The Book of Rhythms (The ^AIona and Peter Opie Library of Children's Literature)

By Langston Hughes

Book Overview

Rhythm is something we share in common, you and I, with all the plants and animals and people in the world, and with the stars and moon and sun, and all the whole vast wonderful universe beyond this wonderful earth which is our home."
In this beautifully designed book, Langston Hughes shares an appreciation of the rhythms of life--from visual patterns that catch the eye to rhythms in nature like the beating of a human heart, the pulse of the ocean, and the turning of the planets.
With the keen eye of an artist and the perception of a poet, Hughes finds the seeds of rhythm in the slow flowing of the Mississippi River, the even slap-slap-slap of a jump rope, the swoop of a swing, and the steadiness of Grandma's rocking. He relishes the rhythms of nature in the opening of a many petaled rose or the intricacy of a snowflake.
He calls up images and offers examples even the youngest reader will understand--clapping the rhythm of a favorite song, scrutinizing the lines and wrinkles of our hands, even examining the dining room chairs for "charming and graceful rhythms."
Originally published in 1954, this new edition offers original illustrations, an introduction by musician Wynton Marsalis, and an afterword by Hughes scholar Robert G. O'Meally. Read it aloud to the youngest children as they become aware of the diversity of the world. Older children will delight in the varied and offbeat exercises and examples, and all ages will be touched by Hughes's zest for rhythm and for life itself.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 019514306X
• ISBN13: 9780195143065
• Release Date: December 2000
• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Length: 55 Pages
• Weight: 1.10 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.6" x 0.3" x 6.5"
• Age Range: 6 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 1 to 7

Customer Reviews

The Book of Rhythms

The Book of Rhythms is a wonderful book that teaches children how to create their own poems. It begins by teaching children how to create their own rhythm by drawing a pattern on a piece of paper. Then it goes on to describe some of the different rhythms you hear everyday, such as your own heartbeat. Hughes then teaches children how to vary their rhythms and how to put words to the rhythm the reader has created. Towards the end, the author tells you about all the different rhythms such as broken or unseen rhythms. This book serves as a great source for teaching children how to compose their own poems. The author is very qualified to write on this subject, since he is such a renowned poet. The book is neatly organized with clear appropriate headings and helpful illustrations that allow the reader to visualize the author's point. The language is vivid and interesting, yet easy enough for even very young readers to understand and enjoy. In conclusion, Hughes' Book of Rhythms is a great book introducing children to poetry composition. With interesting vocabulary and illustrations, it is enough to keep any reader's attention. This book serves as a great teaching tool for any elementary aged child.