It originated as a lullaby that was sung by an African American slave to her baby that she couldn't take care of because she had to care for the master's child. It makes the song more sad and haunting.
We had this book before I had ever heard the traditional folk lullaby. Susan Jeffers does a beautiful job with the illustrations.
Susan Jeffers 1987
I love Susan Jeffers' art! I'll be featuring her on one of my "Illustrator Tuesdays" posts very soon. I'm writing you a long, long letter. Should be mailed by the weekend. Hugs! :)
ReplyDeleteI'm in the middle of reorganizing our books right now (a Herculean task I assure you!) and came across a few more Jeffers. She's a great illustrator. I hope you're doing well (and busy sewing, I expect!)
ReplyDeleteThis was originally published in 1974. I still have mine from when I was a kid. It started my horse obsession.
ReplyDelete