Author: A MusicTale by Kit Eakle:
Illustrators: Jean Eakle with Aubyn Eakle
Publisher: MusicKit
ISBN: 0-9713194-0-5

Click Here To Purchase In My Grandmother's Garden

If there is one thing you can be confident, you will scarcely come across a child who does not have a natural affinity for music, song and art. Recognizing this fact, author, composer and music teacher Kit Eakle has teamed up with illustrators Jean and Aubyn Eakle to create a wonderful music and art journey for young readers with their interactive children’s book, In My Grandmother’s Garden.

This true story spotlights a young girl, Aubyn, who reminisces about her unforgettable experiences with her grandmother, when she was invited to her grandmother’s rose garden in the San Francisco area. It was here where she painted with her artist grandma, monitoring the altering colors of the flowers during the different hours of the day and learning how they can train you to perceive in a different way.  

What makes this book so exceptional is that the story is told in the form of a song with an actual music score, which you can follow along with a CD accompanying the book. The CD features the stunning vocals of well-known folk singer Laurie Lewis, who on the first cut sings the song, while the second cut features flautist Matt Eakle, pianist John Burr and bassist Alex Baum playing the melody alone, to which you may sing along. Perfectly complimenting the words and song are the dazzling illustrations that adorn every page.

Appealing to children’s imaginations, In My Grandmother’s Garden grabs young ears and eyes and conveys images and feelings that will undoubtedly kindle their creativity. In addition, the book succeeds admirably in exemplifying the storytelling power of musical lyrics, particularly when they are playful and easy-to-learn, as well as being respectful of children’s intelligence and curiosity.   Very often, it is difficult to achieve a delicate balance between a story line, language, illustrations, and in this case, music, that is so critical when creating an impressive children’s picture book. However, this one hits upon exactly the right combination of blending music and art, creating a book that children can relate to and one that begs to be sung and read aloud.

As for the book’s illustrations, they are vibrant, colourful, detailed and focused to the extent that they effectively engage young children. They are also tender and expressive, especially the one with the grandfather and Aubyn hugging each other. The cover with Aubyn’s portrait is particularly attractive and colourful, where we notice that the lights and darks are placed just right. You can even feel the warmth of their relationship and the sunny day. Painting a garden in full bloom is a challenge and the artists have met this challenge with flying- colors. Jean’s paintings of roses and individual flowers are exceptionally well done, full of light and shadows brilliantly depicting her love of gardening.

According to the book’s back cover, Kit Eakle is a noted musician and educator. He has been active in music education in the Province of British Colombia, Canada.  He has also been program manager for the National Clearinghouse of Arts Education Information, ARTSEDGE, at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. In addition, he has taught music in the USA and Canada elementary schools.  Jean Eakle has been an artist, gardener, and musician for many years. Fifteen year-old Aubyn Rose, the subject of the book, was the main advisor to the author.  In My Grandmother's Garden was nominated for the Gradiva Award and has been praised by luminaries such as Bob McGrath of Sesame Street fame.

Click Here To Read Norm's Interesting Interview With Kit Eakle