What do you think?
Rate this book
The Golden Thread: A Song for Pete Seeger
I heard there was a golden thread
A shining, magic thing
That bounded up our little world
- I heard Pete Seeger sing!
Pete Seeger once sang that if he had a golden thread, he would use it to weave people from all over the world to one another. That golden thread, for Pete, was music.
Born into a family of traveling musicians, Pete picked up his first instrument at age seven. From then on, music was his life, whether he was playing banjo for soldiers during World War II, rallying civil rights activists and war protesters with songs such as “We Shall Overcome,” “Where Have All the Flowers Gone?,” and “If I Had a Hammer,” or leading environmental efforts to clean up the Hudson River. For decades, Pete Seeger’s messages of universal understanding and social and environmental justice inspired generations—and have left a lasting legacy.
A shining, magic thing
That bounded up our little world
- I heard Pete Seeger sing!
Pete Seeger once sang that if he had a golden thread, he would use it to weave people from all over the world to one another. That golden thread, for Pete, was music.
Born into a family of traveling musicians, Pete picked up his first instrument at age seven. From then on, music was his life, whether he was playing banjo for soldiers during World War II, rallying civil rights activists and war protesters with songs such as “We Shall Overcome,” “Where Have All the Flowers Gone?,” and “If I Had a Hammer,” or leading environmental efforts to clean up the Hudson River. For decades, Pete Seeger’s messages of universal understanding and social and environmental justice inspired generations—and have left a lasting legacy.
48 pages, Hardcover
First published April 17, 2018
1 person is currently reading
121 people want to read
About the author
Colin Meloy
15 books946 followersColin Patrick Henry Meloy is the lead singer and songwriter for the Portland, Oregon folk-rock band The Decemberists. In addition to his vocal duties, he plays acoustic guitar, 12-string acoustic guitar, electric guitar, bouzouki, and percussion. As of 2005, Meloy has written a 100-page book on The Replacements' fourth album, "Let It Be," released as part of the 33⅓ series.
Meloy was born in Helena, Montana. His sister is Maile Meloy, an author often published in The New Yorker. He first attended the University of Oregon before transferring to the University of Montana, where he majored in creative writing. He then moved to Portland, where he met future bandmates Jenny Conlee and Nate Query. Prior to being in The Decemberists, Meloy was the lead singer and songwriter of Happy Cactus and Tarkio, both indie/folk bands from Montana.
In early 2005, he embarked on his first solo tour in support of the self-released six-song EP, "Colin Meloy Sings Morrissey," which consists of six Morrissey covers. Only 1,000 copies of the album were made, and they were sold only on that tour. Meloy did a second solo tour in January 2006, playing with Laura Veirs and Amy Annelle. On this tour, he sold an EP featuring covers of British folk artist Shirley Collins. Shows from the 2006 tour were recorded for a live release. Meloy also appeared with Charlie Salas-Humara in the music video for "Pillar of Salt" by The Thermals.
On February 24, 2006, Carson Ellis, Meloy's longtime girlfriend and graphic artist for the Decemberists, gave birth to their son, Henry "Hank" Meloy.
Meloy was born in Helena, Montana. His sister is Maile Meloy, an author often published in The New Yorker. He first attended the University of Oregon before transferring to the University of Montana, where he majored in creative writing. He then moved to Portland, where he met future bandmates Jenny Conlee and Nate Query. Prior to being in The Decemberists, Meloy was the lead singer and songwriter of Happy Cactus and Tarkio, both indie/folk bands from Montana.
In early 2005, he embarked on his first solo tour in support of the self-released six-song EP, "Colin Meloy Sings Morrissey," which consists of six Morrissey covers. Only 1,000 copies of the album were made, and they were sold only on that tour. Meloy did a second solo tour in January 2006, playing with Laura Veirs and Amy Annelle. On this tour, he sold an EP featuring covers of British folk artist Shirley Collins. Shows from the 2006 tour were recorded for a live release. Meloy also appeared with Charlie Salas-Humara in the music video for "Pillar of Salt" by The Thermals.
