Julie Andrews' Collection of Poems, Songs, and Lullabies [With CD (Audio)]

I bought this as a gift, but now I want to keep it :o) The book is organized into sections (Growing Up, Bedtime Blessings, Talk to the Animals...) with an introduction by Julie Andrews to each (perhaps my favorite part). This is a wonderful compilation of many classic poems, many of which I'd never read before, and many that I was already familiar with. Julie Andrews and Emma have also included a number of their own poems based of their life experiences. They will make you smile if you are a parent or child :o) The watercolor illustrations are also beautiful. Expose your children to all types of artwork and prose and read, read, read!

Not only is this book a great treasure to purchase, but it is also perfect to give AND get as a present. The latter happened to me (and it was hand signed by the authors too, which made me all the more thrilled since I live in Europe and had no chance to go to a book signing). The book already dazzles when one looks at it. The illustration is simply beautiful and each and every page has its mood. It is great quality, one can tell this is a dedicated joint effort of great artists that did their best to present their thoughts and convey their love of poetry in the most beautiful way. It has a great variety of poems and I love the categorizations, the division of the pieces makes it easy for one to open it and indulge in the kind of poems one's in the mood for. While it has several classics which are well known, the book has a beautiful personal feel to it which I think makes it special and it is what I find important about poetry. Not only because it features the authors' own poems as well, but because of the beautiful introduction of each chapter which makes it all the more endearing and somehow intimate. The variety is great, there is something for everyone who likes poetry. I found the idea of reading song lyrics very creative and some of my favorite songs are featured in it which I found thrilling. I also enormously enjoyed the poems written by Julie, Emma and their family. They fit wonderfully with the others that are featured. All in all, I am completely charmed by this book. I can only recommend it to everyone, especially those people who aren't much into poetry. I believe this will stir their interest and will introduce them to the joy of this form of art.

My mother and I have a long-standing tradition of reciting or reading poetry to each other -- my mother truly taught me to love the music inherent in words, and in poetry. As I think about it, this began with the lullabies my mother used to sing to me in her warm, rich mezzo-soprano voice. Poetry -- and lullabies -- have been integral to our lives ever since. I have loved Julie Andrews Edwards' writing since her first book, Mandy, was published. When I learned that she and her daughter, Emma Walton Hamilton, were compiling a collection of poems, songs, and lullabies, I was thrilled, and immediately pre-ordered my copy, both of the hard-cover book, and of the audio-book. I have been absolutely captivated by the book ever since it arrived on my doorstep. They included many of my own favorite poems, as well as introducing me to some new poems -- and poets. I was delighted by Julie's and Emma's own poetry -- both women are truly talented writers of both prose and poetry. Julie's poetry touches me especially -- her sense of humor, her sense of wonder at the miracles of nature -- those truly resonate deep within me. Every time I go to meet a friend for lunch these days, I take along my copy of this wonderful book, and as we wait for our meal to be served, I read aloud from some of the poems. I even quoted one of the poems to a staff person in a store yesterday! Everyone has been delighted by the poems of Julie's and Emma's that I have shared. This year, people who don't normally receive a Christmas gift from me will be receiving Julie Andrews' Collection of Poems, Songs and Lullabies. I urge others to do the same. It's a great gift for kids, but also for parents, or for grandparents, aunts, uncles, or people who just love words and poetry. It will delight their hearts, I promise!

This collection is a beautiful compilation of all the good things in life. I would recommend this book to anyone of any age! It is timeless, joyous, and of exceptional quality. Buy it!

After getting some sad news last night, I headed out to the local Barnes and Noble Bookstore in Roseville at 9pm at night, with the full intention of purchasing this book. I was enthralled by what I had heard about it and just wanted to read it. I purchased it and headed home....excited about curling up with a warm blanket with a new book by one of my favorite actors and singers...Miss Julie Andrews. I have read Julie's memoir "Home" and absolutely loved it so I was excited to read her latest book...Julie did not disappoint! This book is fabulous. Yes it is a "children's book" but as a woman in my thirties, I can tell you that I enjoyed reading this book as much as I imagine any child would enjoy it. It is a book that both children and adults can enjoy. The illustrations are lustrious...the poetry and song lyrics welcoming and comforting. By the time I was finished reading it, I felt like I had been taken on a wonderful journey and really felt a comfort and peacefulness, even after such a hard day that I had. So, for anyone wanting to read a wonderful book, I highly suggest this book. Whether you are a child or a child at heart, you will enjoy the journey and you too will feel encouraged and uplifted by the selection of poems and song lyrics in this book. Julie Andrews is an amazing and gifted writer. I have to say this book is definitely one of my "favorite things!"