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A Child's Garden of Versesx$12.69
 (29 reviews)
Best Price: $20.99 $12.69
Here is a delightful look at childhood, written by master poet and storyteller Robert Louis Stevenson. In this collection of sixty-six poems, Stevenson recalls the joys of his childhood, from sailing boats down a river, to waiting for the lamplighter, to sailing off to foreign lands in his imagination. Tasha Tudor's watercolor paintings evoke a simpler time in the past, and celebrate two of the things she loves most -- children and nature. Her talents are the perfect match for these inspiring poems, making this a handsome gift edition that will be cherished by families for generations.
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Customer Reviews
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A classic for any child (or child at heart)
By A2JBDC1OR1KZGP on 2002-07-09
This classic edition of Robert Louis Stevenson's "A Child's Garden of Verses" is justly famed because it so beautifully pairs Stevenson's sometimes exuberant, sometimes melancholy poems on childhood with the extraordinary illustrations of Tasha Tudor.Tudor's delicate watercolors complement Stevenson's work almost to the point that you think the two, living in different centuries, must share some time-travel telepathy with each other. All the classic Stevenson pieces are here: "The Swing," "The Land of Counterpane," the terrific poem about a child's shadow. Tudor depicts only children and animals herein--as it should be--without the presence of shadow of adults anywhere. Both Stevenson and Tudor understand in their bones that no matter what grown-ups may think, children inhabit a world of their own. That world is mostly beautiful, but sometimes fraught with danger or questions. Those hints are present here, but the overwhelming impression any reader will have will be that of beauty--both in words and in pictures.
I read this 30 years ago
By A3FVAWZNKW9GX on 2000-05-02
Thirty years ago, I was taught to read with this. Different pictures, same poems. I learned to imagine and believe in ordinary, yet beautiful things. Even today, in my own writing, I smile realizing how and when I learned a technique ... just by listening to my mother whisper these poems nightly.
Aptly named, RLS has the reader remembering the wonderful days of playing alone and with friends, of delighting in the moment.
Your child will gain an understanding of classic children's poetry, of the rhythm and rhyme. They sound eloquent aloud, and read gentle at bedtime.
Anthony Trendl
editor, HungarianBookstore.com
wonderful poems that will stay with you
By A3B3DNBE6NVC5L on 2000-06-16
Like many others, I first read these poems as a very young child. I didn't realise until rereading them just recently how many of them had stayed with me. The poems all deal with sounds, sights and emotions that will be familiar to most young children. And as an adult, the poetry of Robert Louis Stevenson brings back that sense of wonder and amazement that many of us lose as we grow older. One of the poems that I will always remember deals with how difficult it is to go to bed when you are told in the summer when the days are long and the sun is still out. who doesn't remember this?The illustrations in this particular edition, by Tasha Tudor, capture perfectly the childhood world of the poetry--the imagination in play is wonderfully portrayed. Remember when the space under the table became a cave, or a castle, or a spaceship? These poems and the accompanying illustrations deal with these imaginary adventures that all children share in. Purchase this book and share it with other adults and with the children in your life. If it stays with you for the rest of your life, then you have gained a treasure.
One of the Very Best Titles in Children's Books
By on 1999-11-28
This was THE book of my childhood! I still own this book, and read it even today. I received it as a gift more than forty years ago, and it has lost none of it's original charm. This book introduces children to poetry with beautiful cadence, and uplifting, happy thoughts. The illsutrations of Tasha Tudor are lush and give additional imagination to the poetry. The stories in the poems are of a different time and place in history, but still evoke the innocence present in every child, even today...no matter our age!
A child's Garden of Verse by Robert lewis Stevenson
By AVVC6TL1NZIGC on 2000-10-19
Truly a walk down memory lane for this 3/4 of century old heart--At one time, I knew most of them by memory--the love of my life as a child and now a chance to go back to childhood- - if only in memory. Every one young or young at heart should read it just once more.
- You'll want to save this book for your grandchildren
By on 2000-01-14
Everything thing you'd expect from Tasha Tudor! This book is great for snuggling up and sharing special moments with your child. I had a book of the same title & author as a child (with a different illustrator) but only one verse was actually the same in this book. I was pleasantly surprised! These verses are longer and more difficult to memorize for a child, but very beautiful. Stevenson was surely a prolific poet!This book is a classic for every child's bookshelf. Would make a beautiful and very thoughtful gift.
- A Child's Garden of Verses
By A2LZMF06M3I3JQ on 2001-08-18
The moment my first grandson was born, I could not wait until he was old enough for me to read this wonderful book to him. It's time! The book was given to me when I was 4 and I still can recite most of the poems from memory. The poems and stories of Robert Louis Stevenson are simply the best. If there is a child in your family.....A Child's Garden of Verses is a MUST!
