Words to My Life's Song
Review posted October 19, 2026.
Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2009. 58 pages.
Review written September 23, 2026, from a library book.
Starred Review
What a beautiful book!
At the library, we don't hold onto a lot of nonfiction books that are 17 years old. They are usually out of date and getting worn. So I was surprised when someone flagged this book as something we needed more copies of - and that it was listed as Essential for library collections in the Wilson Core data base we use to check things like that. Once I decided they were right, and we probably should get more copies, I was also surprised that the book is still in print. I am familiar with some of Ashley Bryan's books, so I decided I needed to take a look at this one, too.
In this book, Ashley Bryan tells the story of his life, and how he grew up making art. On the lefthand pages, he walks the reader through the island in Maine where he makes his home now (well, in 2009), with photographs of the beautiful surroundings. On the righthand pages, he tells about how he got his start and then progressed as an artist. Plenty of photographs for that, too.
This isn't a strict division - the book is beautifully designed with lots of variety. Often there are full spreads of artwork, and sometimes the present and past switch sides or one takes up more space than the other.
The result is that this book is inspiring to read and gorgeous to gaze through. His work encompassed many different styles during his life, and we see the whole range in this book, as well as the story of how he started that type of art. Between the bright colors in his art and the beautiful photos of ocean and flowers on the island, this book is full of bright beauty.
The way he finishes the main text encapsulates his work:
I love encouraging children and adults to make art almost as much as I love making art myself. Teaching art began early for me. I was in my teens when the church I attended gave me the room and materials for art classes, saying, "You have a talent. Share your gifts with others."
And I have tried to do so ever since!
Please check this book out of the library, so we won't be tempted to discard it for lack of interest! There are some new copies waiting for you.