What a Wonderful World - by Bob Thiele & George David Weiss (Hardcover)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

The classic and beloved song is brought to life with bright and colorful illustrations by Tim Hopgood.

First recorded in 1967 by Louis Armstrong, and with sales of over one million copies, "What a Wonderful World" has become a poignant message of hope for people everywhere. Sweet and positive in its message, with bright, beautiful art, this book is sure to be a hit. Perfect for sharing!

Review Quotes

"Hopgood interprets this beloved ballad, written by Thiele and Weiss and made famous by Louis Armstrong. His colorful mixed-media collages present a hopeful world, filled with summery trees, sunny blue skies, and pastoral scenes from around the globe. . . . an upbeat story hour selection." --Booklist

"With a satisfying night-to-day-to-night cycle, the book not only reinforces the concepts of colors but also provides a sense of security of the way things are supposed to be in the world. The repeated refrain of 'Wow!' throughout the book will elicit a chorus among young listeners at storytime." --Booklist on Wow! Said the Owl

"Straightforward and flowing, this title makes a satisfying introduction to the colors of the day." --School Library Journal on Wow! Said the Owl

"This sweet, wonder-filled picture book will make a good addition to toddler storytime and a perfect bedtime read, too." --The Horn Book on Wow! Said the Owl

About the Author

Tim Hopgood was six years old when he first heard Louis Armstrong's recording of "What a Wonderful World." Years later his daughter found a recording of the song in a flea market and gave it to him as a present. As soon as he heard Louis Armstrong's gravelly voice sing the first few lines, he knew he wanted to capture the joy of the song in a picture book.

Bob Thiele (1922-1996) was a record producer and jazz radio host who worked with legendary artists such as Charles Mingus, Dizzy Gillespie, and B.B. King. His most successful song was Louis Armstrong's "What a Wonderful World."

George David Weiss (1921-2010) was a highly prolific songwriter and arranger He wrote or rewrote lyrics to such classic songs as "Lullaby of Birdland" (Ella Fitzgerald), "Can't Help Falling in Love" (Elvis Presley), and "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" (The Tokens). In 1984, Weiss was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.