I love Folk Art. I love Folk music. I used to think that was the equivalent of admitting that I love Cracker Barrel. But here's the thing: I do love Cracker Barrel. I find it tremendously comforting. I don't go there more than once a year, but I love the smells and comfort food and kitschy shopping experience.
It's the same with folk art and music. It's tremendously comforting. Does everyone find it so? I'm drawn to all of this more in the autumn and so added This Land is Your Land to our library, as well as Johnny Appleseed by the same illustrator and recommended by Kelly - thanks Kelly!. There are books that jump to the favorites pile immediately and both of these did. The illustrations are rich and detailed - we literally gasped at the first illustration of the redwood forests. We sit, to my husband's horror, singing the lyrics as we turn the pages. He does not like folk music and more importantly - we can't sing.
But I love those moments, when we're so into the book, my children on either side of me and our tired, out-of-tune voices singing the familiar tune, not caring one tiny little bit about how atrocious we sound. These moments are good for my soul.
Happy weekend, friends!
I love these posts! And I love Cracker Barrel! They have the best fried shrimp that I have ever had including anywhere in FL. I love folk art, and some folk music but a lot of times folk music seems to get a little too close to bluegrass or something like that and I hate bluegrass.
Posted by: Sharron | October 21, 2011 at 06:04 AM
We're on the same rabbit trail! Check out John Langstaff's books, which are wonderful folk songs. Feodor Romanovsky's illustrations are just delicious! Scholastic/Weston Woods put out some DVDs which have some of the picture books. There is one "There was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly" which includes "Dem Bones" which is delightful, and also includes "This Land is Your Land" sung by Guthrie's son.
Posted by: Jennifer G. Miller | October 21, 2011 at 07:18 AM
This is great Jenn! Thank you!
Posted by: Jennifer | October 21, 2011 at 07:42 AM
:-)
Posted by: sarah | October 21, 2011 at 01:21 PM
Isn't it amazing how once you become a mother all those inhibitions about singing suddenly disappear. And, you'll sing at a drop of a hat.
Posted by: Roselady | October 21, 2011 at 03:35 PM
Hooray! I'm so glad you all like the book! And now I am off to check out This Land is Your Land. :)
btw, I love books that you can sing-read. Not only do my babies always seem to enjoy it, the older kids do as well.
Posted by: Kelly | October 21, 2011 at 10:02 PM
I think you are right, Kelly. Its the first picture book my daughter has enjoyed in a couple of years.
Posted by: Jennifer | October 22, 2011 at 05:50 AM