by Ashley Bryan
2008 Corretta Scott King Illustrator Award Winner
Bryan, A. (2007). Let it Shine. New York: Simon & Shuster.
1. What did I like or dislike about the book?
The text of this book contains the lyrics of three spirituals that I enjoy singing: This Little Light of Mine, When the Saints Go Marching In, and He's Got the Whole World in His Hands. The illustrations are made from construction paper cutouts which have been layered collage-style on the page. I like the intricate detail and bright, cheerful colors of the illustrations. As a musician, I am pleased to see that the music for the songs has been included in the back of the book. There is also a page that explains the history behind spirituals.
2. What in my life may have influenced my reaction or response to this book?
When I was a child, I learned This Little Light of Mine and He's Got the Whole World in His Hands in my Sunday school classes and children's choirs at church. I loved to sing them and do the hand motions. Today's children are still begin taught these songs. Most of the grownups in our church can still remember the words and motions, and singing them puts smiles on their faces!
3. How would I compare this book to another book or books?
The illustrations in Let it Shine remind me of some of Lois Ehlert's work (Growing Vegetable Soup, Eating the Alphabet, etc.). Ms. Ehlert also uses a paper collage format when illustrating her picture books. Both of these illustrators do exquisite work and their books are enjoyable to peruse.
4. What new thing did I learn about children's literature in reading this book?
I learned that children's books can be written using words from songs. No new text was used in the making of this book. The words of the old spirituals have stood the test of time and nothing else is needed to tell the stories. The illustrations make the words seem new again.
2008 Corretta Scott King Illustrator Award Winner
Bryan, A. (2007). Let it Shine. New York: Simon & Shuster.
1. What did I like or dislike about the book?
The text of this book contains the lyrics of three spirituals that I enjoy singing: This Little Light of Mine, When the Saints Go Marching In, and He's Got the Whole World in His Hands. The illustrations are made from construction paper cutouts which have been layered collage-style on the page. I like the intricate detail and bright, cheerful colors of the illustrations. As a musician, I am pleased to see that the music for the songs has been included in the back of the book. There is also a page that explains the history behind spirituals.
2. What in my life may have influenced my reaction or response to this book?
When I was a child, I learned This Little Light of Mine and He's Got the Whole World in His Hands in my Sunday school classes and children's choirs at church. I loved to sing them and do the hand motions. Today's children are still begin taught these songs. Most of the grownups in our church can still remember the words and motions, and singing them puts smiles on their faces!
3. How would I compare this book to another book or books?
The illustrations in Let it Shine remind me of some of Lois Ehlert's work (Growing Vegetable Soup, Eating the Alphabet, etc.). Ms. Ehlert also uses a paper collage format when illustrating her picture books. Both of these illustrators do exquisite work and their books are enjoyable to peruse.
4. What new thing did I learn about children's literature in reading this book?
I learned that children's books can be written using words from songs. No new text was used in the making of this book. The words of the old spirituals have stood the test of time and nothing else is needed to tell the stories. The illustrations make the words seem new again.
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