To Go Singing Through the World : The Childhood of Pablo Neruda

by Deborah Kogan Ray

• ISBN13: 9780374376277
• ISBN10: 0374376271
• Format: Trade Book
• Copyright: 2006-10-31
• Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)

Summary

Pablo Neruda grew up in the rough and wild frontier town of Temuco, Chile. His father was a railroad man and not inclined to draw out the introspective boy. However, his stepmother, descended from the Mapuche people, was gentle and nurturing and told him stories of Chile's native people. But in her husband's presence, she was as silent as Pablo. So the child found refuge in nature and in books. And secretly he wrote down his thoughts. With the encouragement of Gabriela Mistral, an award-winning poet, teacher, and friend, Neruda's writing grew resonant and powerful. At age sixteen he left Temuco for the university in Santiago and went on to become the "people's poet" and to win the Nobel Prize in Literature. Blending her telling of Neruda's childhood with excerpts from his own poetry and prose, Ms. Ray captures the people and places that inspired him in her rich watercolor illustrations.

Author Biography

DEBORAH KOGAN RAY is the author and illustrator of several acclaimed children’s books, including The Flower Hunter: William Bartram, America’s First Naturalist, an NSTA–CBC Outstanding Science Trade Book for Children. She lives in Wyndmoor, Pennsylvania.

Table of Contents

"Though young readers will be unfamiliar with the subject, relatable and sympathetic details about his boyhood will pique their interest and inspire them." --Starred, Kirkus Reviews

 

"The evocative art captures both the activity of the developing town and the tranquility of nature.  An excellent introduction to the human face of poetry."  --School Library Journal

 

"Powerful."  --Booklist

 

“Children are naturally attracted to childhood biographies of famous people.  This one is outstanding.”—Multicultural Review, Spring 2007