What a Morning!: The Christmas Story in Black Spirituals (Aladdin Picture Books) [Paperback]

John Langstaff (Author), Ashley Bryan (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 1996 | Age Level: 9 and up | Series: Aladdin Picture Books

In this unique and powerful collection, the story of Christmas is told through classic spirituals, augmented with biblical citations and paintings that reflect the joy of the holiday and the richness of the African-American experience. With arrangements for piano, guitar, and voice.

The collection includes:

My Lord, What a Morning!
Mary Had a Baby
Go, Tell It on the Mountain
Sister Mary Had-a But One Child
Behold That Star!

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In this picture book, the Christmas story is told in spirituals: "Mary Had a Baby," "My Lord, What a Morning!" and "Go Tell It on the Mountain" among them, until the baby is born, and "Behold That Star!" closes the tale. Bryan's illustrations tie into the African-American theme, showing a black Holy family and multiracial wise men and shepherds. Bold brush strokes line each landscape and every garment; the star of Bethlehem, through the religious prism, reveals colors of rainbow hues. This collection of songs exhibits an intimacy and compassion that give these spirituals a stunning universality. All ages.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Aladdin (October 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0689808070
• ISBN-13: 978-0689808074
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 8 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 0.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,647,231 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful, August 6, 2003

By 

here now (AL) - See all my reviews

This review is from: What a Morning!: The Christmas Story in Black Spirituals (Aladdin Picture Books) (Paperback)

This book contains Ashley Bryans wonderful illustration that are related to the music in the book and Christmas. This book has five full sheet music version of songs. (Not for the novice or beginning pianist.) Although I did not recognize all the songs (four are not traditional Christmas songs), once I played the music and read the words, I saw how they related. In fact, I bought the soulful rendition of "Go, Tell it on the Mountain" to my chior. It is written in that gospel music, church manner that was perfect. I am going to use the book for this years Christmas play. I checked it out of the library right before christmas last year and did not have time. Great book. Beautiful picture. Meaningful and moving music. A great buy!

5.0 out of 5 stars Pictures and Spirituals, July 13, 2009

By 

Hardwick R. Spencer (Baltimore, MD USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: What a Morning!: The Christmas Story in Black Spirituals (Aladdin Picture Books) (Paperback)

Beautiful original book and brilliant colors with well arranged spirituals provide a children's choir director with an excellent teaching opportunity. Kids will learn the songs for their Christmas Eve choir presentation and enjoy the pictures during their rehearsals. The artwork should provide subliminal inspiration for the kids while learning the spirituals. Simon and Schuster should reprint this volume.