The fledgling publishing house Daronnes has released its first children's book after a dozen or so titles ranging from poetic tales to plays, novels, and essays. It's a success. Indeed, this charming little children's book is a must-have for everyone, young and old. For children, it's a chance to learn to sing along with adults at demonstrations, blockades, or strikes. For adults, it's a chance to (re)discover the great classics of songs that have marked the history of revolutions, revolts, and major strikes.
From the Paris Commune with its famous "Le Temps des cerises" (The Time of Cherries) to "On lâche rien" (We Won't Give Up) by the rapper HK, or a revisited version of "L'Hymne des femmes" (The Women's Anthem), by way of "The Internationale" or "Le Chant des partisans" (The Song of the Partisans) of the French Resistance, and even a few words of Italian with the famous "Bella Ciao." There's something for everyone.
A double-page spread is dedicated to the history of these songs, featuring beautiful illustrations that accurately depict both the song and the historical period. Each illustration is accompanied by an anecdote to help you learn more about these significant moments in history.
If you're not paying attention, a short quiz is available at the end to see if both children and adults have learned something while having fun and singing along. There's also a little game to play on each double-page spread, but we're keeping it a surprise for those who purchase the book. A CD is included with the book, but for those who don't have an old CD player lying around, a QR code is available to listen to your favorite songs on your phone or on the go. Definitions of the terms used are also included to help younger readers, particularly with the words "anarchist," "strikemen," and "USSR."
Just one small drawback: we would have liked to have the lyrics printed in the book so we could learn them even better.
A pleasant discovery, though perhaps less so for the neighbors to the right who heard the singing, laughter, and shouts.
Marcel (UCL Toulouse) and Zorro
Ariane Talibart and Aurélie Verdon, My First Songs of Revolt, Daronnes, 2025, 20 pages, EUR20.
https://www.unioncommunistelibertaire.org/?Lire-Ariane-Talibart-et-Aurelie-Verdon-Mes-premiers-chants-de-revolte
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Link: (en) France, UCL AL #366 - Culture - Reading: Ariane Talibart and Aurélie Verdon, "My First Songs of Revolt" (ca, de, fr, it, pt, tr)[machine translation]
Source: A-infos-en@ainfos.ca
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