( 1 reviews )
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( 7 of 7 found this review helpful ) Posted: Nov 5 2006
I cannot think of a better way to introduce the poetry of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow than this small volume. The selection is excellent and of interest you the young reader. The commentary is quite relevant as are the pictures which accompany it. I find that often now, our young people go all the way through the early grades in school and many of them have never heard of Longfellow much less read his poetry. This was the sort of stuff my generation and the generation before it grew up on and cut our teeth on. I do not feel I am any worse for the wear. I am fearful that we are bringing up an entire generation (rightfully or wrong, although I feel it is the later) of young folks who will have no appreciation to this great art form and will miss a lot. This book helps. This entire series helps, as a matter of fact and I certainly recommend you add this one and the others to your library. Actually, it is rather fun reading these with the young folk and then talking about them. Not only do you get to enjoy the work your self and perhaps bring back some great memories, but you have the opportunity to interact with your child or student. It is actually rather surprising what some of the kids come up with. I read these to my grandchildren and to the kids in my classes at school. For the most part, when I really get to discussing the work with them, they enjoy it. NOTE: After reading the reviews above from School Library Journal and Kirkus review, I am not sure if they or I read the same work. I would personally recommend you rather ignore some of the negative comments. I will say though, that this is one you might want to read with your child or children though, as there are some rather archaic terms used, delightful, but archaic. Recommend this one highly.
