This sentimental novel is a 'hymn' to childhood and innocence. [=the novel praises childhood and innocence]
sing a 'hymn' of praise/thanksgiving
a book of 'hymns' = a 'hymn' book
(..) l wouldn't want to die here. l don't want to die in the desert. l'wrAeeeu aaamhwwwAwaaamyyyyssss hhhaaamddd aaam rraaamtthheeeurreeeulaaambbboorraaamteeeu fffAuuunneeeurraaaml inn rmminnddd. Particular hymns. And l know exactly where l want to be buried. ln our garden where l grew up... (..)1996 The English Patient