This Land Is Your Land (Hardcover)

~ (Author), Kathy Jakobsen (Illustrator) "As I was walking that ribbon of highway, I saw above me that endless skyway;..." (more)
Key Phrases: Gulf Stream, Pete Seeger

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

From California to the New York island, readers of all ages will be singing the praises of this picture-book tribute to a legendary folk musician and one of his best-known compositions. The popular version of the song, which Guthrie recorded in 1949, omitted some of Guthrie's original lyrics. Restored here, those verses broaden the song, transforming it to an anthem for the downtrodden: "In the shadow of the steeple I saw my people;/ By the relief office I seen my people;/ As they stood there hungry, I stood there asking,/ Is this land made for you and me?" Acclaimed folk artist Jakobsen's (My New York) expansive, sparkling oil landscapes depict the natural beauty of the country?a stand of redwoods, a country campground, etc. In several multi-paneled spreads, Guthrie stars as wandering troubadour, carrying his guitar from coast to coast and landmark to landmark (all clearly labeled). These spreads are bordered with geometric designs inspired by traditional "tramp art" carvings, while their corners contain hand-lettered snippets of Guthrie lyrics and quotes. One memorable page features a star-studded cast of musicians who have performed Guthrie's songs over the years and also a roster of artists who played at a Woody Guthrie tribute concert in 1996, all of whom are identified in small print. As an added bonus, the final pages contain a tribute from fellow singer/songwriter Pete Seeger; a brief biography of Guthrie, illustrated with black-and-white family photographs; and complete music and lyrics to "This Land Is Your Land." This beautiful homage to America and to a favorite folksinger is sure to be a family treasure. All ages.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 4?This effort is what great picture books are all about. Guthrie's familiar song is teamed with Jakobsen's oil paintings that evoke the 1920s and '30s, yet are still relevant today as, unfortunately, soup kitchens, burned-out lots, and homeless families are still very much a part of the American scene. Double-page landscapes reflect the verses of the song and show the varied terrain of the United States. Interspersed between them are labeled vignettes that include song lyrics or quotes from Guthrie in the corners of each page. Children and adults can spend hours poring over these pages and enjoying the sights and shores, cities and towns, urban areas and the unsettled West that bring the song to life. The book ends with a short biography of the songwriter, photos and drawings of him and other folk singers of the era, a tribute by Pete Seeger, and the musical score. This is not just a celebration of Guthrie and his music. It will serve as a vehicle for classroom discussion on the Dust Bowl and the Depression and can also be used as a lead-in to a study of our country and its symbols. A book that's destined to become a favorite in libraries from coast to coast.?Susan Lissim, Dwight School, New York City
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers; 1 edition (September 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0316392154
• ISBN-13: 978-0316392150
• Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 8.8 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.9 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #558,988 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book is made for you and me, August 13, 2004

By	Theo Logos (Pittsburgh, PA) - See all my reviews

What a wonderful book! Woody Guthrie's simple but evocative lyrics (with all of the original verses restored) are brilliantly set off by the marvelous folk art oil paintings of Kathy Jakobsen.
Jakoben's artwork is what will draw you into the book. Double page landscapes depict the plains, the desert, and the dust blown wheat fields of Oklahoma. All four seasons are beautifully rendered as well. There are cityscapes (including a striking New York City with the Twin Towers still standing) and idyllic country landscapes. The Golden Gate Bridge, the Grand Canyon, Niagara Falls, Brooklyn Bridge, St. Louis Gateway Arch, Old Faithful, Seattle Space Needle, and Coney Island, among others, are American landmarks that pepper the pages of the book.
And the figure of Woody with his guitar wanders through all of them as our great American troubadour. (My kids play a game of lets find Woody on every page.)
The layout of the book keeps it endlessly interesting for both children and adults. Most of the verses are depicted with a double page painting, while the repeating chorus takes two pages that split into multiple scenes of Americana. In the Four Corners of these pages are small quotes from Guthrie's other song lyrics and writings. Children are captured by the bright and simple artwork, while adults can become lost within the multiple possibilities that are offered on every page.
This great American anthem of the common man and his love of the land, "made for you and me", receives a truly worthy treatment in this book. It is both a favorite of my pre-school children, and one of my most cherished books. Even if you don't have kids, it would make a fine book to put out on your coffee table to delight your guests with its many charms.

Theo Logos

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful pictures and important concepts, June 20, 1999

By A Customer

My almost 5 year old son really is enjoying this book. He loves the pictures, and has learned the song and sings it often. Although I was not sure how he would react to some of the pictures of homelessness and hungry people, it has turned out to be a real conversation starter for us to talk about those tough subjects in a compassionate and non-scary way. I have always loved this song, and this book really does it justice.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good, March 27, 2004

By A Customer

My sons 3 and 5 really enjoy this book and singing along. One word of caution the CD that comes with the book, although enjoyable, does not follow the book words. It is a classic book and the illustrations and tune are memorable and something I am proud to share with my children.