The traditional English nursery rhyme and song Over the Hills and Far Away is given an "otterly" charming treatment by author/artist Chris Conover in this picture-book. The rhyming text - "Tommy was a piper's son, / He learned to pipe when he was young; / The only song that he could play / Was over the hills and far away" - with lovely illustrations, as the eponymous Tommy (an otter, obviously), brings pleasure to all around him with his playing, eventually winning an otter bride of his own...

Before picking up Over the Hills & Far Away, my only exposure to this song was through the television show Sharpe, a historical drama set during the Napoleonic Wars, so I was surprised to discover that there are multiple versions of it, and that it started out as a nursery rhyme. Conover does an excellent job expanding upon her text, telling a story of Tommy the piping otter through her lovely artwork. This is the fourth picture-book of hers that I have read and enjoyed, and I definitely intend to track down more. Recommended to fans of the artist, readers looking for nursery rhyme picture-books, and otter lovers. For myself, I may have to start an otter shelf. ( )

Tom Piper is the piper's son who plays only one tune: "Over the Hills and Far Away." His music brings happiness to everyone he entertains. The illustrations are stunning and more enjoyable than the simple story. ( )