The Creation

by James Weldon Johnson

Book Overview

An award-winning retelling of the Biblical creation story from a star of the Harlem Renaissance and an acclaimed illustrator James Weldon Johnson, author of the civil rights anthem "Lift Ev'ry Voice... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0823410692
• ISBN13: 9780823410699
• Release Date: March 1994
• Publisher: Holiday House
• Length: 1 Pages
• Weight: 0.85 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 8.3" x 10.3"
• Age Range: 4 to 8 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 3

Customer Reviews

A JOYFUL RENDITION OF JOHNSON'S POEM

As many know, James Weldon Johnson's splendid word poem based on the creation became the throbbing, joyful musical "God's Trombones." As illustrated by James E. Ransome, this book is a grateful rendering of that verse brilliantly brought to life by oil paintings that reflect the spirit of the text. Capturing the imagery and rhythm of southern black sermons in the mid 1800's the words ring with the regional cadences of folk stories. Seldom have words and illustrations complemented each other more.

Wonderful Sunday School dramatization

I teach PreK/K Sunday School. I found this book at the library and what a find it was!! It provided a wonderful visual inspiration as a stimulus for the introduction of our Creation unit. We combined classes and set up a campfire setting and began in the dark, just as the book does. As I read with great intonnations, the other teacher reenacted each scene with props and materials. We also gave the children the opportunity to use the materials to reenact this beautiful, lyrical, and inspirational story. We completed our lesson with snacks based on the story. It is truly a spiritually moving book that creates its own majestry, in the beauty of the illustrations and the strength of the text!!! It is a must have for a home and church library!!!

A "Must Have" For A Family Library

When I was in the eighth grade, my counselor suggested "The Creation" as a selection for me to read in the UIL Oral Reading competition. I didn't win the competition, but I fell in love with the poetry of James Weldon Johnson. I was delighted to see a quality picture-book version of this colorful, winning account of the creation story. Perhaps the most wonderful thing about Johnson's approach is that he makes God appear "personal" rather than "human". His poetry seems to share God's heart, and captivates the reader and listener alike. The story-telling nature of his poems remind me of Rudyard Kipling's "Just So Stories", which I also treasure. I highly recommend this book.