THANKSGIVING
This was my Thanksgiving illustration from the book FATHER FOX'S PENNYRHYMES, a collection of poems written by my sister Clyde Watson. Much of that book---both words and pictures---alluded to Clyde's and my childhood experiences as we grew up with six brothers and sisters in a rural Vermont setting. This illustration was no exception. The long table here was the table, made by my father, that we all sat around (and sometimes squabbled around) at mealtimes. The captain's chairs in which Mother and Father Fox sit are the same chairs that my own parents used. The piano in the background, the interrupted sewing project on the rocking chair, the bulletin board festooned with fox kits' art, even some of the clothing---I took all of these details verbatim from my own childhood. In fact, the only real difference I can now see between my childhood reality, and my illustration, might be that our ears weren't quite as large and furry---and if we had tails, we kept them hidden.
I wish you all a Thanksgiving full of love, the community of family and friends, and "cake upon the table."
This is wonderful, Wendy. Which young fox are you? I'm guessing the one in the sprigged dress next to the little savage in red?
ReplyDeleteGood guess, Ashley! As the oldest, I was always trying to keep all my sibs under control---though without much success!
ReplyDeleteHappy Thanksgiving to you Wendy. I keep meaning to touch base with you and get together for some more tea and brownies ;)
ReplyDeleteHappy Thanksgiving to you too Wendy. I keep meaning to touch base with you and plan a get together! Another round of tea and homemade brownies ;)
ReplyDeleteDear Ms. Watson, This book was an absolute treasure for my daughter and I when she was growing up. We still know every poem by heart! And now my grandchildren love it.
ReplyDelete"Run, run, run, the hogs are out." "Chocolate cake & apple punch,
I’m too full to eat my lunch." "There was a chap his name was Bert
He ate the buttons off his shirt." And on and on. I can't tell you how much joy it brought us looking at those drawings while we recited the rhymes. Today, my daughter wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving on her facebook page and posted a picture of the "Let the fall leaves fall.." image. In turn I copied your blog entry for her, along with the poem itself. You and your sister are national treasures! Very best wishes to you for a happy Thanksgiving!
Thank you so much for your lovely comment. The love of readers for my books are the best reward for what I do.
DeleteJust wanted to let you know... I have brought a copy of Father Fox's Pennyrhymes along with me to my service in Ukraine with the Peace Corps. We discovered this book when my kids were 3 and 4 years old (1979-ish) at the library and immediately got our own copy. My granddaughter and I also put Pennyrhymes on our favorites list.
ReplyDeleteThis past year, as I was preparing for two years in the Peace Corps, my first thought for my packing list was "what kids books will I bring?" Your's was at the top of the list without a moment's hesitation. (The Giant Jam Sandwich came next). By the time I return home in June, 2019, I expect I will share it with more than 100 young English learners. Thank you!
I feel honored , flattered, and delighted that Father Fox's Pennyrhymes will be accompanying you to the Ukraine on your Peace Corps sojourn. And I am even more humbled and honored to know that your family has been loving this book for nearly 40 years (if my arithmetic is correct). Thank you so much for tellinbg me of this. It has made my day, and inspired me for the future.
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