On February 24, 2006, Carson Ellis, Meloy's longtime girlfriend and graphic artist for the Decemberists, gave birth to their son, Henry "Hank" Meloy.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
August 25, 2023
The life of Pete Seeger through a song written by Colin Meloy (The Decemberists) - what a gem of a book! So important to introduce young children to people like Pete Seeger - now more than ever! Music seems so commercialized today - and there are people out there doing 'things' that get defined as music that I just do not understand. This book brought me back to what music should be about.
July 1, 2018
I got excited when I read the author’s and illustrator’s bios section on the inside back cover of the book, before I read the book, and saw what personal ties they each had to Pete Seeger. Even though they were transient, I felt thrilled.
I was fortunate to have seen Pete Seeger in concert many, many times from early childhood through my twenties and a few times since, mostly at outdoor concerts but in many locales. He’s one of my favorite song writers, singers, and activists, and people. I miss him and treasure the music and stories he’s left behind.
So I really, really, really wanted to adore this book and assumed I’d really like it.
I did like it.
It’s for older kids, I think, and in order for today’s kids to enjoy it I think they’ll need to already have some familiarity with Pete Seeger’s music. If they don’t, I highly recommend that they listen to (and even better watch!) many of his songs as they read this book. (I had the songs going in my head as I read, and it did have me wanting to watch some videos/listen to some music.)
The poem/story is good, but I do think I liked it at last partly because I already knew Pete’s story.
The art technique of paper images cut with an X-Acto knife in gold and black on white is certainly interesting, and a lot of research went into creating images that were realistic to Pete and the history he was part of, but they’re not aesthetically that pleasing to me even though I did like them, but I’m not sure if kids will like them.
I do recommend this for Pete Seeger fans, and for kids who are not familiar with him, I think they should watch/listen to his music and listen to him talking, always a part of his wonderful concerts as well as at protests, so they can fully appreciate this book. Of course, I could be wrong and children might enjoy this as a new introduction to Pete Seeger.
I was fortunate to have seen Pete Seeger in concert many, many times from early childhood through my twenties and a few times since, mostly at outdoor concerts but in many locales. He’s one of my favorite song writers, singers, and activists, and people. I miss him and treasure the music and stories he’s left behind.
So I really, really, really wanted to adore this book and assumed I’d really like it.
I did like it.
It’s for older kids, I think, and in order for today’s kids to enjoy it I think they’ll need to already have some familiarity with Pete Seeger’s music. If they don’t, I highly recommend that they listen to (and even better watch!) many of his songs as they read this book. (I had the songs going in my head as I read, and it did have me wanting to watch some videos/listen to some music.)
The poem/story is good, but I do think I liked it at last partly because I already knew Pete’s story.
The art technique of paper images cut with an X-Acto knife in gold and black on white is certainly interesting, and a lot of research went into creating images that were realistic to Pete and the history he was part of, but they’re not aesthetically that pleasing to me even though I did like them, but I’m not sure if kids will like them.
I do recommend this for Pete Seeger fans, and for kids who are not familiar with him, I think they should watch/listen to his music and listen to him talking, always a part of his wonderful concerts as well as at protests, so they can fully appreciate this book. Of course, I could be wrong and children might enjoy this as a new introduction to Pete Seeger.
August 12, 2024
This thread was a lifeline, a rueful gift giver
A thing that entwines us, a deep winding river
This was an unexpected birthday gift from a coworker. That was sweet. The lady in question didn't know of Colin Meloy but rather my lifelong interest in Seeger and others in his constellation: Guthrie, Bragg and Dylan to name a few. I have liked the idea of Seeger much more than works themselves, in fact I much prefer the Bruce Springsteen Seeger Sessions to anything by Our Pete. I did choke up when he performed at Obama's inauguration and likewise when he marched during Occupy! As I noted once to my wife (in an odd homage to the film Michael Clayton) I'm not a revolutionary, I'm a janitor. I was lucky in my childhood to have a neighbor who introduced me to Woody Guthrie and in the late 1970s all the music teachers sang antiwar anthems. I am a very cynical progressive, who values social justice and restraint. I become uneasy with movements, and I honestly fear the collapse of the Gulf Stream for than I do the Alt-Right, maybe because I'm old. I enjoyed this book immensely; it takes a few minutes to absorb. I'm not sure Seeger would appreciate me as a person, and I think I'm okay with that.
