I purchased this book when I was in Art college over ten years ago. Sara abilility to capture her interest with her illustrative talent is amazing . It is definately the most interesting book I ever read without seeing typesetting, but with her beautifully hand painted type.

What an enchantingly beautiful book! This is one of my favorite books, and I love giving it as a gift to gentle souls. If you like gardens, watercolor paintings, and calligraphy, you will love this beautifully bound book that is filled with Sara Midda's exquisite watercolors. Each page is a miniature painting of breathtaking intricacy and delicacy celebrating the myriad forms of gardens, flowers, vegetables, and herbs in which we delight. The book is filled with boundless garden wisdom, recipes, and poems, all charmingly set forth in Sara Midda's beautiful calligraphy. You have to see this book to know how beautiful and inspirational a gem it is!

I've gone through this book again and again. I think whoever like calligraphy, water color painting and gardening would love this book. Although it's quite difficult to concentrate on the attennuated of water color written content. But it strongly inspires me to grasp by brushes and calligrpahy pens again. It becomes one of my possessive books and always added in my bag wherever I go since then.

Sara Midda reveals her keen sense of observation and sensitivity as she turns her attention to the topic of childhood. Her wonderful illustrations remind us of how mysterious, confusing, wonderful and painful the world of children can be, and how often children are misunderstood. It will probably help parents and grown-ups understand their children (by reminding them of what it was like to be a child) more than any self-help book.

Sara Midda's books are simply wonderful. I search for new titles by this talented artist, but have not found any. Sara Midda's books are ideal for individuals who want to be whisked away from the unnecessary hurried and scattered society which most of us live in. I highly recommend purchasing her books.

This is a book I run to on the weekends, or after a hard day's work at the office. It is a lush, beautiful escape from hectic urban life. Sara Midda's watercolors are inspirational--I love the handwritten text, so personal. You don't need to be a Francophile to enjoy the sentiment of this incredible sketchbook.

I came upon Sara Midda's slim volume of wonderment at a bookshop in Santa Cruz, California a few years ago and was transfixed by it for all of the next day. It is marvelous -- sensitive, witty, and oh, so right-on with color and technique. I don't understand the negative comments from one of the reviewers here -- this isn't a textbook, nor even a "book" in the usual sense. Rather, it's Ms Midda's exquisite remembrance of a year in the sun in one of the extraordinarily magical places on the earth, all filtered through her remarkable eyes. This book is a rare gift -- an intensely personal collection of impressions offered to all to enjoy. I feel fortunate to be allowed to own it. Do yourself a favor and buy it for yourself and a few friends! It's a gift that speaks volumes about the giver and his/her opinion of the receiver.

This book takes me away to France in through the eyes of Sara Midda. I feel the emotions of her love for the things she has painted. I have 4 children, 2 dogs, & 2 birds...this takes me away to a wonderful place. This book sits out at the main side table so I can curl up with a blanket, my cup of tea, & this beautiful book. Enjoy!

I love this baby book. It is beautifully illustrated and unique, inspiring me to complete the whole book for my child.

The only problem is the binding. The book is difficult to write in while bound. As a temporary solution, I've removed the plastic screws that came with the book and replaced them with loops of ribbon. Once I've completed the book, I plan to go back to a more permanent binding. Unfortunately, I realize that with all of the photographs and other items I've added, the book will be too thick to reuse the plastic screws.

Regardless, I do not regret purchasing this book.

I really like that this is not the traditional fill-in-the-blank sort of baby book. It is the only one that I have seen that allows you to record your memories more naturally. Also, the illustrations are beautiful!
Unfortunately, I did have trouble with the binding falling apart; those little plastic screws quickly stripped. Although Amazon sent me a free replacement, I had the same trouble again. I just threaded some ribbon through the binding to remedy the problem.

This book is beautiful. I have been a fan of Sara Midda for a number of years having the good fortune to run across her South of France sketchbook in Kates Paperie in NYC a number of years ago. I order a copy of this fantastic book for my sister as a welcome to our new niece and have given it to all my friends at showers since. The drawings are beautiful, smart, humorous and sophisticated. Finally, someone made a keepsake that is not covered in those riduculous, cutesy teddys and bunnies that insult the intelligence and taste of mothers everywhere..................

I have always been a HUGE fan of Sara Midda. I thought I could not get enough of her quirky watercolors and sly observations but I have changed my mind. This book is simply awful and I am returning it.

In line with the quality & delicate illustrations of her previous books, Sara Midda delivers yet another gem which showcases her signature style.

The book is produced on quality paper & printing. The illustrations are lush and colourful.

Highly recommended to all followings of Sara Midda's work.