What a Wonderful World
by Bob Thiele (Author) Tim Hopgood (Illustrator)
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School Library Journal
PreS-Gr 2--As a tribute to a favorite song, made famous by Louis Armstrong, Hopgood has illustrated the lyrics in a candy-colored retro fashion reminiscent of the It's a Small World ride at Disneyland. Unlike Ashley Bryan's version, with its emphasis on multicultural community, this book features a lone, olive-skinned boy who bonds with nature. A blue bird accompanies him on his adventures among friendly animals, lovely landscapes, and just a few children of varying skin tones. Although a recording is not included, the pacing of page turns will work well when paired with Armstrong's singing. The large trim size evokes the generosity of spirit of the song itself. A solid addition to most collections.--Heidi Estrin, Congregation B'nai Israel, Boca Raton, FL
Copyright 2015 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.Review quotes
"Hopgood interprets this beloved ballad, written by Thiele and Weiss and made famous by Louis Armstrong. His colorful mixed-media collages present a hopeful world, filled with summery trees, sunny blue skies, and pastoral scenes from around the globe. . . . an upbeat story hour selection." —Booklist
"With a satisfying night-to-day-to-night cycle, the book not only reinforces the concepts of colors but also provides a sense of security of the way things are supposed to be in the world. The repeated refrain of 'Wow!' throughout the book will elicit a chorus among young listeners at storytime." —Booklist on Wow! Said the Owl
"Straightforward and flowing, this title makes a satisfying introduction to the colors of the day." —School Library Journal on Wow! Said the Owl
"This sweet, wonder-filled picture book will make a good addition to toddler storytime and a perfect bedtime read, too." —The Horn Book on Wow! Said the Owl
Tim Hopgood was six years old when he first heard Louis Armstrong's recording of What a Wonderful World. Years later his daughter found a recording of the song in a flea market and gave it to him as a present. As soon as he heard Louis Armstrong's gravelly voice sing the first few lines, he knew he wanted to capture the joy of the song in a picture book.
Bob Thiele (1922-1996) was a record producer and jazz radio host who worked with legendary artists such as Charles Mingus, Dizzy Gillespie, and B.B. King. His most successful song was Louis Armstrong's What a Wonderful World. George David Weiss (1921-2010) was a highly prolific songwriter and arranger He wrote or rewrote lyrics to such classic songs as Lullaby of Birdland (Ella Fitzgerald), Can't Help Falling in Love (Elvis Presley), and The Lion Sleeps Tonight (The Tokens). In 1984, Weiss was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.Songs
JUVENILE FICTION / Performing Arts / Music
