I opened Mommy Goose's Appalachian Melodies out of curiosity, intending to browse, and ended up reading every word, appreciating every picture. This is a book full of fine storytelling, colorful characters, lively wordplay, good sense, and pure fun. The book takes the reader on a delightful journey, all accompanied by Minnie Adkins's whimsical, colorful carvings. Appalachian Melodies is an American and Appalachian original.
~Gurney Norman, author of Kinfolks, Allegiance, Divine Rights Trip, Kentucky Writers Hall of Fame member
Appalachian Melodies is the latest of several collaborations Mike and Minnie have done. Rather than being a mere 'addition' to the series, this work expands and deepens the reach of previous efforts, making the case—without preaching—that all life is local, if it is to be richly lived. We belong to each other—there's no 'us' and 'them.' Here is a lovely and enchanting book that children and parents will want in their homes, their schools, and their local libraries.
~Maurice Manning, author of Snakedoctor and finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry
Norris's words are as satisfying, salty, and sweet as that kettle corn we got at the craft fair last October, and Adkins's carvings charm the bark off the tree. Appalachian Melodies is homegrown enchantment. Run and buy it. It drips with delight.
~Robert Gipe, author of Pop: An Illustrated Novel and winner of the Weatherford Award for Appalachian Fiction
Appalachian Melodies sings! Minnie Adkins's carvings dance! Another gem in the series—keep 'em coming!
~T. Crunk, poet, children's book author, and winner of the Yale Younger Poets Prize for Living in the Resurrection
Bright, original, alive / a book in which to dive — Appalachian Melodies delights / children and adults alike.
~Katerina Stoykova, author of Between a Bird Cage and a Bird House
Rhyme has long been out of fashion in both poetry and children's books. And wood carving, a traditional art form, is no longer widely practiced. Fortunately for us, both Norris and Adkins have had the courage to follow their own instincts and talents and to stay at their art and craft over the long haul. The work of these two mature and practiced Kentucky artists culminates beautifully in Appalachian Melodies. Readers and listeners of all ages will find so much to delight in here that they may not notice how much they are learning about language and about life.
~Anne Shelby, author of The Adventures of Molly Whuppie and Other Appalachian Folktales
Mommy Goose's Appalachian Melodies is a children's book and an adult's book simultaneously. It's part story, part poetry, steeped in whimsy and imagination while sticking to the realities, the humor, the richness of Appalachian life. We relish, we celebrate, another combination of art and language that will delight readers of all ages. I just love it! The mixture of Mike's voice and Minnie's art is pure magic. They've done it again!
~Crystal Wilkinson, former Kentucky Poet Laureate and author of Praisesong for the Kitchen Ghosts
