Robert Frost's well-known poem takes on new life in its first picture-book adaptation. The poem--long appreciated for its strong rhythm and evocative images--leaves readers wondering, "Where was the man going on the darkest night of the year?" and "Why on earth did he stop by the woods in a snowstorm?" Artist Susan Jeffers answers these questions visually--the kindly older gentleman who narrates the poem stops his sleigh to feed the forest birds and creatures. He stops once more to visit his daughter and grandchildren, then is off again through a blizzard, with many miles to go before he can sleep. The silent beauty of a snowy night shines through Jeffers's artwork; the man's clothing and blanket are the only bright touches of color in the white and wintry world of the woods. This quiet yet powerful book has a magic all its own. (Ages 4 to 7)
From Publishers Weekly
Robert Frost's Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening with Susan Jeffers's 1978 illustrations plays up a festive family atmosphere. Jeffers warms the snowy b&w scenes by accenting coats, blankets and birds with muted colors. A frosty vellum cover evokes a wintry feel. Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
Book Description
Ever since it was published in 1978, the picture-book presentation of Robert Frost's poem "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening" has been an enduring favorite. For this special edition with a new design, trim size, and three new spreads, Susan Jeffers has added more detail and subtle color to her sweeping backgrounds of frosty New England scenes. There are more animals to find among the trees, and the kindly figure with his "promises to keep" exudes warmth as he stops to appreciate the quiet delights of winter. The handsome new vellum jacket will attract new and old fans as it evokes a frost-covered windowpane. This celebration of a season makes an ideal holiday gift for a child, a teacher, or a host.
The Merriam-Webster Encyclopedia of Literature
Poem by Robert Frost, published in the collection New Hampshire (1923). One of his most frequently explicated works, it describes a solitary traveler in a carriage who is both driven by the business at hand and transfixed by a wintry woodland scene. The poem is composed of four iambic tetrameter quatrains, and the meditative lyric derives its incantatory tone from an interlocking rhyme scheme of aaba bbcb ccdc dddd.
Card catalog description
Illustrations of wintry scenes accompany each line of the well-known poem.
About the Author
Robert Frost (1874-1963) is one of America's most celebrated poets and a four-time winner of the Pulitzer Prize.
Susan Jeffers is the illustrator of such distinguished picture books as Three Jovial Huntsmen, a Caldecott Honor Book; Rachel Field's Hitty; and the ABBY Award-winning Brother Eagle, Sister Sky, which was also a New York Times best-seller.
Stopping by the Woods on a Snowy Evening
ANNOTATION
Illustrations of wintry scenes accompany each line of the well-known poem.
FROM THE PUBLISHER
Ever since it was published in 1978, the picture-book presentation of Robert Frost's poem "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening" has been an enduring favorite. For this special edition with a new design, trim size, and three new spreads, Susan Jeffers has added more detail and subtle color to her sweeping backgrounds of frosty New England scenes. There are more animals to find among the trees, and the kindly figure with his "promises to keep" exudes warmth as he stops to appreciate the quiet delights of winter. The handsome new vellum jacket will attract new and old fans as it evokes a frost-covered windowpane. This celebration of aseason makes an ideal holiday gift for a child, a teacher, or a host.
Author Biography: Robert Frost (1874-1963) is one of America's most celebrated poets and a four-time winner of the Pulitzer Prize.
Susan Jeffers is the illustrator of such distinguished picture books as Three Jovial Huntsmen, a Caldecott Honor Book; Rachel Field's Hitty; and the ABBY Award-winning Brother Eagle, Sister Sky, which was also a New York Times best-seller.
FROM THE CRITICS
Publishers Weekly
Robert Frost's Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening with Susan Jeffers's 1978 illustrations plays up a festive family atmosphere. Jeffers warms the snowy b&w scenes by accenting coats, blankets and birds with muted colors. A frosty vellum cover evokes a wintry feel. (Sept.) Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.
Children's Literature
This lovely book begins with its vellum-covered exterior muting the finely drawn and colored illustrations of Ms. Jeffers. She has brought the poem to life for youngsters by personifying the speaker as an elderly gentleman with his horse and sleigh. The poem, inspired by the beauty and quiet of a winter wood, has also inspired Ms. Jeffers as she interprets Mr. Frost's now famous words with creatures and habitats of seasonal beauty. Here is a wonderful way to introduce fine poetry to a youngster or class, one that is sure to inspire further reading. A note at the end explains the author's inspiration. Try pairing this with Sharon Creech's Love that Dog. 2001, Dutton Children's Books, $15.99. Ages 4 to 7. Reviewer: Meredith Kiger
Art & Photography
Book Info