A thing that entwines us, a deep winding river
This was an unexpected birthday gift from a coworker. That was sweet. The lady in question didn't know of Colin Meloy but rather my lifelong interest in Seeger and others in his constellation: Guthrie, Bragg and Dylan to name a few. I have liked the idea of Seeger much more than works themselves, in fact I much prefer the Bruce Springsteen Seeger Sessions to anything by Our Pete. I did choke up when he performed at Obama's inauguration and likewise when he marched during Occupy! As I noted once to my wife (in an odd homage to the film Michael Clayton) I'm not a revolutionary, I'm a janitor. I was lucky in my childhood to have a neighbor who introduced me to Woody Guthrie and in the late 1970s all the music teachers sang antiwar anthems. I am a very cynical progressive, who values social justice and restraint. I become uneasy with movements, and I honestly fear the collapse of the Gulf Stream for than I do the Alt-Right, maybe because I'm old. I enjoyed this book immensely; it takes a few minutes to absorb. I'm not sure Seeger would appreciate me as a person, and I think I'm okay with that.
July 9, 2018
Here's Pete Seeger singing "If I had A Hammer" in 1956:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rl-ys...
Colin Meloy is the lead guitarist of The Decembrists and author of several books, This one, a book for kids 4-8, begins with a brag, that he once sang on the stage with Pete Seeger, but this would not be unique, since every time Pete Seeger sang he taught people his one music and the Great American Songbook, especially songs promoting peace and justice. I am not a professional musician and I sang with him several times in that fashion. When I go to concerts now people rarely (though sometimes) sing along, but Pete encouraged it, insisted on it. Singing was for him life, community, activism.
This isn't really a biography so much as a tribute--Meloy calls it a song--to Seeger, who had this written on his guitar:
"This machine surrounds hate and forces it to surrender." That's the kind of activist he was, a gently forceful one. He thought there was a golden thread that could potentially link all the people in the world.
"This thread was a lifeline, a rueful gift giver
A thing that entwines us, a deep winding river>"
The black and white cut paper illustrations by Nikki McClure (I love her Waiting for High Tide) are dramatic and inspirational. Every new generation needs to know Pete Seeger and his songs:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HE4H0...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rl-ys...
Colin Meloy is the lead guitarist of The Decembrists and author of several books, This one, a book for kids 4-8, begins with a brag, that he once sang on the stage with Pete Seeger, but this would not be unique, since every time Pete Seeger sang he taught people his one music and the Great American Songbook, especially songs promoting peace and justice. I am not a professional musician and I sang with him several times in that fashion. When I go to concerts now people rarely (though sometimes) sing along, but Pete encouraged it, insisted on it. Singing was for him life, community, activism.
This isn't really a biography so much as a tribute--Meloy calls it a song--to Seeger, who had this written on his guitar:
"This machine surrounds hate and forces it to surrender." That's the kind of activist he was, a gently forceful one. He thought there was a golden thread that could potentially link all the people in the world.
"This thread was a lifeline, a rueful gift giver
A thing that entwines us, a deep winding river>"
The black and white cut paper illustrations by Nikki McClure (I love her Waiting for High Tide) are dramatic and inspirational. Every new generation needs to know Pete Seeger and his songs:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HE4H0...
July 9, 2019
It was serendipitous that Reed and Amanda🐼 got me this book this year. 2019 would have been Pete Seeger's 100th birthday. This book is a beautiful tribute to a great musician and teacher. Seeger's songs are simple but their messages are profound. He was also at the epicenter of the folk music revival which I'm very grateful for. I wish I could have seen him in concert.
