Mockingbird Morning

A lovely picture-book celebration of the natural world, Mockingbird Morning follows a young girl through a summer's morning - awakened by a mockingbird's song, she ventures out into the sunny world - as she observes the life around her. The narrative is composed of fifteen brief poems by Joanne Ryder, exploring such wonders as the furry moss on a tree-trunk, or the quiet "room" created by the low-hanging branches of a willow. The watercolor illustrations by Dennis Nolan capture the beauty of each scene, and the girl's wonder at each experience.

I enjoyed Mockingbird Morning, although I think not as much as the friend who recommended it to me. The narrative wasn't quite as affecting as I'd expected, somehow, although I did find the show more artwork lovely. The dust-jacket blurb describes Nolan's paintings as "sun-drenched," and I think that is very apt. Less of a stand-out title for me, than a solidly engaging one, this is a book I'd recommend to young readers who enjoys stories of the outdoor world, and to fans of Dennis Nolan. show less

This was one of the few storybooks that Owen would sit still for when he was a tiny boy, and one he demanded over and over. Simple, poetic and haunting, this lushly illustrated book chronicles a young girl's day. She is learning about how her world also belongs to all the animals, and she meets many creatures going about their work. The part that I love best is the interpretation of the dove's calls. The ending never fails to make me tear up a little. The writing is sensual, summery, languorous and soft.

This morning I heard a dove and I had to read it again.
One of my favorites, and one that Owen is not welcome to take with him when he moves out.