Over the River and Through the Wood - (Hardcover)

About the Book

In this stunning picture book rendition of a holiday classic, a blustering wind stings the toes and bites the nose, but hearts are warm for Thanksgiving Day! Coupled with Randall's delightful illustrations, the familiar poem-turned-song is the perfect way to celebrate the season. Full color.

Book Synopsis

The horse knows the way to carry the sleigh--so hop in, hold tight, and join the journey in this dazzling holiday classic!

In this stunning paper-over-board picture book, a blustering wind stings the toes and bites the nose, but hearts are warm and there's lots to eat--for 'tis Thanksgiving Day! Bundle up as you navigate a winter wonderland of sparkling snow-covered trees and adorable woodland creatures in this cherished holiday tale. Coupled with Emma Randall's delightful illustrations, the familiar poem-turned-song is the perfect way to celebrate the season. Just remember to leave room for pumpkin pie!

Praise for Over the River and Through the Wood
"This jaunty, optimistic interpretation of the nostalgic Thanksgiving song will be useful in library holiday collections as well as for family celebrations." --Kirkus

Review Quotes

"The traditional song about a sleigh ride to Grandmother's house for Thanksgiving dinner is interpreted with a snowy setting in the mountains. As the story opens, a brother and sister duo is ready to set off in their red, horse-drawn sleigh, with their parents preparing to follow in their own purple sleigh. As the children journey though "white and drifted snow," they cross over a river and along the way meet a rabbit, beavers, moose, foxes, and a wolf who follow them to Grandmother's farm. The boy and girl are welcomed by Grandmother and her companion, a man with a curly, white beard, who might be their grandfather or a friend or maybe even Santa, considering his dark red hat with white trim. The conclusion finds all the characters, including the friendly animals, joining together for an outdoor Thanksgiving feast. Bright, vibrant illustrations convey a cheery tone with smiling characters and cooperative animals joining in the festive celebration. The text can be read as a story or sung to the familiar tune, though musical notation is not included. There is no indication that the words to the now-traditional song are from a poem written by Lydia Maria Child in 1844. Children, parents, and Grandmother all have light-brown skin and straight, dark hair, while Grandmother's companion has pale skin. This jaunty, optimistic interpretation of the nostalgic Thanksgiving song will be useful in library holiday collections as well as for family celebrations."
--Kirkus

"In a fresh and colorful staging of the seasonal song, two siblings make a snowy sleigh journey to their grandmother's house, encountering friendly woodland animals en route. Randall blends the snow's white with warmer colors that suit a book about making merry: ruby and sienna in the trees' bark, the siblings' sleigh, and the little horse that pulls it. Amethyst mountains rise above the scenes, and Grandmother's house is a welcoming blue. The children and their parents, grandmother, and her bearded companion sit down for a festive Thanksgiving meal, joined by the horse and their new animal friends. Randall brings a feeling of abundance to the occasion."
--Publishers Weekly

About the Author

Emma Randall is a UK-based illustrator specializing in children's book illustration, both fiction and nonfiction. She is the illustrator of THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS, which received a starred review from Kirkus.

Emma Randall is a UK-based illustrator specializing in children's book illustration, both fiction and nonfiction. She is the illustrator of THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS, which received a starred review from Kirkus.