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Creation
Alive with color, textures, and shapes, a beautifully illustrated version of the creation story from the book of Genesis pays tribute to life, imagination, and the world around us. 75,000 first printing.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published October 27, 2003
1 person is currently reading
71 people want to read
About the author
Gerald McDermott
65 books77 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Gerald McDermott is an award-winning children’s book illustrator and an expert on mythology. His work often combines bright colors and styles with ancient imagery.
He has created more than 25 books and animated films. His first book, Anansi the Spider, was awarded a Caldecott Honor, and he’s since won the Caldecott Medal for Arrow to the Sun and another Caldecott Honor.
Gerald McDermott is an award-winning children’s book illustrator and an expert on mythology. His work often combines bright colors and styles with ancient imagery.
He has created more than 25 books and animated films. His first book, Anansi the Spider, was awarded a Caldecott Honor, and he’s since won the Caldecott Medal for Arrow to the Sun and another Caldecott Honor.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
December 19, 2015
Visually entertaining, but problematic for anyone who believes Genesis is a religious text. (Seemigly told from the point of view of God, it is actually a book about that will tell your children that there is no difference between God and Creation), which I'm sure its not what most people getting this book are looking for. You could argue that his final conclusion "I am all this. All this I am."is a play on I AM that I AM, (how God identifies himself to Moses) but theologically it is not the same as what Christians and Jews believe, that God is not part of his creation or is worshipped by worshipping his creation. I'm glad I read it before I read it to the kids.
February 17, 2016
Large, beautiful illustrations portray McDermott’s vision of the descriptions of creation according to Genesis in the Bible. The reader is left fascinated by how the artist’s heavily textured illustrations bring to life the abstract ideas of what life and earth and the heavens looked like in the beginning days according to the text. Color is used thoughtfully to bring out emotions as the first days begin in darkness and more colors are added slowly on each subsequent page with the creation of vegetation, the stars, the sun, and so forth. The text itself becomes part of the illustrations as the theme of each page is reflected in the color, size, and spacing of the typography.
This story of creation follows closely the Christian and Jewish creation myth, though the text is not word for word from the Bible. Some notes for those who may find this controversial for use in the classroom: McDermott references the creator as "I Am", rather than ever using the name "God". ("I Am" is an Old Testament biblical reference for God.) The text is narrated in the first person singular from the voice of the creator. In the author’s note McDermott speaks of the unity of humankind and his goal to “welcome everyone, regardless of the direction from which they come, to enter into this ancient mystery with an open heart.”
This story of creation follows closely the Christian and Jewish creation myth, though the text is not word for word from the Bible. Some notes for those who may find this controversial for use in the classroom: McDermott references the creator as "I Am", rather than ever using the name "God". ("I Am" is an Old Testament biblical reference for God.) The text is narrated in the first person singular from the voice of the creator. In the author’s note McDermott speaks of the unity of humankind and his goal to “welcome everyone, regardless of the direction from which they come, to enter into this ancient mystery with an open heart.”
August 7, 2012
Beautifully illustrated children's book that is worth reading!!!
The pages are big and bright with a glossy tinge that attracts young readers - and older ones since I enjoy reading it from time to time to young nieces and nephews. :)
It is a brief way to open conversation about God and I used it to explain the act of creating the world.
Great read!!!
The pages are big and bright with a glossy tinge that attracts young readers - and older ones since I enjoy reading it from time to time to young nieces and nephews. :)
It is a brief way to open conversation about God and I used it to explain the act of creating the world.
Great read!!!
November 22, 2024
Genre: Historical Fiction
Reading Level: Early Primary
The illustrations in this book are beautiful! It's a simple retelling of the creation story, but the poetic feel and the artistic approach is absolutely breathtaking. I would highly recommend this book for anybody, young or old!
Reading Level: Early Primary
The illustrations in this book are beautiful! It's a simple retelling of the creation story, but the poetic feel and the artistic approach is absolutely breathtaking. I would highly recommend this book for anybody, young or old!
