An award-winning retelling of the Biblical creation story from a star of the Harlem Renaissance and an acclaimed illustrator.
"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."—Publishers Weekly
"Pictures of an African-American preacher and his rapt audience of children alternate with handsome full-bleed spreads depicting the six days of creation... Rhythmic friezes of animals adorn the text pages of this carefully structured, realistic presentation...Painted with real artistry and conviction."—Kirkus Reviews
James Weldon Johnson (1871-1938) was a civil rights activist and Renaissance man: variously, he was a lawyer, author, poet, songwriter, professor, and even a diplomat in Teddy Roosevelt's administration. Some of his most famous works include the anthem "Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing" and the novel The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man.
James E. Ransome's numerous accolades include a Coretta Scott King Medal (which he won for The Creation), two Coretta Scott King Honors, one of which was awarded for Before She Was Harriet, and an NAACP Image Award. He lives in upstate New York with his wife and collaborator, writer Lesa Cline-Ransome.
An award-winning retelling of the Biblical creation story from a star of the Harlem Renaissance and an acclaimed illustrator.
Reviews
"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."—Publishers Weekly
"Pictures of an African-American preacher and his rapt audience of children alternate with handsome full-bleed spreads depicting the six days of creation... Rhythmic friezes of animals adorn the text pages of this carefully structured, realistic presentation...Painted with real artistry and conviction."—Kirkus Reviews
Author
James Weldon Johnson (1871-1938) was a civil rights activist and Renaissance man: variously, he was a lawyer, author, poet, songwriter, professor, and even a diplomat in Teddy Roosevelt's administration. Some of his most famous works include the anthem "Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing" and the novel The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man.
James E. Ransome's numerous accolades include a Coretta Scott King Medal (which he won for The Creation), two Coretta Scott King Honors, one of which was awarded for Before She Was Harriet, and an NAACP Image Award. He lives in upstate New York with his wife and collaborator, writer Lesa Cline-Ransome.
