The Creation [Paperback]

James Weldon Johnson (Author), James, Cissp Ransome (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1995 | Age Level: 4 and up

A poem based on the story of creation from the first book of the Bible.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

This illustrated edition of Johnson's 1919 poem, which won the 1995 Coretta Scott King Award, brings the story of Creation down to earth and into the grasp of young children. Alternating with the poetry are richly expressive double-page spreads and attractive border elements that feature animal motifs and scenes from The Beginning--light, earth, water, plants, animals and lastly, a ruddy, clay-colored human rising out of a field of flowers. An illustrated sub-plot of an animated storyteller relating the Creation story before a group of enthralled children relieves the poem its relative predictability and offers a friendly stand-in for the role of God. It also hints at the importance of human participation, itself sacred and timeless.

From Publishers Weekly

Illustrating this verse adaptation of the biblical Creation story, Ransome intersperses paintings of natural wonders with scenes of an African American man reciting to an audience of rapt youngsters. Ages 4-8.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Paperback: 28 pages
• Publisher: Holiday House (September 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0823412075
• ISBN-13: 978-0823412075
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 7.8 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,068,054 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A "Must Have" For A Family Library, August 27, 2000

By 

Mark Taylor (College Station, Texas USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Creation (Hardcover)

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.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Sunday School dramatization, October 6, 2004

By 

douautism "C" (Ohio) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Creation (Paperback)

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!!!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A JOYFUL RENDITION OF JOHNSON'S POEM, August 3, 2005

By 

Gail Cooke (TX, USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Creation (Hardcover)

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.