Review sponsored* by Candide Jones
The Children’s Book Review | October 24, 2015
Written by Candide Jones
Illustrated by Steve Emery
Age Range: 0-7
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Black Dog Cottage Publishing
ISBN: 978-0996520201
What to expect: Nursery Rhyme, Lullaby, New Lyrics, Watercolor and I-Spy Illustrations
There are various theories on the origination of the classic lullaby Rock-a-Bye-Baby. The author and illustrator of In the Tree Top, Candide Jones and Steve Emery, have captured the essence of the most common theory of a mother tenderly rocking her baby to sleep as if they were riding the breeze of the treetops—“the cradle will fall” an analogy for baby being lowered gently into a crib. Jones and Emery take the lyrics even further with a retelling of their own, following the original well-know phrases.
There are 32 pages filled with lilting and loving words that highlight a mother’s bond with her growing child. The retelling ends with sentiments that many parents have for their children:
Trees grow up tall
But love never stops …
Someday you’ll go climbing
To the tree tops!
Parents who enjoy singing to their little ones at bedtime will welcome this new extended version of Rock-a-Bye Baby. The new words feel familiar and nurturing. Parents who enjoy reading bedtime stories will delight in the creatively whimsical watercolor illustrations that depict the two sentence stanzas on every double-page. Small eyes and fingers will delight in finding and pointing out the many hidden humans and animals that disguise themselves seamlessly into the nature-filled renderings. Emery is a talented watercolor artist and his smooth and flowing brushstrokes, as well as his choice of colors, create a delightful ambience that is just right for a relaxing nighttime reading session.
There are a few other bonus aspects: a website link is included in the book so that readers can download a soothing version of the In the Tree Top lyrics sung by Laurelyn Dossett. A portion of the proceeds from In the Tree Top sales will go to child-abuse prevention and animal-welfare nonprofits.
All in all, this is a beautiful retelling of a beloved lullaby that has been created with a lot of heart.
Add this book to your collection: In the Tree Top: A New Lullaby
Available Here:
A portion of the proceeds of sales of the book will go to child-abuse prevention and animal welfare nonprofits.
About the Candide Jones
Candide Jones, author, is a Berkshire native, and spends part of the year in her family’s cottage on Pontoosuc Lake om Lanesborough. She is a writer and editor who for 25 years managed a literary publishing house at Wake Forest University, where she graduated with an MA in English literature. She has been a restaurateur, restaurant critic for newspapers and magazines, and is an active community and animal-welfare advocate who works with inmates in a state prison dog-training program. www.blackdogcottagepublishing.com
About the Steve Emery
Steve Emery, illustrator, grew up on the New York side of the Taconic Mountains, and graduated from UNC with a degree in philosophy. His day job is in healthcare information technology. He helped found the Hillsborough Gallery of Arts in Hillsborough, NC, and he works primarily in watercolor, acrylics, pastels, and mixed media. His paintings are in private collections throughout the world. See more of his work at www.sjemery.com.
About Laurelyn Dossett
The project is enhanced by singer and recording artist Laurelyn Dossett’s recording of the new lyrics, which are available as a free download on our website. Inspired by this song, Dossett—whose work is featured on television, in musicals, and on two Grammy-winning albums—has recorded an entire album of lullabies, which will be available before December, 2015. www.laurelyndossett.com
Dedicated Reviews allow authors and illustrators to gain prompt visibility for their work. The author of “In the Tree Top: A New Lullaby,” Candide Jones, sponsored* this non-biased review. Learn more about getting a book review …