I Wonder as I Wander

Set during the hard times of the Great Depression, Wonder As I Wander by Gwenyth Swain is the enchanting picture book story of Annie Morgan, a young girl pondering the mysteries of life. Annie wonders how her beloved mother could have died in the spring, when the land was full of life; how her wandering preacher father will pay for gas and food when he gives away so much to the poor; and why a sheriff won't let her father preach on the courthouse square. A haunting, evocative, and emotional story, superbly illustrated Ronald Himler with windswept colors, Wonder As I Wander is especially recommended for young readers ages 5 to 8.

'Ornery' was what Annie Morgan's father called her in "I Wonder as I Wander," the 2003 story (Eerdmans) of an Appalachian carol that has become a favorite at Christmas-time: "...the way Papa tells it Annie was too fine a name for the kind of baby I was -- full of fire and vinegar. So, all of a snap, he took to calling me Ornery." The author, Gwenyth Swain, dedicated the book to a friend of the family who used to call her 'Ornery'.The story tells how John Jacob Niles, premier collector of mountain folk tunes, discovered the young girl singing in a village square to divert the local sheriff from insisting that her preacher-father move on. Niles persuaded Annie to sing the verses over and over until he had them written down to his satisfaction, and the words were preserved for generations to come.The drawings by award-winning illustrator Ron Himler fit the story beautifully, and coincidentally show Annie's father strongly resembling the Swain grandfather of the author!SAVOR THIS STORY WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS.

I know this song. I have sung it as a solo and directed choirs to sing it. The words and the music combine to make a beautiful sadness...a sense of being alone and yet peaceful. Gwenyth Swain has used her imagination and sensitivity to create a story of the song's beginning and Ronald Himler has added perfect illlustrations. The characterization of Annie Morgan and her Father is written and illustrated without a flaw. It is a lovely book, one to share with a friend no matter what age. It is sure to bring a tear to your eye.

The Appalachian carol "I Wonder as I Wander" has a haunting melody - and words with staying power. *Perhaps* it came to the attention of American balladeer John Jacob Niles as described in this story. And the sweet, poignant words *may* tell about young Annie wrestling with the loss of her mother and the struggles of an itinerant life that followed. The author's imagination paints word-pictures that artist Ron Himler shares in watercolor for our delight. Annie questioned God, honestly, with innocence and hope. Today when we hear that song we will feel the beauty of Christmas, while the hope lingers year 'round. We have many wonderings of our own. Sharing these with our children is important, as is opening their eyes to the values 'grown' during the Depression years. This is a book all ages will eagerly read together. WHY aren't special titles like this shelved in 'adult fiction' for more readers to discover?