The Marvelous Toy - Hardcover

Tom Paxton is one of the world’s best-known and loved singer/songwriters. In 2009, he received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Recording Academy (The Grammy® Awards). His newest CD, Comedians & Angels, was also nominated for a Grammy®. Paxton’s influence on folk music has been inestimable: his songs have been recorded by Pete Seeger; Peter, Paul, and Mary; Joan Baez; Arlo Guthrie; and Johnny Cash. His best-known tunes include "The Last Thing on My Mind," "Ramblin' Boy," "Bottle of Wine," and "Goin' to the Zoo." He has been richly honored: he received the ASCAP Lifetime Achievement Award as well as four Grammy nominations, and the Martin Guitar Company even named a guitar after him. He is a true musical treasure.

PreSchool-K?Fans of Paxton's catchy tune about a mysterious and much-loved toy will appreciate this picture-book adaptation. For those unfamiliar with the song, the melody is included on the end pages. This will make the book accessible to a wider audience, as the text seems awkward when read aloud rather than sung. Brief verses describe the narrator's delight on receiving an unusual gift from his father and his pleasure years later in passing the toy along to his own son. Sayles's illustrations, in richly textured pastels, effectively evoke both past and present using details of dress and decoration. Most importantly, the artist creates a satisfyingly unique "marvelous toy" (shown in tantalizing glimpses and only seen in its entirety at the end of the book) that fits the description presented in the song, yet still retains an element of mystery. She also incorporates the refrain's energetic onomatopoeic terms ("Zip, Bob, Whirr") into several of her double-page spreads in a way that conveys both movement and magic. The combination of cozy charm and unpredictable whimsy is a perfect match for the playful text, ensuring that this illustrated version of a favorite children's song will be welcomed by those who enjoy sharing musical books with young listeners.?Lisa Dennis, The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh
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