Wynken, Blynken, and Nod [Hardcover]

Eugene Field (Author), Giselle Potter (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 3 and up | Grade Level: P and up

WYNKEN, BLYNKEN AND Nod one night
Sailed off in a wooden shoe–
Sailed off on a river of crystal light
Into a sea of dew . . .

So begins Eugene Field’s lovely bedtime poem, which tells of three wee fishermen who sail up to the stars, and a boy who imagines it all before he drifts off to sleep. Field’s timeless text has lulled generations of little listeners into dreamland, and this version, complimented by Giselle Potter’s magical illustrations, is perhaps the most enchanting—and the closest to Fields’ own vision—of all.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Starred Review. PreSchool-Grade 2—Potter's fanciful, artistic interpretation is ideal for this 19th-century poem about the wistful place between sleep and dreams. Wynken, Blynken, and Nod are portrayed as three young boys in matching green pajamas, wooden shoes, and red hats. They embark in their vessel, a large wooden shoe, and sail "...on a river of crystal light,/Into a sea of dew." Sea and sky flow into one another and soon the lads are speeding through the air, where the "little stars" are "herring fish" and the young fishermen cast their nets. The wooden shoe brings them home, where readers learn that the episode is a lullaby sung by a mother to her son who is tucked in bed, snug in his green pajamas with his toy fish. Done in Potter's characteristic style, each spread is a dreamy still life; the mixed-media paintings are drenched in the calming blues of the sea and sky, and the muted hues lend a soporific tone. There is an otherworldly quality to the artwork, and a note describes why the illustrator was attracted to this poem. Share this vividly imagined book with youngsters who need a little help gaining entry to the world of dreams.—Shawn Brommer, South Central Library System, Madison, WI
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist

PreS-Gr. 1. Few texts have inspired so many picture books as Field's familiar bedtime rhyme. In this large-format book, McPhail's interpretation sends three bunnies, clothed as sailors, off in the wooden shoe that sails through a dreamy version of the night sky and into the bedroom of a little girl. After they scatter stars onto her blanket, and she quickly falls asleep, they glide back toward the benevolent moon. Rich with deep, soft colors, the illustrations sweep broadly across the double-page spreads. The same sailors and wooden shoe appear on nearly every spread, which could have been yawn inducing in itself. But McPhail smoothly varies the perspective and composition from scene to scene, so like the lullaby itself, the pictures suggest rhythm, grace, and mystery. A natural for reading aloud, and even better for singing aloud, this book may become a bedtime favorite. Carolyn Phelan
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 3 and up
  
• Hardcover: 40 pages
• Publisher: Schwartz & Wade (May 13, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0375841962
• ISBN-13: 978-0375841965
• Product Dimensions: 10.7 x 0.4 x 10.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (23 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #146,984 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An incredible and beautiful book, always to be remembered, August 23, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Wynken, Blynken and Nod (Picture Puffin) (Paperback)

This is a book that my father grew up on, and after having kids of his own, read it to us. As we grew up, this book had somehow disappered, and, having missed it so much, set upon looking for it on the internet. This is a beutiful children story, but not only for children... Don't miss it!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wynken, Blynken, & Nod is an enchanting, magical tale, April 29, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Wynken, Blynken and Nod (Picture Puffin) (Paperback)

that is as captivating as it is beautiful. It's a wonderful bedtime tradition, for both children and parents. This amazing poem is a timeless classic; there's always something new to discover from the entrancing journey of our trio of fishermen! It's perfect for people of all ages. Come along, and bring somebody you love on the voyage on Wynken, Blynken, and Nod; you won't regret it!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Classic Must Have for Every Child, April 19, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Wynken, Blynken and Nod (Picture Puffin) (Paperback)

I was not introduced to this poem until I was 18. We were performing it in concert as a part of Midge of Gold which is a collection of children's tales set to music. I fell in love with it and when I found out it was an actual book, it became one of the first gifts I give to parents and children. The melody is one that stays with me and it's a great lulaby. This book is worth more than what you will pay for it. I have not met one person who read it as a child and didn't love it. The poem and illustrations are wonderful. Buying this book for your child, or any child, is a great investment.