- Grandbaby's first poems
By on 2000-07-10
This review is being written from past memories.I was trying to see what differnt verses were included in the book before ordering. My daughter, whom shall make me a grandfather very soon, was given a childern's book that had the poem "The Swing" by R. L. Stevenson at a young age which she still quotes today It is hoped that the new child will develope a love for reading and particulary poetry.
- Poems authored in 1883 offer both classical and out-dated ideas
By A229V7X9UUWIKW on 2007-03-12
This book contains 64 poems whose subjects range from nature adventures (The "Dumb Soldier" explores the idea of a toy soldier who has been buried by a little boy but cannot report what goes on underground, due to his sealed mouth) to family relationships to far-away lands.
Many of the poems contain four stanzas or more, and for that reason, would probably be appropriate for children who are at least 5 years old.
Parents who live in our generation may be offended by some of the antiquated racial terms used to describe people of African descent. The "Travel" poem, for example, contains lines that reveal the old un-informed view of Africa from early Americans who did not have the benefit of travel to the beautiful African continent:
-Full of apes and cocoa-nuts
-And the negro hunters' huts
I'm not sure I want my five year old using the word "negro" at all outside of the context of a discussion of old racial terms which are no longer (or never were) appropriate, so I skipped sharing this poem with him all together. Indian (NOT Native-American) and Chinese families may find similar intrusions on their dignity in some of these poems.
The strength of this collection of poetry is its usability as a means to expose American children to old English speaking patterns for the first time. Consider these lines from "Winter-Time":
-Late lies the wintry sun a-bed,
-A frosty, fiery sleepy-head;
-Blinks but an hour or two; and then,
-A blood-red orange sets again.
When is the last time your kindergartner or first grader heard speech like that? :)
"A Child's Garden of Verses" is a staple of the Catholic homeschool curriculum entitled "Mother of Divine Grace." Accordingly, a few of the poems address the topic of prayer (at bedtime and mealtime) in a respectful and childlike way.
Enjoy this historical book, but use caution when you choose which pieces to share with your child.
- WATER THE GARDEN OF YOUR MIND!
By A1LTJCQGRPTOTD on 2005-04-22
When she was a little girl in Cincinnati, my Mother had a beloved copy of Robert Louis Stevenson's, 'A CHILD'S GARDEN OF VERSES.' Many decades later, she shared her love of this poetry with me and my siblings by reading it to us often when we were little. The poem that I most vividly recall her reciting is 'TIME TO RISE' :
A BIRDIE WITH A YELLOW BILL
HOPPED UPON MY WINDOW-SILL,
COCKED HIS SHINING EYE AND SAID:
"AIN'T YOU 'SHAMED, YOU SLEEPY-HEAD?"
Most of 'A CHILD'S GARDEN OF VERSES' is a delight sure to please very young children and adults who have an appreciation for wordplay and rhyme. Stevenson was a master wordsmith whose integration of imagination and verbal rhythms produced verse that sticks in the mind like styrofoam packing-peanuts stick to a wool shirt. But whereas the packing-peanuts are insanely aggravating, the verse is simply charming. Stevenson was not a Dr. Seuss, but neither was he a quack.
I have an out-of-print copy of 'A CHILD'S GARDEN OF VERSES', illustrated with nineteenth century woodblock engravings. I have no doubt that the illustrations by Tasha Tudor in this volume are very nice, but truth be told, the illustrations in ANY volume are next to superfluous since Stevenson is so adept at painting word-pictures in the mind of the reader.
'A CHILD'S GARDEN OF VERSES' will transport you back to a time when a bedsheet and a few dining room chairs was all the boat you needed to have rollicking adventures on the high seas! This poetry touches on all of the things so enthralling to little boys and girls. Pirates and sailing ships, the seaside, distant stars, toy soldiers, galloping horses, howling dogs, imaginary playmates, the moon, explorers, Indians, swings, fairies and Gameboys are all childhood fascinations that find their way into Stevenson's verse. Well, OK, I lied about the "Gameboys" (just to see if you were paying attention), but that brings up another point. This poetry was composed in 1885, which means that the occasional archaic word or mossy British phrase rears its mysterious head from time to time. I like that; it adds a touch of antique elegance to the garden. But if you're going to be reading this aloud to a kiddie, be prepared to explain lamplighters, grenadiers, balusters, gabies and bogies.
Back in 2002, my Mom suffered a small stroke, and consequently it was decided that she should move into the house that my Brother and I shared. At nearly 74 years old, she tends to tire easily. Some days she remains in bed and lets a good part of the morning slip away. When that happens, I'll knock softly at her bedroom door and enquire, "AIN'T YOU 'SHAMED, YOU SLEEPY-HEAD?" That always gets her up to start the day. Aren't the Tides Of Life a wonder?
