Over and Over

by Charlotte Zolotow, Garth Williams

‘The year’s seasonal changes and festivities that are important in a little child’s life are imaginatively [described]. . . . The story ends with the happy realization that it will all come round ‘over and over’ again.’ —H.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Summer, Autumn, Fiction, Christmas, Thanksgiving

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1957

About the author

Charlotte Zolotow was a distinguished American writer, editor, and publisher who made a lasting mark on children's literature. Over her career, she authored around 70 picture book texts and edited works by prominent writers including Paul Zindel, Robert Lipsyte, and Francesca Lia Block. Born in Norfolk, Virginia, she studied writing at the University of Wisconsin Madison and later joined Harper & Bros in New York, where she worked her way up from secretary to publisher. Her own books were published by over 20 houses, and she became known for her poetic and emotionally insightful texts. Zolotow’s most celebrated works include When the Wind Stops, William’s Doll, and River Winding. Her story "Enemies" was featured in The Big Book for Peace alongside other notable authors. She lived for many years in Hastings-on-Hudson, New York. Her legacy endures not only through her own writing but also through the Charlotte Zolotow Award, established in 1998 to honor outstanding picture book texts. Her contributions helped shape modern children's literature with sensitivity, elegance, and enduring relevance.

Reviews

[Hilary]

When the story starts, a little girl is 3 yrs old. She's not sure about days of the week or seasons but as we follow her year she experiences the seasons and learns what comes next. We end at her fourth birthday when she makes the realisation that it will all come round again which is the beautiful and reassuring thing about seasons.

The illustrations are beautiful, a illustrator I will look out for.

Read on open library

[Gina House]

Beautiful, seasonal and so sweet!!

This children’s book has been on my wish list for sooo long! I finally found a lovely hardcover edition (with dust jacket) at Chamblin’s Uptown in Jacksonville, Florida. It’s such a fun and interesting used bookstore 😍

I love that Over and Over celebrates mostly every season of the year (for the US, anyway). With its gorgeous full color illustrations by Garth Williams, it’s a must have for any book lover’s children’s book collection.

I’m totally in love with this book and I plan or reading it every New Year’s Day! Highly recommended for both the story and illustrations!

[Dianna]

A little girl learns to recognize the yearly rhythm of seasons and holidays. Amazing illustrations by Garth Williams—definitely worth checking out!

[Kara]

My favorite childhood picture book. Absolutely stunning illustrations. An odd, bittersweet story of a little girl's obsession with holidays.

[Laura Harrison]

The author and illustrator are at their very best here. One of my all time favorite picture books.

[Katie Fitzgerald]

This poignant book about the rhythms of the year as understood from the point of view of a young child is one of Zolotow's best. My two year old loves it and asks to have it read over and over presumably so that she can figure out how the pattern of her own life matches the one of the girl in the story. This is a great way to introduce the concepts of time, seasons, and holidays even before kids are ready to use a calendar.

[DivaDiane SM]

Another American Library in Paris find. I had found out the day before that this author had passed away and although I'd never heard of her, her passing was mourned by authors I greatly respect and enjoy. So, I went in search of some of her many many children's picture books. And I found many. One of them, William's Doll, I *did* actually know, but from the record/movie "Free to be...you and me" by Marlo Thomas. I never knew who wrote this book - now I do. This particular one is my son's favorite from this week's stash. We've read it over and over.

[Rosa Cline]

a little girl doesn't understand the consept of the seasons or of the days of the week, or the months of the year. So her mother helps her to understand them a little at a time as they happen during the year. The little girl is so excited as each season something exciting happens, Valentines' Day, Thanksgiving Day, etc. And especially her birthday! And then it starts back over again! Beautiful illustrations.

[Lindsey]

My mom used to read this to me when I was really young. She might have liked it even more than I did. Of course since this was before I could read, I never realized that Garth Williams the illustrator for Laura Ingalls Wilder's and E.B. White's books did these too.

[Maya Ganguly]

One of my favorite books growing up, this chronicles the first year that a little girl comprehends holidays and seasons. Its beautifully illustrated and written. I was read this many times and come to think of it I probably learned to read while reading this book.

[Cara Byrne]

Dedicated to Ursula Nordstrom, this book feels its age, though is so lovely in its timelessness as well. My preschooler and I enjoyed reading this out-of-print book about seasons changing slowly learning about time through experiencing holidays like Easter, Christmas, and Valentine's Day.

[Lisbeth Solberg]

This sweet book was Lucie's birthday present when she turned 3.

[Cana]

Mommy says: very sweet book about a little girl just starting to remember the seasons and celebrations that make up the year.

[Beth]

The little girl didn’t understand days of the week, months or seasons. Her birthday wish of things happening over again takes place every year.

[Jean]

Describes the passing of the seasons through a child's perspective of the associated holidays. Dated, but a favorite of my daughter's.

[Tina]

One of my favorite books when I was growing up

[Heather]

My children love this book about the months of the year and holidays. Beautiful illustrations.

[Kirsten]

A beautiful book about seasons & holidays.

[Michael Fitzgerald]

Kind of mundane.

[Paige]

A beautifully told story of a little girl learning about the holidays and seasons. Garth Williams' illustrations are classic.

[ShanLandis]

Check out my review at: http://www.shannonsbookbag.blogspot.c...

[Kelly]

A little girl, too young to know seasons, dates, and months does know that special days happen at different times of the year. Beautiful illustrations and sweet story.

[Lani]

One of my childhood favorites

[Marilyn]

Holidays!

[Katherine]

Gorgeous classic illustration by Garth Williams accompany the story of very young girl experiencing seasons & holidays. A beautiful way to introduce the passing of time to a young child. Lovely.

[Marjorie]

Definitely need this as a fixture for any child’s library. Quaint illustrations depict a three year old girl joyously experiencing the holidays. My toddler liked to guess which one was coming next. The author perfectly captures a child’s giddy anticipation for figuring out the rhythms of traditions.

[Debby]

Little girl discovers the various holidays in a year with emphasis on gifts received at each holiday.

Pictures are color and very good.

[Ammie]

This has now moved to my "Seasons and Holiday" shelf. What a sweet little story.

[Shari]

Gorgeous illustrations to such a lovely and sweet story!

[Cathie Maud]

So charming and the best book I’ve found to teach little kiddies the cyclical nature of seasons and holidays.