Customer Reviews

All God's Critters

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Set this book to a jaunty tune and the words become infectious. Your kids will be reciting it over and over! My kids loved it, as did all the kids in the kindergarten class I work in. I recommend this book highly. It has the same kind of rythmic quality as Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, but with a little more depth.

This book brings a song by Bill Staines to book form. The song, actually titled "All God's Critters Have a Place in the Choir," describes all sorts of animals singing and clapping and praising the Lord. Coupled with illustrations by Kadir Nelson, the text translates into a zany stage production.

One page toward the back of the book folds out to a four-page spread. Also at the back of the book, readers find the complete song with written music.

What I Like: I LOVE the illustrations! Kadir Nelson is one of my favorites; his work in this volume lives up to my expectations: vibrant, colorful, life-like, expressive ... absolutely striking. Also, the size of the book is great. It's large enough to read over two or three laps. My kids enjoy pointing out their favorite animals and making the appropriate praise noises.

What I Dislike: I wish the book included a CD. Not everyone can read music; without a CD or music download, turning the text into a tune can be difficult.

Overall Rating: The quality is Excellent, but without a CD or audio download, I have to rate it Very Good.

Tanya -- Christian Children's Book Review

All God's Critters is a delightful book that sings out its message loud and clear. Written by folksinger/song writer Bill Staines and whimsically illustrated by Kadir Nelson, the words of the song nearly float right off the page. Children and adults will be tapping their feet to the catchy beat as the tune spins 'round in their heads. On the surface, the story introduces readers to the animals in the choir. Each animal sings in its own special way. "Some sing low, some sing higher, some sing out on the telephone wire, and some just clap their hands." Every critter belongs in the choir, no matter how different it might be. But the story's message flows past the simple idea that every animal gets to be in the choir. It pulsates beyond the comforting inference that no matter what drum a child beats to, s/he is still a valued member of the group, whether it is a choir, a classroom or the whole world. The importance of the book is revealed in its title and reinforced in each refrain: All God's critters got a place..." because it's God's choir. It's a world filled with God's creations and everyone is important to the group. So sit back and sing along, you and your child will enjoy this song and the story for a long, long time. Marcie Berneger

This is a great book! I have been teaching this song to children in my choir for about 20 years. I was so happy to get this beautifully illustrated book to share with them. My grandchildren are also delighted that I have the book.

This is a super cute book! The only reason I gave it 4 stars is because the fold out pages look like the crease is too creased and will probably rip off very soon. I don't this this as a mistake, I just think its a consequence of fold out pages. I will just reinforce them with tape, but I hate to put tape on such a pretty book. It would be better (as some mentioned) if it had a CD with it so we could learn the song. There is piano music, but then you have to be able to play the piano. That being said, I did find this site [...] that has the music and lyrics.

This book is colorful and well-illustrated. The premise revolves around acceptance of all of God's creatures, and is in an entertaining format for children. Wasn't impressed with what they called the "music" at the back, but it was ok.

I bought this for all my grandchildren after hearing Bill Staines, he commented on the pictures being great and I would agree, we call all sing the song together now and picture all the critters.

Well written and illustrated. Just loved this book. Purchased it for grandsons, who are young, but parents will read until they are ready to do so themselves. First heard of this book at a memorial for a dear friend who was a songwriter and musician. It was sung and the book illustrated at the memorial. Beautiful memory.

I love children's books. I play in a small musical group, and one of our members brought this little gem to practice for us to read. I loved the illustrations, and the simplicity of the message. I knew that my grandchildren would enjoy the pictures of the animals and the repeating part of the lyric. It also worked well for a children's message that I had to give in church. I bought an MP3 file of the song, and just turned the pages as the lyrics were sung. We had a brief chat about how God made us all unique, because we each had a special purpose in creation. I'd recommend it for people of all ages.

The book was adorable. The illustrations were amazing and went well with the lyrics to the song that goes with it. Very nice.