Synopsis:
"A poetic story by Gilles Vigneault about friendship and old age that takes place in a seaside setting and depicts a sense of continuity, the importance of remembering and the happiness a gift can bring. Nine songs accompany the narration of this touching story about two friends, Sophie and Emilio, and the Old Man Tom who teaches them how to see the world through their hearts.
"A poetic story by Gilles Vigneault about friendship and old age that takes place in a seaside setting and depicts a sense of continuity, the importance of remembering and the happiness a gift can bring. Nine songs accompany the narration of this touching story about two friends, Sophie and Emilio, and the Old Man Tom who teaches them how to see the world through their hearts.
In addition to the narrated story, the CD offers nine heartwarming songs for the whole family.
Ages: 5 to 7 / Canadian and U.S. Pub Date: October 1, 2013
My Thoughts:
Now I am in no way fluent in French, but I do remember reading and translating "Un cadeau pour Sophie" when I took French in middle and high school. This award-winning French title is a heartfelt story about friendship and growing up and taking on the world.
When I heard that the folks at The Secret Mountain were releasing, "A Gift for Sophie" on book/CD set, and that this was a picture book translation of the classic French title I love, I couldn't wait to get my hands on a copy to review. While my girls are too young to really enjoy this story about Sophie and Emilio, two kids who drum up a friendship with Old Man Joe, who teaches them about the meaning of life.
I was in awe of the beautiful illustrations done by Stephane Jorisch, and found myself enjoying each page before turning to see what happens next. This book is geared towards children ages 5 through 7, but will become a favorite of children older than that, as well as adults. I ended up sharing this book the other night with my 6 yr. old nephew and 8 yr. old niece. They, too, found themselves caught up in the breathtaking illustrations, which really make the story leap from the pages. And, since reading "A Gift for Sophie," it has become an instant hit at bedtime. :-)
In addition to the book, this title also came along with a 10-track CD. I ended up first playing the CD in the car last weekend on our way to pick pumpkins, and have since played it in the house. Parents who slow down and listen to the lyrics of each track will find these heartwarming songs touching. My girls, however, were more into the waltz tracks and spinning around the room like princesses. :-) While all 10 tracks on the CD were enjoyable to listen to, we kept finding ourselves hitting replay over and over again on the final track "The Suitcase waltz". Its rhyming scheme really caught the kids' attention. And, by the third time listening to it, the kids and I had memorized the song, and were singing along to this catchy tune, when we weren't pretending to waltz around the living room. :-)
I am never disappointed with books and CD's released from The Secret Mountain. And, this recent book/cd release didn't disappoint.
Note: This giveaway is open to both US and Canadian residents. No PO Boxes.
About the Author and Illustrator:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Author-Song Writer
Gilles Vigneault, a member of the Canadian
Songwriters Hall of Fame, is hailed as one of Canada’s most important
music figures of the 20th century, especially as a champion Québécois
folksinger. His work often evokes his great love of nature and the
passion he has for his hometown - Natashquan, a remote, wind-swept
village on the banks of the St. Lawrence. He has received numerous
distinctions including the "Grand prix du disque de l'Académie
Charles-Cros" in France and the "Médaille Vermeil" offered by the City
of Paris.
A Gift for Sophie features guest artists such as Martha Wainwright, Thomas Hellman, Paul Campagne and Jessica Vigneault.
----
My Thoughts:
Now I am in no way fluent in French, but I do remember reading and translating "Un cadeau pour Sophie" when I took French in middle and high school. This award-winning French title is a heartfelt story about friendship and growing up and taking on the world.
When I heard that the folks at The Secret Mountain were releasing, "A Gift for Sophie" on book/CD set, and that this was a picture book translation of the classic French title I love, I couldn't wait to get my hands on a copy to review. While my girls are too young to really enjoy this story about Sophie and Emilio, two kids who drum up a friendship with Old Man Joe, who teaches them about the meaning of life.
I was in awe of the beautiful illustrations done by Stephane Jorisch, and found myself enjoying each page before turning to see what happens next. This book is geared towards children ages 5 through 7, but will become a favorite of children older than that, as well as adults. I ended up sharing this book the other night with my 6 yr. old nephew and 8 yr. old niece. They, too, found themselves caught up in the breathtaking illustrations, which really make the story leap from the pages. And, since reading "A Gift for Sophie," it has become an instant hit at bedtime. :-)
In addition to the book, this title also came along with a 10-track CD. I ended up first playing the CD in the car last weekend on our way to pick pumpkins, and have since played it in the house. Parents who slow down and listen to the lyrics of each track will find these heartwarming songs touching. My girls, however, were more into the waltz tracks and spinning around the room like princesses. :-) While all 10 tracks on the CD were enjoyable to listen to, we kept finding ourselves hitting replay over and over again on the final track "The Suitcase waltz". Its rhyming scheme really caught the kids' attention. And, by the third time listening to it, the kids and I had memorized the song, and were singing along to this catchy tune, when we weren't pretending to waltz around the living room. :-)
I am never disappointed with books and CD's released from The Secret Mountain. And, this recent book/cd release didn't disappoint.
--GIVEAWAY--
Thanks to the folks at The Secret Mountain, one lucky reader will win the "A Gift for Sophie" book and CD set. To enter, please complete the entries on the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck!
About the Author and Illustrator:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Author-Song Writer
Gilles Vigneault, a member of the Canadian
Songwriters Hall of Fame, is hailed as one of Canada’s most important
music figures of the 20th century, especially as a champion Québécois
folksinger. His work often evokes his great love of nature and the
passion he has for his hometown - Natashquan, a remote, wind-swept
village on the banks of the St. Lawrence. He has received numerous
distinctions including the "Grand prix du disque de l'Académie
Charles-Cros" in France and the "Médaille Vermeil" offered by the City
of Paris.A Gift for Sophie features guest artists such as Martha Wainwright, Thomas Hellman, Paul Campagne and Jessica Vigneault.
Illustrator
Stéphane Jorisch is a four-time winner of the Governor General’s Literary Award, the Ruth-Schwartz Children’s Book Award and the Amelia Frances Howard-Gibbon Illustrator's Award. He has also created set designs for Le Cirque du Soleil.
Disclosure: I was sent a review copy by the vendor in order to
write up an honest review. The views shared are mine and mine alone.
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