Over the River and Through the Wood

I just bought this book for my 2nd grade music classes because I've been using a copy from the library for the last 3 years, and my students all LOVE this book. The pictures have a story unto themselves: a family is driving by the Macy's parade as they leave town for their grandparents' house, the baby crawls out the window during a traffic jam, gets tossed about through the parade, rides some balloons, and ends up safely delivered to Grandmother's house just in time for the family to arrive and eat a traditional dinner together... except the baby steals the pumpkin pie. Kids just shriek with laughter when they aren't busy singing, and (most important to their music teacher) they remember the song later because they had such fun learning it. They beg to read this book again and again, but I only do it at Thanksgiving, so it's a big treat. ;-) Many thanks to the illustrator.

I ordered the board book so got the traditional poem with woodcut illustrations. It was obviously set up north so I wasn't bothered by the ice fishing or skating or even the sailing, although it was a little weird for winter but people do have to eat and travel. The different illustrations show the different scenes the family is passing by on their way to their grandparents house. It would be boring to just show a sleigh in the woods. The board book was larger than a typical board book so I was pleasantly surprised by how well we could see the illustrations.

This is our second copy of this book—my two-year-old completely wore out the first one. Although I understand how the traditional poem and these illustrations would have appeal for adults, I never imagined they would capture the heart of a toddler. But she wants the book read to her multiple times each day, and singing the song now delights her, with or without the book/illustrations.

I used to sing this song in grade school many, many years ago. This book recounts the poem in illustrated format and features the music on the last page. A welcome addition to every home's library. Sing it while on the way to Grandmother's House.

At the age of 7, our recited this poem on Thanksgiving Day for his “Grandpa, up the big hill” One of our favorite memories. We realized he never owned a copy of this book. Now 40 years later he received how’s own copy. Thank you Amazon.

My grandchild asks me to, “Sing that song again!” and again. I am so excited to read this beautiful book to him!

I bought this book for my PreK classroom, and we love it. The wood-cut pictures are beautiful, and clear enough that my students can see them easily. The lines are broken down enough that I can read them the whole poem in one, smooth read-aloud or stop frequently to discuss the vocabulary/concepts. We love this version of the classic!

cute story