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The Golden Thread: A Song for Pete Seeger
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About The Golden Thread: A Song For Pete Seeger
Product Description With dazzling, lyrical verse in the folk revival style and stunning cut-paper illustrations, Colin Meloy and Nikki McClure pay tribute to Pete Seeger, a visionary who changed the world with song. This nonfiction picture book is an excellent choice to share during homeschooling, in particular for children ages 4 to 6. It’s a fun way to learn to read and as a supplement for activity books for children. Pete Seeger once sang that if he had a golden thread, he would use it to weave people from all over the world to one another. That golden thread, for Pete, was music. Born into a family of traveling musicians, Pete picked up his first instrument at age seven. From then on, music was his life, whether he was playing banjo for soldiers during World War II, rallying civil rights activists and war protesters with songs such as “We Shall Overcome,” “Where Have All the Flowers Gone?,” and “If I Had a Hammer,” or leading environmental efforts to clean up the Hudson River. For decades, Pete Seeger’s messages of universal understanding and social and environmental justice inspired generations—and have left a lasting legacy. From School Library Journal K-Gr 4—In this unique picture book biography of the late folk musician and activist, the text is written as lyrics to a ballad. Decemberists singer/songwriter Meloy, author of the "Wildwood" series, writes of the musical legend in a style similar to Seeger's own rambling verse. In the manner of a tall tale he is described as a "Hammer bringer! River singer! Sailing soldier, lean bell ringer." While much of the text flows smoothly in this lyrical style, there are a few forced-rhymes, as well as moments where it feels more Seussian than folk song. McClure's artwork complements the subject with her signature style of impeccable and fluid cut paper. The vignettes capture Seeger's likeness and character, and are based on historical photographs and film. The cut paper is nearly all black and white; the only color is a mustard-gold that serves as the titular thread weaving its way through the illustrations as a representation of music and often containing written song lyrics. This title covers much of Seeger's long life, including his activism, musical career, blacklisting, and family. However, because of the limitations of 48 pages written in rhyming stanzas, Meloy does not go into great detail, making the book better for casual reading than information-gathering. (The reference to Goodnight Irene in the main text doesn't mention that this song was originally written by Lead Belly, though he is referenced in the illustrations, and referred to in the time line.) Additionally, while the back matter lists extensive recommended listening, no further reading is included, the bibliography only referring to two adult biographies. VERDICT This thoughtful and exquisitely-illustrated tribute to Pete Seeger comes on the tails of two more comprehensive picture book biographies, Leda Schubert's Listen and Susanna Reich's Stand Up and Sing. Purchase for larger collections or where Pete Seeger is a popular subject.—Clara Hendricks, Cambridge Public Library, MA Review “[A] gorgeous, emotionally expansive book. Meloy hails his hero in emphatic, lyric-like poetry. The dynamic spreads evoke both the historic heft of vintage newspaper photography and the soaring beauty of righteous, joyous song.” (Publishers Weekly (starred review)) “Meloy honors the long career of this remarkable activist in words that sing and soar in joyful homage. Positively joyous.” (Kirkus Reviews (starred review)) “Meloy’s ode to Pete Seeger celebrates his life as a performer, songwriter, union organizer, civil rights advocate, ship builder, sailor, carpenter, and environmentalist. This makes a good introduction to Seeger and his many contributions to American music.” (Booklist) “In this unique picture book biography of the late folk musician and activist, the text is written as lyrics to a ballad. McClure’s artwork compleme