May 5, 2017
Stunning.
April 17, 2018
Not a particularly intriguing to read however the pictures are warm and inviting.
September 27, 2021
Beautiful artwork.
November 14, 2023
Stellar art around an ambiguous main character, retelling the story of Genesis.
January 25, 2025
Really pretty retelling of the Genesis creation story, the pictures are very interesting and cool.
May 7, 2015
Personal Reaction: These illustrations are amazing! They are so colorful and intricate. It is an area of the book that will be very appealing students and make them want to read this book. It was a different approach to teaching creations. I think it will make this concept a lot easier for students to comprehend. It takes the big picture and breaks it down to a level that elementary age students will be able to understand.
Purpose: This could be pair with a science lesson specifically about creation. This book could be used as a stepping stone into the lesson. Meaning we start the week out by reading this book to plateau into the lesson. This book is written in first person, making creation sound like they are a real human. That will be very appealing to students. The students could break up into groups and do a small research project about creation. They could find articles with information about creation, and then take that information to create their own first person retelling of creation. I think that will make a science lesson much more enjoyable for students if they can work hands on and have free reign over their project.
Purpose: This could be pair with a science lesson specifically about creation. This book could be used as a stepping stone into the lesson. Meaning we start the week out by reading this book to plateau into the lesson. This book is written in first person, making creation sound like they are a real human. That will be very appealing to students. The students could break up into groups and do a small research project about creation. They could find articles with information about creation, and then take that information to create their own first person retelling of creation. I think that will make a science lesson much more enjoyable for students if they can work hands on and have free reign over their project.
February 19, 2015
Gerald McDermott has definitely portrayed the creation story of Genesis in an artistic sense.
The book starts off with predominantly black background and a dark grey stroke to mark "the beginning of time". As the story unfolds, he continues to add different hues, ultimately leading the last page, where the readers finds the full spectrum of colors.
Believe in this or not, this book allows young readers from Pre-K to 2nd gd to have discussion about artistic styles and the books leaves enough for the reader to make his/her own inference based on the illustrations. The illustrations are also continuous; meaning, that if you were to take every page in the book out, you can arrange them to create a piece of art; they flow well together.
You can appreciate the way the typography was used to contrast the different themes he was referencing and also to connect them to an illustration. There were times when I felt it wasn't particularly necessary to alter the text, but it wasn't overdone.
Overall, a good picture book.
The book starts off with predominantly black background and a dark grey stroke to mark "the beginning of time". As the story unfolds, he continues to add different hues, ultimately leading the last page, where the readers finds the full spectrum of colors.
Believe in this or not, this book allows young readers from Pre-K to 2nd gd to have discussion about artistic styles and the books leaves enough for the reader to make his/her own inference based on the illustrations. The illustrations are also continuous; meaning, that if you were to take every page in the book out, you can arrange them to create a piece of art; they flow well together.
You can appreciate the way the typography was used to contrast the different themes he was referencing and also to connect them to an illustration. There were times when I felt it wasn't particularly necessary to alter the text, but it wasn't overdone.
Overall, a good picture book.
April 24, 2015
This book is based somewhat loosely on the first few verses of Genesis, which I will gladly swear by as a Christian, all claims by science-minded idiots notwithstanding. It also borrows from other religious takes on the Creation story and attempts to make a creation of its own: one of peace and harmony with all people of all faiths, and if you believe THAT shit, Mr. McDermott will tell you another one. His is the stuff of wondrous poetry and it's beautifully painted in African styles, but if he's trying to heal the world with an all-one-religion take on what I feel to be true about the Creation of the Universe (that God did make it in seven days with a lot of love and a plan for all)--good luck on that one.
July 1, 2016
Beautiful, inclusive creation story. I think anyone could appreciate this, regardless of what their beliefs are (religious or scientific) about the creation of the universe. There's a note in the beginning from the author about his intentions:
"These words and images grew out of my desire to cast in a new light the often-told and much beloved story of creation and to welcome everyone, regardless of the direction from which they come, to enter into this ancient mystery with an open heart. The voice of the story is an inner one that begins with a breath and a whisper, a spark ignited within us all that grows to illuminate the universe."
