Childs Calendar, a

(Paperback)

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Description

One of the first major award-winning titles to feature an interracial family, A Child's Calendar combines the star power of John Updike and Trina Schart Hyman.

Celebrate the little moments that make each month special in this Caldecott Honor book, featuring twelve poems about a family and the turn of the seasons. From the short, frozen days of January, through the light of summer, to the first snowflakes of December, Updike's poems rejoices in the familiar, wondrous qualities that make each part of the year unique.

Hyman's award-winning paintings--modeled after her own daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren--depict an interracial family going about the business of their lives throughout the year: sledding in January, watching fireworks in July, and playing in the autumn leaves.

A perfect read-aloud for the family, throughout the whole year.

Reviews

"Updike's poetry and Hyman's glowing illustrations lovingly portray a year in the life of a child . . . in this gem."--School Library Journal, starred review

"Each evocative illustration has its own story to tell, celebrating the small moments in children's lives with clarity and sensitivity, with empathy and joy. A beautifully illustrated edition of Updike's poems for children."--Booklist

"The language and illustrations are . . . vibrantly alive enough to keep young readers occupied through more than one reading."--Publishers Weekly

"Updike's poems are sometimes pretty, sometimes playful, and always evocative, while Trina Schart Hyman's illustrations not only complement the verse, but add their own layers of meaning and wit. . . . A truly timeless book about time."--Bruce Handy, author of Wild Things

Author Bio

John Updike (1932 - 2009) was born in Shillington, Pennsylvania, and studied at Harvard College and the Ruskin School of Drawing and Fine Art in Oxford, England. The author of more than forty books, his works include collections of short stories, poems, and criticism. His novels have won the Pulitzer Prize, the National Book Award, and the National Book Critics Circle Award.

One of the most distinguished and celebrated illustrators of her generation, Trina Schart Hyman (1939-2004) was awarded the Caldecott Medal for St. George and the Dragon, retold by Margaret Hodges, and Caldecott Honors for A Child's Calendar, by John Updike, Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins, and Little Red Riding Hood. Born in Philadelphia, she lived most of her life in New Hampshire.