The Springs Of Joy

by Tasha Tudor

A collection of Tudor's signature watercolors, complete with images from her childhood home, are complemented by inspirational quotations culled from the words of Shakespeare, Mark Twain, Mother Goose, and others.

Genres: Picture Books, Art, Poetry, Inspirational, Childrens, Fiction

64 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1979

About the author

Tasha Tudor was an American illustrator and author of children's books.

Reviews

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five stars all around. Mix some of the greatest verse writers with one of the best illiterators and you get this magical book.

[Melody Schwarting · Rating 4 out of 5]

This feels a little like Tudor's commonplace book, a collection of her favorite quotations accompanied by illustrations. (There's a tricolor corgi in this one! Huzzah!) I don't know how it would work as a read-aloud, but I still love it, and think children who enjoy picture books on their own would love it.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a lifelong Tasha Tudor fan...Her art inspires memories of my grandma, of peaceful days, of charming scenes.

[Judy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is sure to be a treat for all fans of Tasha Tudor. I found myself spending more time looking at the art than reading the quoted passages. My favorite quotes have to do with dreams, nature, reading, and animals.

The last quote is from Mother Goose:

Good, better, best;
Never rest
Till "good" be "better"
And "better" "best."

I'm familiar with that verse (my sister and I used to chant it), but I didn't know it was from Mother Goose. And this isn't the exact wording we learned, but it's close.

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the foreword of the book:

"Joy and peace are a state of mind, easy for some to come by, difficult for others. This book pictures a few of the things that have brought, and still do bring, intense joy to me.

"This is not a storybook--it has no particular beginning, no end, and definitely no message. It is merely a statement of delight, drawn from memory past and present.

"May it bring you as much happiness in perusing its pictures as it has given me in setting them down.

"The pictures are my own, the quotations are 'other men's flowers.'"

~Tasha Tudor
Corgi Cottage, 1979

This book did just as Ms. Tudor hoped, gave me joy as I read the words she found meaning in, and delight in the watercolors she painted. What a lovely, lovely book!

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tasha Tudor's magical worldview is expressed perfectly in this book of poems and quotes from famous authors like Emerson, Clements and Thoreau. Step back into a simpler life through Tudor's illustrations. Explore a forest stream, play with Corgis and relax in a meadow through her enchanting artwork.

[Marta E C R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well. My intention with this book was to read it and give it away. It was a gift from my parents-in-law to my mother-in-law’s father on April 21, 1980 (his birthday, I believe). Three out of four of these people have now died, and the one still living is close to 95 years old. So much for intentions. This is a lovely, lovely book, filled with inspiring quotes and beautiful illustrations. I had some issues with the illustrations, in terms of not including people of color. But when I read the description of the illustrator at the end, I understood that she was using her own family as the people in the illustrations, even herself in spots. “Friends look through a new book as through a family album.” I just can’t give this gem away, and now I want to read it again! So I just might.

[Luisa Knight · Rating 3 out of 5]

As always, exquisite illustrations from Tudor and this time coupled with quotes of inspiration from various sources.

Ages: 7+

Cleanliness: one naked child/fairy is pictured.

**Like my reviews? I also have hundreds of detailed reports that I offer too. These reports give a complete break-down of everything in the book, so you'll know just how clean it is or isn't. I also have Clean Guides (downloadable PDFs) which enable you to clean up your book before reading it!

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[Catalina Bilandzija · Rating 5 out of 5]

i asked my brother to pick me a picture book from my grandmas closet.
i’m trying to get to 50 books.
i think there is a need to pay more attention to picture books as we grow. they often teach us the simplest lessons we forget, in the simplest of words, surrounded by the beauty of drawings.
i’ve always circled back to picture books when i’ve felt lost, nostalgic, or bored.
they always offer me something.
so much in fact.
i think i’ll make a blog post about this.
t’il then,
goodnight 2023.

[Gina House · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5🌟 A very lovely book full of beautifully painted, colorful illustrations and inspiring quotes. I was surprised at the large size of the book, but I was happy to have the artwork more accessible to my eyes.

Every piece of Tasha Tudor’s art made me smile or touched my heart in some way. I liked some of the quotes more than others, but overall, it was a comforting and uplifting book to read through. I’m very happy to have it in my collection.

[Krista · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeous illustrations depicting magical child hood scenes.
This book is full of quotes from well known and loved authors.
Most of the quotes are deep and thought provoking. They prob would be better appreciated by adults vs children.

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars for the quotes, 5 for the illustrations

[Lauren]

Such a lovely collection of quotes and artwork. Charming!

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely beautiful! I just bought this today at a book fair and it's a 1st edition. Just beautiful

[ThePinkCarrot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Tasha Tudor! Cute illustrations with quotes. This is not a story book.

[Eilidh]

Tasha Tudor illustrates a collection of quotes relating to things which bring her joy.

[Siskiyou-Suzy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a lovely little book. I do like Tasha Tudor's artwork, but I find the way she talks about her old-worldliness a little obnoxious. Though I admit to, while reading it, starting to feel a bit panicky thinking about how terrifying it must be to try to help children navigate the world of smartphones. I appreciate how relatively technology-free my preschool is because I have no idea how to teach healthy screentime habits, as I don't think I've ever had them myself. Anyway.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a nicely illustrated book with verses from famous works. I feel it is more of a children's book that is actually meant for adults, as most of the verses are the sort (Wordsworth and Thorough) that will go over the head of most small youngsters. It is a good introduction to famous writers, though.

[Nissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is filled to overflowing with sweetness. I look forward to each child's turn to curl up in the sofa with me and this book.

As always, Ms. Tudor captures so much in just a few skillfully drawn lines.

[Mariela Patino · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful poetry book. There are many inspirational quotes that are sure to bring joy to anyone. The wording on some of the poems and quotes can be confusing to young children, however I believe it is a great book for children attending middle school.

[Jailynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I wrote and illustrated a book it would look a lot like this.

[Mary Catelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

A collection of quotations, with her charming illustrations.

[Mckinley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short quotes from others with illustrations.