November 7, 2018
There seems to have been lots of picture books recently about Pete Seeger so it's always great to read one and see why people gravitate to him since I'm not familiar at all with his songs. But not only was he musician, but he used his voice to bring attention to causes dear to his heart. Colin Meloy's text and Nikki McClure's art definitely weaves a wonderful portrait of Pete Seeger.
Read
December 9, 2018This is a picture book that definitely will have adult appeal. Adults who loved Pete Seeger will be bringing out their old records and playing them for their children, using him and this book as an amazing example of standing against those who expect the status quo. Promotes freedom of speech!
June 15, 2018
4.5 stars -- What a beautiful book. This is a great message to share with children, and hopefully parents and educators will read the story of Pete Seeger's life aloud. The illustrations are striking and the message is definitely an important one.
April 30, 2023
A sweet little book (all in rhyme) outlining the life of Pete Seeger written by the leader of the Decemberists.
March 17, 2018
'The Golden Thread: A Song for Pete Seeger' by Colin Meloy, illustrated by Nikki McClure, took a bit to get into, owing to the prologue of sorts that took up the first few pages of the story. However, once the main story began, that delved into the biography of Pete Seeger and how his life moved from childhood to marriage to his singing career and more, the pace picked up and the rhymes, much like his songs, were imbued with his passion.
Learning about how he fits into history, from being accused of Communist leanings, to his role in the fight for Civil Rights, it is interesting to learn about Pete Seeger's interest in social causes. The illustrations do a fine job of telling the story of his life, and the timeline at the end of the book helps connect all of the ideas throughout the rest of the story.
A worthwhile and interesting read about one of the more influential songwriters of the 20th century, 'The Golden Thread: A Song for Pete Seeger' weaves the beauty of music with the truth of his life story.
Beth Rodgers, Author of 'Freshman Fourteen' and 'Sweet Fifteen,' Young Adult Novels
*Review originally posted at YABooksCentral.com*
Learning about how he fits into history, from being accused of Communist leanings, to his role in the fight for Civil Rights, it is interesting to learn about Pete Seeger's interest in social causes. The illustrations do a fine job of telling the story of his life, and the timeline at the end of the book helps connect all of the ideas throughout the rest of the story.
A worthwhile and interesting read about one of the more influential songwriters of the 20th century, 'The Golden Thread: A Song for Pete Seeger' weaves the beauty of music with the truth of his life story.
Beth Rodgers, Author of 'Freshman Fourteen' and 'Sweet Fifteen,' Young Adult Novels
*Review originally posted at YABooksCentral.com*
February 17, 2018
For me it was the cut paper illustrations that really struck me. Nikki McClure created really intricate, beautiful pages using paper and exacto knives. You just want to pour over them. While I appreciated the way the text sounds when read aloud, almost like a song, the text did not always work for me. Some of the rhyming really pushed it and I almost would have preferred a more straightforward biography, especially as I am not as familiar with Pete Seeger.
Thank you to Harper Collins for the advanced galley!
Thank you to Harper Collins for the advanced galley!
August 25, 2018
I LOVE Nikki McClure and am a looooooooooooongtime fan of her work. Pete Seeger picture book biography with her illustrations? YES, PLEASE.
Well, I do love the illustrations and the subject is definitely a good one here. The one and only Pete Seeger has been the focus of a number of good biographies of varying length for young readers in recent years. But I'm afraid that I don't love this one. There's something about the text (maybe it's the very-rhyming-perfect-timing sort of aspect?) here that just does not work for me. It did not engage or interest me, not like it should have. In fact, I felt it was only made all the weaker by the great illustrations. Sorry to say it, I was disappointed in this one overall. Still, I love the general tone and mood here, and the black/white/harvest gold palette works very well with the subject matter.
Maybe I'll try it again later at some point and get into it as I'd like to.
Also, I want photos whenever possible (no, they don't have to be in color!) in the back matter when reading an illustrated nonfiction picture book like this and I think I'm not the only one. Kids love photos, too--it's not just us old folks, I swear!
