Sparkle and Spin: A Book About Words

I'm totally smitten with this book and I plan on getting more reprints by the Rands. My son is about 8 months now and certainly doesn't understand the meaning behind this book but it still keeps him entertained (as well as myself!). He draws his hands around the illustrations and is content while listening to what I am reading. I read this so often that I think he recognizes it when I pull it out!The illustrations are wonderful and I absolutely love the midcentury modern aesthetic. The words are poetic but I feel that they can still be understood by young children. I've read it to a 4 year old and she had a lot of questions as I read but I think that is what makes this book great! How can a book that tries to articulate the word tintinnabulate not be a good book!I am not sure about the original, but this book has glitter on the front of the book. This is my only complaint. I have never been a fan of glitter because I'll find it on my clothing and skin for days after. I think they took the term "sparkle" too literally when they designed the cover of the book. Really, this is just a minor complaint though. It will never keep me from reading this book to my son almost every evening!I can't wait until my son is old enough to understand the words in this book because I think he will love it even more!

I'm oscillating wildly between giving it 5 stars and giving it 2. 3 seemed like a nice compromise :)This is a book about... words and poetry, but not really. (I'm aware that's clear as mud, but bear with me here.) The author is seeking, I think, to define language and ideas without actually giving definitions. As an example, the first page runs:What are words?Words are how what you think insidecomes outand how to remember what you mightforget about.The book goes on like this until the end. And honestly, I'm not sure if I like it or not. The author has a gift of putting together language in a way that's friendly and makes the whole concept of "language" clear... but I'm not sure if she goes above the head of her audience or, conversely, is well too easy for them!The illustrations are cheerfully retro (well, they were modern when this was first in print), no complaints there.Check this book out of the library before you buy it. And you know what? If you like it, try Margaret Wise Brown's The Important Book. These two have similar styles.

Sparkle and Spin is my favorite childhood book. My mother was given this book in the late 50's and I found it in her bookcase in the late 80's when I was probably about the same age as she was when she received it from an uncle. I thought the book was magical. I loved the words. I loved that it was difficult to read and the rhymes weren't predictable. The illustrations were unlike anything I was seeing at the time. This book was radical compared to all my other books that seemed mainstream and I loved that no one else knew about it. Kids today have more access to a wider variety of visuals so I don't know how it would affect them, but the book transformed my way of thinking about what was art and what was poetry. I love to get it as a gift for people.

Really gorgeous illustrations from the inimitable Paul Rand. Cute story, too - kind of plays with language and concepts in a very creative way. Teaches verbs and prepositions in the process, too. I bought it used and the condition was excellent and for only $3.99.

My wife is an Art Director by trade. She was thrilled to find this book, as Paul Rand is one of her all time favorite designers. While we have original prints, we got this for our Niece and Nephews to bring a little fine, classic design into their lives. Gotta start 'em young!

The illustrations are a wonderful way to expose young readers to the power of simple abstract imagery. If you love Paul Rand it's a must have. If you don't know who Paul Rand is, this will start you on your way to admiring one of the most influential graphic designers of all time.

Even though my daughter isn't old enough to read the book, she still enjoys the pictures. Beautifully illustrated. The story itself however, isn't terribly interesting.

My daughter is three. I'm sure she doesn't understand everything about the book but she loves it. She loves the words Sparkle and Spin. She loves repeating the phrase, "The day is fine the sun will shine!" It is a really wonderful book with outstanding illustrations.

Lovely illustrations my little one will have to wait to enjoy it as she will currently just rip the pages.

Lovely book. I am 31, no children. I simply wanted this book for myself as I am currently studying for a graphic design degree and admire Paul Rands work and his illustrations.

Lovely hardcover kids book- makes a great gift for toddlers or kids beginning to read and exploring sounds. Nice graphics.

graphic is great, story not so much

Not as bright as an original I saw before purchasing. The book is printed in China and this was not made clear when I bought it. Also I bought it as a Xmas present so I was embarrassed as well! :(