Many years ago (as the story goes), while singer Tori Amos was still pregs with her first child, the amazing author (and personal friend of Tori) Neil Gaiman composed a poem/prayer for her “bump” that Tori and her husband Mark Hawley said looked like a blueberry (or something along those lines). Tori loved the poem/prayer so much that she allowed Neil to use it to raise money for various charities in the years since the birth of her daughter Natashya Tash Lórien Hawley in September of 2000. Now, 9 years later, the poem/prayer Blueberry Girl is being made available as a children’s picture book illustrated by the amazingly talented Charles Vess. Here are a few screencaps from a just released promo video that features Neil reading the poem and some animated images of Charles‘s illustrations:
Longtime fans of Tori Amos know what this poem/prayer means to her and I, for one, am thrilled that it is finally being made available to us. I was VERY fortunate to get to hear Neil read Blueberry Girl aloud at a book reading he did here in SoCal late last year. You can click HERE to watch my video of Neil‘s reading of the poem back then — or you can click below to see the new promo video for Blueberry Girl that has just been released to the Internets …
This poem is so beautiful, very fitting for a child of Tori Amos … or any special little girl in YOUR life. I cannot wait to get a copy for my goddaughter Zakiya. Blueberry Girl will be available in bookstores on March 10 and can be pre-ordered at Amazon HERE.
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I remember like it was yesterday that Natashya was brought into the world. Hey Trent, did you know Spark is about Tori’s unborn son (one of her miscarriages)? :(
Oh and in case you don’t see my other post, I like you..but the fact that you say Brit is just as relevant as MJ or Madge is scary. I wonder what is going on in that head of yours. Ask David..I bet he won’t agree! And as for Gloria Estefan, she did a LOT for the Hispanic community..so she is an icon in their world. She was making solid hits long before J Lo.
Yay, this makes me happy!
Speaking of Mr. Gaiman, I finally got to see Coraline 3D last night, and all I can say is – to borrow the immortal words of Kylie – WOW WOW WOW WOW!
That film is surely one of the most unique and intriguing movie-going experiences I’ve ever had. Every little thing was just pure magic. The rain drops on the window pane, the steaming corn on the cob, French & freakin’ Saunders!, the garden outside, I could go on & on… what a truly fun and entertaining experience.
@Kent — so glad you were able to see Coraline in 3D … so amazing :)
This is absolutely beautiful!
Wonderful – I can’t wait to get that for my own little redhead!
This is so sweet. I’m tearing up over here. *sniffle*
Ok so I thought I was a huge Tori fan, but I’ve never heard this little story about this poem/prayer! It is absolutely beautiful and I will be getting my hands on it for my daughter for sure! It’s simply perfect!
Neil Gaiman is deeply involved in Scientology, along with his entire family. The USA Gaiman family are listed as “Founding Patrons” and “Patrons” of Scientology for 2004 & 2006 (2006 was the year Gaiman received large payments from Hollywood for his films). According to ex-scientologist Jon Attack, “Patrons (are) the highest ranking membership – of the International Association of Scientologists.”