Well, I do love the illustrations and the subject is definitely a good one here. The one and only Pete Seeger has been the focus of a number of good biographies of varying length for young readers in recent years. But I'm afraid that I don't love this one. There's something about the text (maybe it's the very-rhyming-perfect-timing sort of aspect?) here that just does not work for me. It did not engage or interest me, not like it should have. In fact, I felt it was only made all the weaker by the great illustrations. Sorry to say it, I was disappointed in this one overall. Still, I love the general tone and mood here, and the black/white/harvest gold palette works very well with the subject matter.
Maybe I'll try it again later at some point and get into it as I'd like to.
Also, I want photos whenever possible (no, they don't have to be in color!) in the back matter when reading an illustrated nonfiction picture book like this and I think I'm not the only one. Kids love photos, too--it's not just us old folks, I swear!
December 26, 2018
While I don’t know too much about the music of Pete Seeger, acclaimed American folk singer and social activist, as a fan of the Decemberists and Colin Meloy’s writing, I checked The Golden Thread out from the library for a quick read. It was definitely a positive, inspiring picture book, informative even for those who have never heard of Seeger. Particularly in today’s world, hearing the story of Seeger’s peaceful striving towards labor, social, and environmental justice during the twentieth century is a great comfort. Tracking down some of the music mentioned by Meloy in his lyrical text (and the extensive bibliography) was a nice bonus, too.
Most notable in the book, though, was the classic, expressive art work by Nikki McClure, with her eye for period details and expressions through paper cuts, which feels very appropriate to the subject matter. These lush images really bring Seeger and his world to life, and may be more entrancing to younger readers than the nostalgic musical recollection for their parents.
Most notable in the book, though, was the classic, expressive art work by Nikki McClure, with her eye for period details and expressions through paper cuts, which feels very appropriate to the subject matter. These lush images really bring Seeger and his world to life, and may be more entrancing to younger readers than the nostalgic musical recollection for their parents.
May 14, 2018
Every generation has their favorite music. It's a reflection of a particular time and place in which people find themselves. These tunes are not necessarily focused in one specific genre but they do mirror an era. More times often than not the music of one generation carries to the following generations.
As a child or grandchild growing up and hearing the songs of a band or singer played repeatedly, it becomes a part of your lifelong personal musical playlist. Strong memories are created. There are also remarkable musicians whose music is timeless and ingrained in the history of a nation. One of those men was Pete Seeger. The Golden Thread: A Song For Pete Seeger (Balzar & Bray, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers, April 17, 2018) written by Colin Meloy with illustrations by Nikki McClure will fill your heart with lingering melodies.
My full recommendation: http://librariansquest.blogspot.com/2...
As a child or grandchild growing up and hearing the songs of a band or singer played repeatedly, it becomes a part of your lifelong personal musical playlist. Strong memories are created. There are also remarkable musicians whose music is timeless and ingrained in the history of a nation. One of those men was Pete Seeger. The Golden Thread: A Song For Pete Seeger (Balzar & Bray, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers, April 17, 2018) written by Colin Meloy with illustrations by Nikki McClure will fill your heart with lingering melodies.
My full recommendation: http://librariansquest.blogspot.com/2...
November 21, 2018
Written in rhyming lyrics, this 48-paged picture book captures the highlights of Pete Seeger's life including his initial interest in music, his experiences as a pacifist, and his activism in a variety of areas. Pete was a force to be reckoned with, always looking for ways to better lives and look out for the oppressed. This book had a very unique way of creating the artwork. The artist took photos of Pete from film and old photos. Then she cut black paper with an X-Acto knife while cutting golden paper for layers of songs and backgrounds. "Fifty-eight blades and twenty-two pieces of black paper were used." The combination of text and art is quite moving! The back matter includes a detailed timeline from 1919 to 2014 along with recommended listening, an author's note, and a lengthy artists note.
For more #kidlit, #mglit, and #yalit book reviews, please visit my blog: The Miller Memo.
