1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Bryan, Ashley. 2007. LET IT SHINE. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing. ISBN 0689847327
2. PLOT SUMMARY
In this picture book, Ashley Bryan celebrates three favorite spirituals: “This Little Light of Mine,” “Oh, When the Saints Go Marching In,” and “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands.” These songs have been cherished and passed down from generation to generation. Although the songs seem lighthearted, their true meanings are profound.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Ashley Bryan’s illustrations fit very well with the songs. The pictures reflect the true meanings of the songs. Younger children can gather what is happening through looking at the pictures only and older children can both look at the pictures and sing along. The drawings are absolutely beautiful and full of bright colors. There are pictures within pictures. When looking at a whole page, one sees the overall message of that particular part of the song. However, when looking at the many different details on the page, one sees specific entities. In “This Little Light of Mine,” there are many children dancing. But, upon further exploration, one sees that each child is different and unique. There are also many different kinds of lights such as a candle, string of lights, flash light, and a star. There are also many different modes of transportation such as a boat, truck, bicycle, and an airplane. In “Oh, When the Saints Go Marching In,” many different people join together, hold hands, and look up at the sky. There are also different kinds of places to worship such as different churches, mosques, pyramids, igloos, teepees, homes, and a regular building. In “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands,” there are many different people all held in someone’s hands. The hands have many different colors flowing through them.
All of these observations indicate that the theme of these songs and drawings is that we all share culture and are all connected to one another in some way. We may not do things exactly like someone else, but the basic foundations in which we live, communicate, worship, and so forth are very similar. We are more alike that different. Therefore, we should embrace one another and appreciate the unique qualities we each bring to the table.
This will be an excellent book to share because it helps readers to understand the meanings of the songs they grew up listening to. Although the songs are lighthearted and catchy, their meanings are deep and thoughtful. The combination of a beautiful color scheme and pictures draw the reader in and keeps them engaged.
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY review: “ Bryan (Beautiful Blackbird) again proves himself a maestro with scissors (depicted on the endpages) in a series of arresting, kaleidoscopic cut-construction-paper collages that interprets three beloved spirituals: "This Little Light of Mine," "When the Saints Go Marching In" and "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands." Each page contains two lines of lyrics alongside images of nature or of children and adults with diverse skin tones frolicking harmoniously in settings both urban and pastoral. This wide spectrum of experiences suggests the songs' themes of utopian peace, tolerance and beauty. The hands appearing on the pages of "He's Got the Whole World..." convey a sense of power, reassurance and awe that evoke the wonders of God. An author's note describes a bit of the origin and history of Negro spirituals.”
CHILDREN’S LITERATURE review: “A beautiful book for all ages.”
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL review: “Energy and movement course through many of the full-bleed illustrations, as when children-depicted in rainbow-colored silhouettes-use a boat, an airplane, a bicycle, and other means to carry their lights "Ev'ry where I go." At other times, the images offer comfort and security, as large multicolored hands embrace the world's wonders and "the little bitty baby" is cradled in an adult's protective arms. Simple melody lines and an explanation of the origin and importance of spirituals are appended. Yet, Bryan's illustrations demonstrate more than words the dynamic inspiration that these songs still provide. Readers will find themselves humming as they turn the pages.”
5. CONNECTIONS
*If you feel comfortable leading a discussion about songs that have been passed down for generations and culture, this is a book that encourages unity and acceptance.
*Gather other books written and illustrated by Ashley Bryan:
Bryan, Ashley. BEAUTIFUL BLACKBIRD. ISBN 0689847319
Bryan, Ashley. SING TO THE SUN. ISBN 0064434370
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