My Symphony

by William Henry Channing, Mary Engelbreit (Illustrator)

Mary's first original children's book since The Snow Queen has sold 100,000 copies since its debut. She puts her lavish touch to a reverent and radiant poem by nineteenth-century clergyman William Henry Channing. My Symphony, this brief yet powerful verse, lists 18 inspirational ways to live a virtuous life; Mary Engelbreit's 18 original illustrations accompany them and help children visualize how they can grow up strong and pure, too.

Genres: Poetry, Picture Books, Childrens, Inspirational

48 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 1997

Reviews

[dedeh handayani · Rating 4 out of 5]

To live content with small means;
to seek elegance rather than luxury,
and refinement rather than fashion;
to be worthy, not respectable;
and wealthy, not rich;
to study hard,
think quietly,
talk gently,
act frankly;
to listen to stars and buds,
to babes and sages, with open heart;
to bear all cheerfully,
do all bravely,
await occasions,
hurry never;
In a word, to let the spiritual,
unbidden and unconscious,
grow up through the common.
This is to be my symphony.

William Henry Channing

[Tolly · Rating 5 out of 5]

ahhhh, how times have not changed completely!

[Lisa Vegan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book because it has Mary Engelbreit's illustrations but I ended up being touched by the poem too. I’m unusual in that I could have done without the word “spiritual” being included (the poet was a clergyman, so it’s actually less religious than it might have been!); otherwise the poem was lovely. I loved the illustrations, and they fit the poem so perfectly. Engelbreit (according to the inside front jacket cover) immediately fell in love with the poem as soon as she read it, and used it as inspiration for the illustrations she created for this book.

There are too many pages of illustrations I could name as favorites, and I did enjoy most of the art.

The free verse poem is short and simple and appropriate for all ages of readers and listeners.

For readers who don’t like this artist, I suggest reading another book that has this poem; the illustrations make up a huge part of the book.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything about this book is beautiful. Love the poem. Love the artwork. A good reminder of the important things in life.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full of Mary's charming art and Channing's beautiful poem.