For more #kidlit, #mglit, and #yalit book reviews, please visit my blog: The Miller Memo.
May 30, 2018
I am a fan of McClure's art and she does not disappoint with her cut-paper illustrations. I also love Seeger's music and enjoyed watching a documentary about him a few years ago, so much of this was familiar. This is a good introduction to Seeger for elementary ages although at times the text does not flow as perhaps it should. It would have been good to mention the song, The Golden Thread, in the text, not just as a connection in the art. Also, I am very disappointed that Seeger seemingly gets credit for songs he did not write, only popularized--Goodnight Irene and particularly We Shall Overcome. There has been discussion the past few years about the authors of We Shall Overcome and Meloy ignored this in order for the text and information to work for his audience, while not even acknowledging in a note.
September 4, 2019
This is a beautiful book, but I think it might be appreciated more by adults than kids. The poetry is perfection and the message is important... music (or any kind of art, really) is universal and can unite us and change the world. I am a huge fan of Colin Meloy, with or without the Decemberists, and was lucky enough to have seen one of Pete Seeger's last performances at the Newport Folk Festival (which I had attended solely due to the presence of said Decemberists). We need more Pete Seegers right now.
July 20, 2018
This illustrated poem tells the story of a remarkable musician. Detailed, simplistic appearing illustrations take the readers through the episodes of this man’s life. The illustrations include lines from some of his remarkable songs. The poetry gives the highlights of this man story. As poetry lover, I highly recommend looking into the story.
December 8, 2018
The writing, which is muscular and clear, is good, but rhymed, which always gives me pause (that's a personal prejudice). The art, however, skirts on the edge of magnificence. Nikki McClure's bold, black and white and gold images are so vivid that one can hear the music of Pete Seeger's voice and his life.
September 18, 2024
Once I accidentally radicalized my kid by playing Pete Seeger's recording of "Solidarity Forever" to him and then explaining unions. I was excited to see this at Back to School Night. Colin Meloy writes a mean rhyme--none of those weird half-rhymes or missing steps in the rhythm you get in mediocre children's books. This is great.
April 26, 2018
What a lovely biography. Pete Seeger's life is the soundtrack to the progressive ideas of the 20th century. It's wonderful that his contributions are being honored and this book is a wonderful introduction to his life.
January 11, 2019
I had no idea who Pete Seeger was before reading this book. It prompted me to listen to his songs online and watch a few videos of him. I think this would be more powerful if you knew who he was. The authors note and timeline at the end helped me learn more.
January 12, 2019
What a gem! I was raised on Pete Seeger's songs, and his work has touched me in many ways over the years. Nikki McClure's papercuts render his spirit and energy so well. What a joyful man he was when his head was raised in song.
April 7, 2019
I love Nikki McClure, and I love Pete Seeger - this wonderful telling of his life has found the perfect illustrator to transform a sweet biography into a true work of art. This is one treasure I'll hold on to.
July 10, 2019
Lovely children's book about the life of Pete Seeger. I enjoyed the audio book read by Colin Meloy and am looking forward to the hardcover. I was raised on Pete Seeger's children's concert "Live at Carnegie Hall" and this book is the perfect complement. Highly recommended for adults and children.
December 30, 2021
The writing, by the lead singer of The Decemberists, was superb. This was a great biography of the folk singer and American legend, Pete Seeger. I also couldn’t get enough of the woodcut style of the art. All around, this was a great book!
December 10, 2022
Also listened to audio last month, which was better. Written to teach children about one of our great heroes. I didn’t find it particularly inspiring and not sure children would either. I expected more from Colin Meloy. I’d give the audio 4 stars.
May 8, 2018
3 stars for Nikki McClure's amazing illustrations, but the story is more for adults I think.
June 10, 2018
Fantastic start to finish. Beautiful illustrations are Caldecott worthy as they wind a golden thread through over three-quarters of a century of Seeger's folk and protest songs.
June 30, 2018
The illustrations were nice and it introduced a great man in a narrative way that was engaging. Will be checking out again when we do a homeschool unit.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews