Spring Song (Illustrated): An Enchanting Children's Edition of Paul Laurence Dunbar's Classic Poem

Celebrate the beauty of spring with a classic American poem brought to life for young children.

This illustrated edition of Paul Laurence Dunbar's "Spring Song" features:

• 15 original, full-color watercolor and acrylic paintings
• Kid-friendly layout designed to engage young readers
• An early introduction to classic poetry and original art
• Eye-catching illustrations kids will love, including bunnies, butterflies, birds, and flowers
• List of artwork titles and media

"Spring Song" by Paul Laurence Dunbar (1872-1906) captures the joy, wonder, and beauty of the changing season. The third book in the Art and Verse picture book series, this illustrated children's edition pairs Dunbar's lyrical poem with vibrant original artwork designed to delight and inspire children ages 4-8.

Invite young kids to discover the wonders of spring, as blooming flowers, green landscapes, busy hummingbirds, and fluttering butterflies jump off the page.

Paul Laurence Dunbar is one of America's most celebrated Black poets, known for his melodic language and vivid imagery. This beautifully illustrated edition offers a gentle and accessible way for children to experience one of his most treasured poems.

Inspire the young, aspiring artists and poets in your life with this delightful picture book, perfect for:

• Storytime and seasonal displays
• Bedtime and quiet reading at home
• Introduction to classic poetry and original art
• Classroom and homeschool libraries

"Spring Song" is in the public domain of the United States.

Paul Laurence Dunbar was born in Kentucky on June 27, 1872, to two formerly enslaved people and found his love of writing early in life. While living with his widowed mother in Ohio, Dunbar was the only Black student in his high school class, where he was friends with future co-inventor of the airplane, Orville Wright.

By the time he graduated, Dunbar was already a published poet, having his work printed in the Dayton Herald.While working odd jobs after high school, Dunbar became a prolific writer and continued to publish his work, much of which was in the dialect style that later made him famous.

As his writings became more well known, he self published his first book of poems in 1893, titled "Oak and Ivy." Through influential partnerships, Dunbar's second poetry book, "Major and Minors" was published by Hadley & Hadley, cementing his importance as a voice for the Black community at that critical point in history.

His acclaimed book of poems titled "Lyrics of Lowly Life" was published in 1896. His highly regarded poem "Sympathy" first appeared in the 1899 collection titled "Lyrics of the Hearthside," and featured the line, "I know why the caged bird sings," a phrase made iconic by fellow poet Maya Angelo when she used it as the title of her autobiography.

After contracting tuberculosis and other illnesses near the turn of the century, Dunbar continued to publish poetry books, short stories, novels, and other works. He died February 9, 1906, at age 33.Overall, Dunbar's body of work is considered a valuable and significant representation of Black life in the turn-of-the-century United States.