Customer Reviews

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

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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.

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...

"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.

I came across this book in the bookstore today and knew that I had to have it as soon as I saw the cover. I was very familiar with the song, but had no idea there was a book based on it. The pictures are perfect for the song! The book is very, very nicely done. It was an added bonus that there was a CD and musical score included. I came home with two copies.

John Denver was the troubadour for a certain age in my life, & I have always held in my heart the memories of the emotions & appreciation his words & music evoked.

SUNSHINE ON MY SHOULDERS is utterly absorbing & soothing! If you've never heard John Denver sing his hymn to happiness, you will love listening to the CD as you immerse yourself in Christopher Canyon's images.

RebeccasReads recommends SUNSHINE ON MY SHOULDERS for remembering the summers of our childhood & to be opened in the dark of winter, as well as before bedtime, after a day in the chaos of life.

This book, like John Denver's Dolphin Lullaby, is rich in lyrics as well as illustrations. It is absolutely gorgeous. The illustrations are so sweet, with beautiful colors. The audio CD gives it a special twist and sounds great!

The watercolors are exquisite. My personal favorite is the dandelion-fluff page ("if I had a wish that I could wish for you"), but there are lots of subtle touches (the people in the illustrations resemble John Denver and his son, there is a shadow of the boy on the first page next to the ladybugs, and I can't tell you how many times we've stopped to admire the water ripples and the boat and the cats...).

The CD contains 2 songs: a round called "The Music is You" which makes a great intro (and the words are written in a circle, helping kids remember that the song is a round... get it?), and then "Sunshine on My Shoulders," which is probably a 1990's recording (I'm guessing around the time of the Wildlife Concert) with really great recording clarity, a sax solo that sort of adds a soothing-Kenny-G-influence, and Denver's voice matured to a mellow depth that will make you smile and cry all at once it is so beautiful. Probably one of my top 10 children's books, and I have a lot of them.

Sunshine on My Shoulders book/CD is so very touching with the warm memories of the heart felt song by John Denver and Christopher Canyon's beautiful illustrations that accompany the music. I am an early childhood teacher and I use the book to demonstrate how thoughts become words, become verse, becomes song. . . . The Music Is You opening song on the CD explains this concept even further! The children, ages two to seven years, are mesmerized again and again through out the story/song. Other teachers and parents even stop to listen. This is a wonderful opportunity to teach about who John Denver was, what he believed to be so important for our lives, in addition to Christopher Canyon's ability to carry on the message in a way that can reach children of all ages!

I had the pleasure of meeting Christopher Canyon in Aspen at the John Denver tribute Celebrations. I bought copies of the book for my childrens classrooms as well as for home. I cant wait for future books of John Denvers songs.

I first checked this book and CD out from the library for my 3 year old preschool class and they requested so many times, that I purchased it. We have definitely worn it out. The illustrations are so soothing and calming, we usually listen to the CD after a hectic morning of playing and learning. The children like to discuss who the child in the book is that day. Great for everyone. The book will make you smile.