brilliant color illustrations by Christopher Canyon. The charming story presents the adventures of a young girl enjoying the outside world and the thrill of life. A rapturous experience meant to be shared between young and old, John Denver's Sunshine On My Shoulders is a inventive and charming tribute to a fondly memorable tune.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars exceptional, November 26, 2003

By 

S. M. Solomon "SoxyinMo" (Waynesville, Missouri United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sunshine on My Shoulders (with Audio CD and Musical Score) (Hardcover)

When I first heard of this project, which had John Denver's blessing before his death, I was excited, but unsure that any illustrator could do justice to John's songs. Christopher Canyon has perfectly incorporated the love of children and of nature that John Denver shared in his music. Now I'm looking forward to all the books in this series. Great work, Dawn Publications.I was so overwhelmed by the copies I'd bought for my grandchildren, I turned around and bought one for my friend who, like me, remembers John Denver's lessons daily, and misses his voice always...

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Caldecott Material, December 6, 2003

By 

Marie E. Metz "Library Lady" (Norwalk, OH) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sunshine on My Shoulders (with Audio CD and Musical Score) (Hardcover)

"Sunshine on my Shoulders" is a beautiful song of the seventies which has been captured perfectly by Christopher Canyon's bright and warm illustrations. One can feel the sun bathing the two characters as they enjoy a summer afternoon. I have been a fan of Canyon's nature illustrations, but "Sunshine" is by far his best effort yet. Members of the Caldecott commitee should take notice.