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All Things Bright and Beautiful

by Ashley Bryan
40p. 978-1-41698-939-4.
COPY ISBN
PreS-Gr 2 Bryan elevates a beloved hymn to new heights in this joyful treatment of Alexander's classic song. This hymn has been interpreted by artists such as Anna Vojtech (NorthSouth, 2006), Bruce Whatley (HarperCollins, 2001), and others, but Bryan's multicultural celebration of God and creation bursts with originality and contemporary appeal. Cut-paper collages in cheerful hues depict scenes of people, animals, and nature. Each illustration holds its own, as there are no weak links here. Opening with a sunburst Ferris wheel full of adults and children of many nations and ending with the multicolored hands of the Creator reaching down from the sky, the artist has created a masterpiece in which art and text work together. Bryan includes images of his mother's scissors (which he now uses) on the endpapers, along with an illustrator's note and musical notation. This is a memorable interpretation that's rich in color and detail."Lisa Glasscock, Columbine Public Library, Littleton, CO" Copyright 2010 Media Source Inc.
Bryan's arresting cut-paper collages beautifully illuminate the text based on verses from the title hymn. The pictures celebrate people of different ethnicities as well as a broad spectrum of creatures from the animal kingdom. Back matter includes biographical notes about the hymn's writer, Cecil Frances Alexander, and musical notation.

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