"These words and images grew out of my desire to cast in a new light the often-told and much beloved story of creation and to welcome everyone, regardless of the direction from which they come, to enter into this ancient mystery with an open heart. The voice of the story is an inner one that begins with a breath and a whisper, a spark ignited within us all that grows to illuminate the universe."
July 25, 2011
According to the Author's Note, this is a retelling of the Creation story based on Genesis of the Hebrew Bible. The images are amazing-- gesso-and-fabric color paintings that begin in just black and white (the darkness) and become more colorful with the creation of light and life. Frankly, I'm unfamiliar with the bible, so I couldn't tell you if it was a faithful reading of Genesis or not. This is the kind of book that will appeal to adults, maybe even more than children. I wouldn't use it in programming in the library because it is quite religious.
February 23, 2015
The simplicity in the story along with the beautiful art to depict the creation through the eyes of Genisis is amazing. Students at any age would be able to follow along and understand the story of creation. Throughout the book, you see key words that match the picture that was being shown. Along with words, as you go through the book you notice picture being shown on other pages along with the new picture. Showing God adding more to the world. I would recommend this book to any child or parent who would like to teach their child about the story of creation.
June 18, 2014
I wanted to hate this book, but if you have to have a book depicting the biblical creation story you could do worse than McDermott's sparse text and lush, vivid paintings. It would be an interesting exercise to match the events in this book to the formation of Earth and evolution of life on the planet, according to scientists. The timelines might be varying in length but the chronology wouldn't be that far off.
October 9, 2013
Amazing story with beautiful illustrations. As it is meant to be narrated by God it may not be the best for a public school setting, but to read at home with children. This book really captivated me and made me think a lot more about our world and how truly beautiful it is, everything around us. Although young readers may not fully understand who's narrating the book at first, I believe it is a great starter to teach about religion no matter what you believe in.
October 29, 2011
Combine my one of my all time favorite illustrators (yeah, I have several, or many) with a his viewpoint on creation, and this book is on my "must buy" list. This quote dovetails with the focus of our Adult Forum: "Out of myself I brought man and woman. I gave my gifts to them. They would be the keepers of all this beauty."
March 18, 2012
I have never seen the Biblical Creation story so freely and imaginatively portrayed. The illustrations are fanciful, driven by rich color and texture. Mirroring the story, the images progress from simple to complex. It seems to me a very respectful and generally accurate representation of the original Bible story.
April 19, 2010
The artwork in this picture book is gorgeous. The story of creation is told with God as the narrator. The concept of God as the narrator may be a bit confusing to some kids, but if you include them on color/animal identification, they get really in to it.
April 11, 2011
I love this book. This book helps children understand the how things came to be. I read this in my son's 2nd grade class. He attends Christian School so the book was very appropriate.Very nice Biblical story of creation and the illustrations are amazing!
February 24, 2014
A great educational book for your children of all ages. My 6 yr old loved it as well as my 3 yr old twins. Lots of good information with beautiful pictures that will help keep children engaged. A great addition to any children's library.
December 29, 2015
This is a beautifully told story of creation. The art was amazing. So many stories of creation and this is one of them. I don't see why anyone would take issue because it is taken from biblical text.
May 21, 2008
Story of the Creation taken from the Genesis account. Unique illustrations in all of his books.
May 20, 2008
The cover is what drew me to this book, but the illustrations and story are fantastic.
March 8, 2009
I love the illustrations, and it puts a very loving and serene spin on the creation story.
April 14, 2009
Perhaps not usable in a school setting, but I had to add it because it is one of the most beautifully illustrated books I've seen, and carries a very religious message. Great for a home setting.
September 15, 2009
The pictures are beautiful. There were two places where I wasn't too sure about the Biblical accuracy but they were small.
June 28, 2011
Yes Im reading baby books with my sister.
October 12, 2012
with GJA
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews