Upbeat, funny and irresistibly singable, John Denver’s rendition of Grandma’s Feather Bed is a delight for everyone, young and old alike. Add high-spirited illustrations – complete with the piggy in the bed – and it becomes a doubly memorable experience. In a newly released picture book with CD, illustrator Christopher Canyon captures the wild exuberance of a childhood visit to Grandma’s house, while John’s famous song projects a happy simplicity and wholesomeness. Adults who first fell in love with this song in their youth can now happily share it with their own children and grandchildren.
Grandma’s Feather Bed was written by Jim Connor and adapted by John Denver. Jim is a renowned banjo player with whom John enjoyed a 34-year friendship. When John first heard the song, he said it reminded him of good times with his paternal Grandma and Grandpa, who had eleven children, ten of them boys.
John said, “I remember the old family farm in Oklahoma, a bed full of kids and so many quilts on top of us that we couldn’t move. I remember all of the family around the kitchen table and rooms filled with laughter and climbing through the rafters in the attic. . . . All of that and more is captured in this song.”
As a child, Christopher Canyon wad deeply touched by John Denver’s music. “John’s songs gave me hope, joy and an unbounded belief in possibilities,” he says. Christopher is an award-winning artist, musician and performer from Columbus, Ohio, dedicated to sharing the importance of the arts with children, educators and families.
— Entro – The Mom’s Choice Awards Magazine (Spring 2008)
Christopher Canyon’s adaptation of Grandma’s Feather Bed provides a brightly illustrated version of one of John Denver’s favorite songs. It features wide-eyed children enjoying a visit to Grandma’s and her overstuffed feather bed, in particular.
— Carolina Parent (November 2007)
Another release by Dawn Publications is John Denver’s Grandma’s Feather Bed, adapted and illustrated by Christopher Canyon. It’s the fourth in the publisher’s “John Denver and Kids Series.” The series is a fitting tribute to Denver, a humanitarian and environmentalist who advocated passionately for his causes.
— The Westfield Leader – Marylou Morano (Nov. 1, 2007)
We love the songs of John Denver. We’ve never heard of this book before and we love it. We’ve listened to the song many times and the illustrations were great. Once we read the book once, we’d go back and look for the pig or the kids or images that we really liked. It made it fun. The we’d put in the CD and listed to the song as we’d turn the page.
— iParenting Media Awards – Reviewer comments (November 2007)
My son took to this book right away. After reading the story first, we were both very excited to find the CD at the back of the book. Since then, he has asked me to play the song over and over again – I just put it on and repeat! I think it is the rhythm of the prose that appeals to him. I also think he finds the characters interesting as they are so different from his own family.
— iParenting Media Awards – Reviewer comments (November 2007)
Having a CD to play the song is fun for the kids. My favorite thing about this book is the pictures. There is a lot going on and so much to talk about in each picture. The characters and animals are so cute. They are so unlike any characters in the other books I have that we read. It is so much fun to have a book that is so different and not so “run of the mill.” And I like that the CD envelope is attached to the back of the book and with the hard cover provides protection and avoids misplacing the CD.
— iParenting Media Awards – Reviewer comments (November 2007)
Although Jim Connor wrote the song, “Grandma’s Feather Bed,” John Denver was the one to popularize it. So it is John Denver’s interpretation of the song that graces the pages of Christopher Canyon’s book. The illustrations are hilarious and each page holds a wealth of hidden humor. Aunt Lou’s kiss alone is worth a look! The lyrics are a little strained and do not always rhyme but this is not the charm of the book. It is the theme of looking back at the fun times of childhood and remembering those good times that is the focus of the story. While the lyrics and sheet music are included, as well as information on Jim Connor, John Denver and Christopher Canyon, this title would get more play in the picture book section than the non-fiction section. This is the fourth title in the John Denver & Kids Book Series.
— New Jersey State Library Assoc. – Audra Osorio (December 2007)
John Denver’s Grandma’s Feather Bed is a softcover children’s picture book based on the famous song by Jim Connor and “adopted” by popular musician John Denver. Exuberantly illustrated by Christopher Canyon, John Denver’s Grandma’s Feather Bed” brings a classic ditty about family fun and togetherness to life. “When I was a little bitty boy / just up off the floor, / we used to go out to Grandma’s house / every month-end or so. / We’d have chicken pie and country ham / and homemade butter on the bread, / but the best darn thing about / Grandma’s house was her /great big feather bed!” The last pages offer more information about the people who created the song, as well as a musical score for the tune. An especial treat for young and old John Denver fans to share together.
— Midwest Book Review (December 2007)
This delightful song simply jumps into life with Canyon’s vivacious drawings. The CD is a fabulous bonus. “It just makes sense – John Denver and kids.” – Vince Gill
— Appalachian Heritage (Winter 2008)
John Denver remembers the old family farm in Oklahoma. It has a bed full of kids and many quilts to keep the kids warm. He remembers the kitchen table and rooms filled with laughter and climbing through the rafters in the attic. John loved the house on Oklahoma. Go on a journey with John as he goes to visit with his Grandparents. This book and the CD of the song tells you about the trip. Children will enjoy looking at this book and listening to the CD.
The words were written by Jim Connor, the renowned banjo player with whom John enjoyed a 34-year friendship. John and Jim often performed the song together on stage. When John first heard the song, he said it reminded him of good times with his paternal grandparents. “Grandma’s Feather Bed” is the fourth book in the “John Denver and Kids” series he has illustrated.
— The Nashville News – Mary Barrett (Jan. 2008)
This nostalgic story going to bring back many childhood memories, especially for adults: chicken pie, country ham and homemade butter and a great big feather bed. I feel that children will enjoy the story and humorous illustrations; but especially if someone will sing the lyrics to them. The music is by John Denver is included at the end of the story. Some editions even include a CD. The story has some rhyme and repetition. The people in the illustrations have exaggerated features such as pop-eyes. The illustrations are very large and colorful and will definitely appeal to the intended audience of preschoolers. Also, the text is quite large and there are many double-page spreads. At the end of the story, there is a page of information on John Denver and the origin of the ballad “Grandma’s Feather Bed.” This is a story that will entertain all ages.
— Catholic Library World – Mary Ryan (December 2008)
