A Year in the Woods

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A Year in the Woods

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Overview

"I learned this, at least, by my experiment: that if one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours." So concluded Henry David Thoreau in his 1854 work Walden, a collection of observations made while he lived alone in the woods near Walden Pond for two years in the 1840s. The lessons he learned have since become maxims for living fully and deliberately. Excerpts from Walden are here accompanied by idealistic, wistful paintings.

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ISBN-13:	9781568463056
Publisher:	The Creative Company
Publication date:	07/11/2017
Pages:	32
Product dimensions:	7.30(w) x 10.10(h) x 0.50(d)
Age Range:	9 - 12 Years

About the Author

Henry David Thoreau was born in Concord, Massachusetts, in 1817. For the remaining 45 years of his life, he never strayed far from there for long, even attending college at nearby Harvard. Along with Ralph Waldo Emerson, he was a leading figure in the American Transcendentalist movement, which taught that nature and people are good at the core and that it is up to individuals to empower their lives.

Giovanni Manna was born in Florence, Italy, and has made illustrations for more than 80 books for children since 1995. His work has been featured in exhibitions throughout Italy and internationally, from Bratislava to Britain. He was awarded the Andersen Prize for best Italian illustrator in 2003. This is his second book for Creative Editions.

Date of Birth:

July 12, 1817

Date of Death:

May 6, 1862

Place of Birth:

Concord, Massachusetts

Place of Death:

Concord, Massachusetts

Education:

Concord Academy, 1828-33); Harvard University, 1837

From the B&N Reads Blog

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Editorial Reviews

10/01/2017
Gr 4–8—Lush watercolors illuminate this child-friendly adaptation of Thoreau's Walden. Beginning with a preface introducing Thoreau's experiment opposite a depiction of a wintry moonrise, the book is a lovely pairing of text and image. Spreads of landscapes complement spare text, some of which is in bold for emphasis. The layout depicting Thoreau's construction of his house invites a subtle comparison to nest building in words and pictures. Wildlife appears in animated-looking presentations. Thoreau's "best room," the pine forest, is portrayed in a rich, verdant spread featuring the figure of the man himself. Thoreau is shown cultivating his crops, building his home, and wandering in luscious meadows. Despite the volume's appeal, there may be confusion for readers who know that the Walden project took two years. (This volume intentionally condenses the experience into one year for the purpose of structure.) Additionally, the autumn season is missing. Readers experience spring, summer, winter, and spring again. VERDICT A quiet, reflective trek through a moment in U.S. literature and history that is notable for its beautiful art. Consider for thoughtful readers.—Deidre Winterhalter, Oak Park Public Library, IL

School Library Journal

2017-07-17
Selections from Thoreau's Walden are illustrated with full-page and double-page watercolors.With dramatic use of negative space, a white moon in a dark blue sky glows above blue-tinged deciduous and pine trees, all reflected in a calm, un-rippled Walden Pond. The page opposite—decorated with two delicately rendered leaves (oak and maple)—begins: "I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately…" and concludes with a few more sentences describing why Thoreau wanted to live "sturdily and Spartan-like" for a year. The page turns to a double-page spread of Walden Pond during the day—equally serene—with a young, lanky Thoreau—walking stick in hand—gazing across its expanse. Throughout the book, short, positive musings are complemented by equally idyllic artwork, whether Henry is building his cabin, spending time in the pine woods—his " ‘best' room"—or reading by his fireplace while snow gathers outside. Only the least controversial of Walden's many ideas have been chosen, resulting in a serene tone. The chosen text is poetic—if quaint—and both text and art compel readers to slow down in contemplation. Although the publisher recommends "interest level" for ages 9 and up, younger readers will enjoy the language's rhythm and the soothing art; conversely, older readers will, hopefully, be inspired to read the original. An elegant reminder of solitary pleasure in nature. (Picture book/memoir. 8-13)

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