cover image My Symphony

My Symphony

Mary Engelbreit, W. H. Channing. Andrews McMeel Publishing, $14.95 (48pp) ISBN 978-0-8362-3674-3

Engelbreit (The Snow Queen), whose intricately bordered greeting cards and gift items fuel a cottage industry with a loyal following, here puts her artistic hand to Channing's 19th-century poem about living out one's personal potential. ""To live content with small means,/ To seek elegance rather than luxury,"" begins the verse that celebrates peaceful, spiritual simplicity. Engelbreit's subjects run the gamut, from the magical (candy-colored elves, fairies and winking stars) to more down-to-earth human characters, sporting her signature brightly appliqued dresses and Mary Janes. Fans of her style will be tickled at the advent of this perfect-for-gift-giving volume, rather like a greeting card in book form. Those unfamiliar with the artist's work may find much to ponder in Channing's inspirational words. All ages. (Nov.)