Over the River and Through the Wood

Hmm... my mind is split on where to start sharing my thoughts. When I was a child it was the Chipmunks' Christmas Album version of this song I sang again and again. In some of our poetry books (I think it was Gyo Fujikawa) I noticed this poem text. I never knew it was a Thanksgiving journey and NOT Christmas! Through the book list for Memoria Press ( I think it is 3rd grade, maybe 2nd) the older picture book version from NorthSouth illustrated by Christopher Manson in wood cuts was discovered to me. Actually just last week we bought a bargain abridged board book version of it. It's nice and interesting to look at (and is an awesome size 6x7) but it doesn't even begin to compare to the art of Matt Tavares. I was first introduced to Matt Tavares in his edition of “The Night Before Christmas,” also from Candlewick Press, which we read at the library but is still on my wishlist (also a recommendation from Memoria Press). It was enchanting. This book is enchanting (and makes me break out in song) and beautiful! The images are softer (rounded corners) and full of color and vibrant motion and life. My favorite is the page that refers “the sleigh upset...” and the father and mother are with a startled look and the boy's expression is pure delight! The edition I have is a reinforced trade edition new for 2013 (7 5/16” x 8 1/2”), I believe there is a picture book edition previously in 2011 (9 3/4” x 11 5/16”) but this is the perfect size for my child's hands and works well as a snuggle read/sing aloud as well.A neat thing to point out through reading (maybe when not singing...) is the little boy's hat and the dog's attempted rescue of it. Very fun and giggle-worthy, that. This book contains more of the poem text and is not abridged (at least as far as I can tell) and thus adds so much more. Definitely a family favorite to be treasured. I received this product free for the purpose of reviewing it. I received no other compensation for this review. The opinions expressed in this review are my personal, honest opinions. Your experience may vary. Please read my full disclosure policy for more details.post scheduled: http://creativemadnessmama.com/blog/2013/08/27/over-the-river-and-through-the-woods-illustrated-by-matt-tavares/ [bc:Over the River and Through the Wood: A Thanksgiving Poem 4598051 Over the River and Through the Wood A Thanksgiving Poem Lydia Maria Francis Child https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1328829163l/4598051.SX50.jpg 1409880][bc:Over the River and Through the Wood: The New England Boy's Song About Thanksgiving Day 11449511 Over the River and Through the Wood The New England Boy's Song About Thanksgiving Day Lydia Maria Francis Child https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1320566314l/11449511.SX50.jpg 1409880][bc:The Night Before Christmas 497461 ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas or Account of a Visit from St. Nicholas Clement C. Moore https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1320422253l/497461.SX50.jpg 3043272]