Purpose of this Blog...

You may have noticed that not all books are equal in capturing children's imaginations and in cultivating those innocent, tender souls. My goal is to help you find the ones that do!
(Painting by Mary Cassatt: "Mrs Cassatt Reading to her Grandchildren" -1888)




Sunday, November 14, 2010

CRADLE SONGS AND LULLABYS



The other day as I was driving home on one of our many crowded freeways, a beautiful piano piece began playing on our local classical radio station.  Immediately I began to relax to it's slow, rocking rhythm.  It reminded me a little bit of the music I enjoyed so much in the recent Disney movie UP.  If you liked that, you'll like this!  It's Chopin's Berceuse, which is translated "Cradle Song" or "Lullaby".


As soon as I got home, I googled the piece and found a fun artwork montage and recording of the music. The montage (artwork by Vladstudio) starts with some winter and Christmas scenes - which reminds me:  tomorrow, November 15th,  I "unveil" my list of Christmas book faves, FORTY BOOKS FOR FORTY DAYS.  Remember to "Comment away for my Advent Giveaway" on today's and tomorrow's posts.  (Winner to be announced on November 16.)

Click HERE to listen and watch BERCEUSE.


OF COURSE, I HAD TO SHARE A COUPLE OF CUTE BEDTIME STORIES FOR YOU.  What were your favorites?

Sweet Dreams LullabySWEET DREAMS LULLABY (toddler-preschool)
This imaginative, peaceful bedtime book invites a bunny (tucked snugly into bed) to dream of comforting scenes from nature's nighttime.  Each page reveals a delightful dreamscape for children to imagine as they drift off to sleep with the lulling, rhyming text...
"Dream of purple twilight skies,
a bedtime kiss from butterflies.
Caterpillars in cocoons
are tucked in tight beneath the moon."

All AsleepALL ASLEEP by Joanna Walsh (baby-toddler).
The gentle text is about all babies - from tall babies to small babies, from babies asleep in cars, to babies snoozing under the stars. It's a perfect bedtime rhythmical board book story for babies everywhere. I also love that it represents multi-ethnic babies.






Youtube Link:  Chopin's Berceuse (or "Cradle Song")

4 comments:

  1. Wendy,

    What a wonderful initiative!!! Both Ana and I loved seeing the books yesterday!!!

    Bogdan

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  2. Wendy, truly - you are my kindred spirit. I played Chopin's Berceuse all through my last pregnancy with our son, John - born August 13, 2013. I had started learning it when pregnant with our first son, James, but we moved in the middle of that pregnancy and I never finished it. So I was determined to master it during my pregnancy with John. It was calming and soothing to me during a difficult pregnancy - my husband was calmed by it and our 3-yr-old son James often fell asleep while I played it.
    Truly - it's one of the most beautiful pieces of music EVER!
    I'm so happy you happened across it.
    Merry Christmas to you! Loved seeing the pictures of the St. Lucia celebration at your church - especially loved that St. Nicholas made a visit.
    Christ is Born!
    Love,
    Valerie Groh
    in Austin, TX

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  3. Thank you for your sweet comments, Valerie! Merry Christmas to you, too. :)

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