Product Description

This heartwarming book - an adaptation of one of John Denver’s best-loved songs - is a lovely reminder of the good, pure things in life. Sunshine On My Shoulders celebrates friendship, sunshine and simple joy. Children and adults alike will love Christopher Canyon’s whimsical and humorous illustrations, that capture the innocence of childhood. The hardback edition includes a CD of John singing The Music Is You and Sunshine On My Shoulders, plus the musical score of Sunshine. This is the first of a series of picture book adaptations of John Denver’s songs that reflect the gift of friendship and nature.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #153239 in Books
• Published on: 2003-08
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 32 pages

Review
"Sunshine on my shoulders makes me happy - could there be anything more simple, more elegant, more perfect? -- Ann Schnitz, Co-Pres. - It's About Time, Vice Chair - JD Memorial Peace Cloth, February 2003

"The warmth of the sun shines throughout Canyon's vision of the Denver song..." -- Children's Literature

It just makes sense - John Denver and kids! -- Vince Gill, February 2003

Winner of the 2004 Publisher's Marketing Association Benjamin Franklin Gold Award (Children's Picture Book category) --

About the Author
(Illustrator) As a child, Christopher Canyon was deeply touched by John Denver. "John's songs gave me hope, joy, and an unbounded belief in possibilities," he says. "Sunshine On My Shoulders is a beautiful, moving song of giving, sharing and appreciation. I feel the most powerful aspect of the song is its pure sincerity." Christopher is an award-winning artist, musician and performer dedicated to sharing the joy and importance of the arts with children, educators and families. Two of his previous books for Dawn Publications, The Tree in the Ancient Forest and Stickeen, have won the Benjamin Franklin Award as best illustrated children's picture book of the year.

Customer Reviews

A rapturous experience meant to be shared
John Denver's Sunshine On My Shoulders presents a picture book version of the hit song by John Denver enhanced with and adapted text and brilliant color illustrations by Christopher Canyon. The charming story presents the adventures of a young girl enjoying the outside world and the thrill of life. A rapturous experience meant to be shared between young and old, John Denver's Sunshine On My Shoulders is a inventive and charming tribute to a fondly memorable tune.

exceptional
When I first heard of this project, which had John Denver's blessing before his death, I was excited, but unsure that any illustrator could do justice to John's songs. Christopher Canyon has perfectly incorporated the love of children and of nature that John Denver shared in his music. Now I'm looking forward to all the books in this series. Great work, Dawn Publications.I was so overwhelmed by the copies I'd bought for my grandchildren, I turned around and bought one for my friend who, like me, remembers John Denver's lessons daily, and misses his voice always...

Caldecott Material
"Sunshine on my Shoulders" is a beautiful song of the seventies which has been captured perfectly by Christopher Canyon's bright and warm illustrations. One can feel the sun bathing the two characters as they enjoy a summer afternoon. I have been a fan of Canyon's nature illustrations, but "Sunshine" is by far his best effort yet. Members of the Caldecott commitee should take notice.