Sharon, Lois and Bram's Skinnamarink
By: Sharon Hampson, Lois Lilienstein, Bram Morrison
About This Book
National bestseller — Based on the classic folk song made famous by a beloved trio of children's entertainers, this board book is best sung aloud! "Skinnamarink" is a timeless anthem of love and inclusion. What does "skinnamarink" mean? You may not find its definition in a dictionary, but the meaning is clear to the generations of children who sang along: friendship, happiness, sharing, community and, ultimately, love. This song has been sung in weddings and in classrooms. It can be fun and silly — especially with the accompanying actions! And it has a way of bringing people together. Through Qin Leng's wonderfully imaginative illustrations, this delightful board book tells the story of a community coming together. Young and old, from little mice to a big elephant, people and animals gather into a spontaneous parade as they follow the sound of music. Sharon, Lois and Bram formed as a trio of children's entertainers in Toronto in 1978 and went on to create two top-rated children's television shows, most notably The Elephant Show, and to release 21 full-length albums (many of which reached gold, platinum, double platinum and triple platinum). In 2018, Sharon and Bram celebrated their 40th anniversary and they continue to entertain children and share their message of love.
AI Overview
Title: Sharon, Lois and Bram's Skinnamarink Authors: Sharon Hampson, Lois Lilienstein, Bram Morrison Illustrator: Qin Leng Release Date: September 3, 2019
Key Themes
- Love and Inclusion: The book celebrates love and inclusion, emphasizing that love can be expressed at all times of the day and in various settings, such as the Arctic, desert, and by the sea.
- Community: It highlights the importance of community, showcasing a diverse group of people and animals coming together to sing and celebrate.
- Emotions: The new verses in the book cover emotions like happiness and sadness, encouraging children to express their feelings.
Plot Summary
The book is based on the classic folk song "Skinnamarink," made famous by the beloved children's entertainers Sharon, Lois, and Bram. The story is expanded for a new generation with three new verses written by Sharon's daughter, Randi Hampson. The book begins with the classic lines "I love you in the morning, / and in the afternoon. // I love you in the evening, / underneath the moon." It then expands to cover various themes such as emotions, geography, and seasons. The illustrations by Qin Leng depict a growing crowd of people and animals joining in to sing, showcasing a diverse and inclusive community.
Critical Reception
Kirkus Reviews: Described as a "lighthearted frolic ready for a rousing singalong," the book is praised for its catchy and imaginative storytelling. The review highlights the book's ability to be read or sung aloud, but notes that the small figures and busy compositions make it best enjoyed up close or in a lap.
CBC Books: Sharon and Bram discuss their goal of bringing music into children's lives, emphasizing that the book is meant to be enjoyed and taken as one's own. The interview highlights the book's inclusive nature, featuring diverse characters and animals, and its ability to convey a simple yet powerful message of love.
Goodreads: The book is described as a "timeless anthem of love and inclusion." It is praised for its imaginative illustrations and its ability to bring people together through music. The review notes that the song has been sung in various settings, from weddings to classrooms, and that it can be both fun and silly, especially with accompanying actions.
Overall, "Sharon, Lois and Bram's Skinnamarink" is a delightful picture book that celebrates love, inclusion, and community, making it a great addition to any children's library.