Book/Film Record
Images
Metadata
Title |
Song of the Swallows |
Object Name |
Book |
Catalog Number |
BK7 |
School Site # |
2233 |
School Name |
Atwater Avenue Elementary |
Summary |
The book is a first edition, with illustrations by Leo Politi. Flyleaf page has a hand-written inscription that reads: "To Atwater Avenue School Library with affection Leo Politi 1962". Song of the Swallows, which won the Caldecott Medal when it was first published in 1948, was written and illustrated by Leo Politi, one of Los Angeles's most beloved artists. It tells the famous story of the yearly return of the swallows to the Mission San Juan Capistrano through the eyes of a small child. Julian, the bell ringer of the Mission, tells Juan, a young boy who also lives at the Mission, the story of the swallows and how, without anyone really knowing why or how, they return each year from their winter home in South America to San Juan Capistrano in California. Thrilled by the story, Juan makes his own small garden in the hope that at least one family of swallows will nest there when they return. This delightful book includes the music and lyrics for "La Golondrina," a song about the swallows that Politi composed himself. With Spanish phrases sprinkled throughout the story, the book provides an introduction for young children to California's centuries-old Latino heritage and Mission culture. Ages six and up. Leo Politi wrote and illustrated dozens of children's books, many of which are set in the Latino communities of Southern California. "Politi published over twenty children’s books, including his most famous work, Song of the Swallows, winner of the 1950 Caldecott Medal for ‘most distinguished American picture book for children.’ His books are celebrated for their cultural diversity, historical depictions of Los Angeles, and Politi’s unique ability to depict the playful curiosity of childhood." —Tina Princenthal, Los Angeles Public Library Blog 32 pages This Caldecott Medal winning book does not follow the Charles Scribner’s normal practice of an ‘A’ on the first edition. Combined Title/Copyright page: Two Lines, as follows: Charles Scribner’s Sons – New York 1949 Copyright 1949 Charles Scribner’s Sons – Printed in the United States of America Important Note: The true first edition includes the above two lines in the title page illustration, and does not have a text line below it indicating a 1948 copyright! Later copies have an additional typeset line below the illustrated copyright line stating "Copyright, 1948, Leo Politi". |
Author |
Politi, Leo |
Published Date |
1962 |
Physical Description |
12-1/2"h x 9-1/2"w (actual) Materials Medium: Black ink on paper |
Relation |
Show Related Records... |