Inspired by Nature
Photos by Bruce Malnor
Photos Inspired by Nature

Join Dawn Publications on these social networks:
twitter facebook flickr youtube
Sunshine On My Shoulders

Author: John Denver
Illustrator: Christopher Canyon

Retail Price:Paperback • $8.95 | Hardback • $19.95 | Board • $7.95
Web Only Price:Paperback • $8.05 | Hardback • $17.95 | Board • $7.15

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.

Order Sunshine on my Shoulders

Book Details

Awards
  • National Parenting Publication Honors Award
  • Benjamin Franklin Gold Award
  • ABA Book Sense Selection
Reviews
It just makes sense – John Denver and kids! I remember when I was a kid, I was so taken with his songs. I’ve had the opportunity to perform Sunshine On My Shoulders several times recently and its something I’ve really enjoyed.

— Vince Gill


Celebrate a beautiful summer day by singing this much loved John Denver song to your child while looking at the luminous pictures. The brilliant artwork will have you reaching for your sunglasses as you follow the little girl swinging, singing, and canoeing through the sunshine and flowers. Pay attention to the sweet cat who goes everywhere with her.

The gentle, loving words, written in gold-glit, seem to dance across the pages of this award-winning book. For the musically inclined, the score is printed inside the covers of the paperback edition. For the rest of us, the hardback edition features John Denver’s song on an enclosed CD. At the back of the book is a tribute to the musician. The Nevada City publisher plans a series of picture book adaptations o John Denver’s songs. Based on this first one, no one could do it better.

— California Kids! – Connie Goldsmith (July 2004)


Christopher Canyon exuberantly illustrates the late singer-songwriter’s classic 1974 hit. Denver’s lyrics bounce around a fuzzy-brown-haired girl frolicking in a palette of golden yellows. Canyon’s paintings beam with the warmth of the sun.

— Mothering Magazine (April 2004)

[Read more reviews]

Reader Comments

Help others discover Dawn Publications books, authors and illustrators by sharing your experiences and thoughts.

Leave a comment

© 2009 Dawn Publications
"Connecting Children and Nature Since 1979"
1-800-545-7475
Hoffman's Two-toed Sloth from The Forever Forest by Kristin Joy Pratt-Serafini.