- A glimpse of childhood
By A1ASPU8XDAPLUW on 2006-07-14
This is a beautiful book with gorgeous pictures. I remember having this book as a very young girl (75 years ago), and I wanted it for my first great-granddaughter. I searched locally for a coppy with no success, and felt very fortunate to find this lovely book through Amazon. Thanks! I hope Gabriella, who will turn 3 on July 29th, enjoys this book as I did my copy so many years ago.
- Sweet As Candy..
By AKZJW4ZRFTKZD on 2002-05-28
With it's delicate Tasha Tudor drawings as a perfect accompiment to these famous poems for children(or the child within).this book is both lovely to look at as well as read. Would make a lovely gift for expectant mom;I'm saving this one for my niece & nephew..!
- What a beautiful book!
By AY5Z7VTWCV857 on 2004-05-31
Tasha Tudor's illustrations are absolutely timeless! I bought this book to read to my daughters but my 3 year old son loves it just as much. It would make a great shower gift!
- A Child's Garden of Verses
By A24179TS1P6RWM on 2005-10-20
A beautiful book of poetry from a child's perspective. I had this book as a child and now I have it for my newborn son. Its an enjoyable experience to read to him such an innocent book of verses.
- Wonderful Poems for Children
By A1U2517LW3TYRP on 2006-02-19
A nice edition of an old favorite. These charming little poems for children by Robert Louis Stevenson will stay with them for a lifetime. We are reading them to our one-year old already. Terrific color illustrations, nicely bound, easy-to-read, large print. These poems will open a whole new, wonderful, magical world for the little ones lucky enough to get to know them. The poems have a timeless appeal. They may be read throughout childhood, and the rest of life for that matter, with great delight.
- A Child's Garden of Verses
By A1PXSI3NF7Z2M2 on 2006-10-27
I was looking for the book Now We Are Six by A.A. Milne and ran across this one. It surprised me as I often mention it and think about reading it when I was a young girl in the 1950's. I still have my original copy given to me when I was six at Christmas by my parents.
I loved it then and will read it to my grandchildren now. Great book! I am so glad it is still available for today's children (and their parents and grandparents) to enjoy.
- RLS's Poetry is Ageless!
By A3MM1V4H7YX6EB on 2005-08-16
The beauty of Robert Louis Stevenson's poetry will live on forever and ever. A Child's Garden of Verses is a wonderful introduction to poetry for children. This handsomely illustrated edition by Tasha Tudor is highly recommended for poetry lovers of all ages. I recently purchased this edition to celebrate the birth of my grand niece. I hope she will enjoy these poems as much as I did once upon a time.
- Great Book
By A2TSQ7HKJ3QCN9 on 2005-09-02
This is a wonderful classical book. It stretches the young child's mind while still being something my children truly enjoy! It's a must have for any home with children. We use it as part of our homeschool curriculum... GOOD STUFF!!
- Poetry
By A2OEWLTAGKU045 on 2005-09-30
I had never read this book before. It was mentioned in Ingrid Hill's "Ursula, Under," so I bought it to read to my daughter. It is an excellent book to introduce poetry to children.
- Beautiful book
By AUI9HT6HP4LEN on 2005-08-18
Tasha Tudor's illustrations are remarkable. The poetry (of course) is wonderful. This book is a must for very child's bookshelf.
- Love the old world poetry
By A684GX5LCB2MB on 2006-11-10
This book takes you and your children to a time almost forgotten. It should be a part of every home, especially a homeschool library.
- A Gift for a Life-time of Pleasure
By A99A9R2TC9P8W on 2007-01-16
I ordered Robert Louis Stevenson's "A Child's Garden of Verses" for 3 of our grandchildren, ages 2 - 5, remembering my pleasure reading it as a beginning reader some seven decades ago. Now their parents are sharing those joys with Matt,Julie and Abby - new memories in the making. The book came through in perfect condition and in a very timely manner. Thank you for a service that we expect to use again soon!
- A beautiful book
By AH3ZQ8AVKKYI5 on 2006-06-17
"A Child's Garden of Verses", illustrated by Tasha Tudor, is a beautiful book. The poems are so memorable, they are just the thing to get a small child interested in the magic of language and books. Especially perfect to read aloud and share the pictures. Tasha Tudor's illustrations perfectly capture the magic of the poems. They are just joyous. A meaningful and lasting gift for the very young.
- Beautiful Book
By A14GNUU2JOFX2P on 2007-03-24
I love this poetry book, A Child's Garden of Verses. I use it as part of the daily curriculum in my daycare. The children and I love the beautiful illustrations and the wonderfully written poems.
- Rare classics?
By AAYUJERC3ISYB on 2007-12-17
I was amazed at the difficulty of finding this literary classic anywhere . I checked in local stores , large franchises and even used book shops . I know I sound like my grandfather , but what is the world coming to ?! You not only had it , but shipped it immediately . My grandchildren will treasure this book as I did . Thanks !!
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