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All Things Bright and Beautiful by James Herriot
The prayers and verse in this beautiful collection are perfect for reading aloud and sharing. With stunning illustrations, here is a book that encourages children to contemplate and give thanks for the wonderful world in which they live.
Paperback
First published January 1, 1987
9 people are currently reading
313 people want to read
About the author
James Herriot
268 books3,379 followersJames Herriot is the pen name of James Alfred Wight, OBE, FRCVS also known as Alf Wight, an English veterinary surgeon and writer. Wight is best known for his semi-autobiographical stories, often referred to collectively as All Creatures Great and Small, a title used in some editions and in film and television adaptations.
In 1939, at the age of 23, he qualified as a veterinary surgeon with Glasgow Veterinary College. In January 1940, he took a brief job at a veterinary practice in Sunderland, but moved in July to work in a rural practice based in the town of Thirsk, Yorkshire, close to the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors, where he was to remain for the rest of his life. The original practice is now a museum, "The World of James Herriot".
Wight intended for years to write a book, but with most of his time consumed by veterinary practice and family, his writing ambition went nowhere. Challenged by his wife, in 1966 (at the age of 50), he began writing. In 1969 Wight wrote If Only They Could Talk, the first of the now-famous series based on his life working as a vet and his training in the Royal Air Force during the Second World War. Owing in part to professional etiquette which at that time frowned on veterinary surgeons and other professionals from advertising their services, he took a pen name, choosing "James Herriot". If Only They Could Talk was published in the United Kingdom in 1970 by Michael Joseph Ltd, but sales were slow until Thomas McCormack, of St. Martin's Press in New York City, received a copy and arranged to have the first two books published as a single volume in the United States. The resulting book, titled All Creatures Great and Small, was an overnight success, spawning numerous sequels, movies, and a successful television adaptation.
In his books, Wight calls the town where he lives and works Darrowby, which he based largely on the towns of Thirsk and Sowerby. He also renamed Donald Sinclair and his brother Brian Sinclair as Siegfried and Tristan Farnon, respectively. Wight's books are only partially autobiographical. Many of the stories are only loosely based on real events or people, and thus can be considered primarily fiction.
The Herriot books are often described as "animal stories" (Wight himself was known to refer to them as his "little cat-and-dog stories"), and given that they are about the life of a country veterinarian, animals certainly play a significant role in most of the stories. Yet animals play a lesser, sometimes even a negligible role in many of Wight's tales: the overall theme of his stories is Yorkshire country life, with its people and their animals primary elements that provide its distinct character. Further, it is Wight's shrewd observations of persons, animals, and their close inter-relationship, which give his writing much of its savour. Wight was just as interested in their owners as he was in his patients, and his writing is, at root, an amiable but keen comment on the human condition. The Yorkshire animals provide the element of pain and drama; the role of their owners is to feel and express joy, sadness, sometimes triumph. The animal characters also prevent Wight's stories from becoming twee or melodramatic — animals, unlike some humans, do not pretend to be ailing, nor have they imaginary complaints and needless fears. Their ill-health is real, not the result of flaws in their character which they avoid mending. In an age of social uncertainties, when there seem to be no remedies for anything, Wight's stories of resolute grappling with mysterious bacterial foes or severe injuries have an almost heroic quality, giving the reader a sense of assurance, even hope. Best of all, James Herriot has an abundant humour about himself and his difficulties. He never feels superior to any living thing, and is ever eager to learn — about animal doctoring, and about his fellow human creature.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/jamesh...
In 1939, at the age of 23, he qualified as a veterinary surgeon with Glasgow Veterinary College. In January 1940, he took a brief job at a veterinary practice in Sunderland, but moved in July to work in a rural practice based in the town of Thirsk, Yorkshire, close to the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors, where he was to remain for the rest of his life. The original practice is now a museum, "The World of James Herriot".
Wight intended for years to write a book, but with most of his time consumed by veterinary practice and family, his writing ambition went nowhere. Challenged by his wife, in 1966 (at the age of 50), he began writing. In 1969 Wight wrote If Only They Could Talk, the first of the now-famous series based on his life working as a vet and his training in the Royal Air Force during the Second World War. Owing in part to professional etiquette which at that time frowned on veterinary surgeons and other professionals from advertising their services, he took a pen name, choosing "James Herriot". If Only They Could Talk was published in the United Kingdom in 1970 by Michael Joseph Ltd, but sales were slow until Thomas McCormack, of St. Martin's Press in New York City, received a copy and arranged to have the first two books published as a single volume in the United States. The resulting book, titled All Creatures Great and Small, was an overnight success, spawning numerous sequels, movies, and a successful television adaptation.
In his books, Wight calls the town where he lives and works Darrowby, which he based largely on the towns of Thirsk and Sowerby. He also renamed Donald Sinclair and his brother Brian Sinclair as Siegfried and Tristan Farnon, respectively. Wight's books are only partially autobiographical. Many of the stories are only loosely based on real events or people, and thus can be considered primarily fiction.
The Herriot books are often described as "animal stories" (Wight himself was known to refer to them as his "little cat-and-dog stories"), and given that they are about the life of a country veterinarian, animals certainly play a significant role in most of the stories. Yet animals play a lesser, sometimes even a negligible role in many of Wight's tales: the overall theme of his stories is Yorkshire country life, with its people and their animals primary elements that provide its distinct character. Further, it is Wight's shrewd observations of persons, animals, and their close inter-relationship, which give his writing much of its savour. Wight was just as interested in their owners as he was in his patients, and his writing is, at root, an amiable but keen comment on the human condition. The Yorkshire animals provide the element of pain and drama; the role of their owners is to feel and express joy, sadness, sometimes triumph. The animal characters also prevent Wight's stories from becoming twee or melodramatic — animals, unlike some humans, do not pretend to be ailing, nor have they imaginary complaints and needless fears. Their ill-health is real, not the result of flaws in their character which they avoid mending. In an age of social uncertainties, when there seem to be no remedies for anything, Wight's stories of resolute grappling with mysterious bacterial foes or severe injuries have an almost heroic quality, giving the reader a sense of assurance, even hope. Best of all, James Herriot has an abundant humour about himself and his difficulties. He never feels superior to any living thing, and is ever eager to learn — about animal doctoring, and about his fellow human creature.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/jamesh...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 124 reviews
August 18, 2017
Music at the end. We all sang (or tried to sing) together. It was a sweet time; we don't do that enough.
September 25, 2015
I mean, this happens to everybody, right? You start reading your kid a book and then like four or five pages in you just start bawling, and she gives you that look like "uhhhh mom?" and then you just cry your way through the rest of the book. SO MANY COLORS! So many beautiful animals and plants and people! What a wonderful world! The huge whale! The birds flying over the rainbow! The mountains and the sunrise! The multiethnic choirs! And they are all like...made out of construction paper! I just like...this book, in its awe-inspiring beauty, captures perfectly just how truly awe-inspiring our world is, everywhere, everyday. I love getting to teach my kid about plants and animals and all the beautiful people in the world, and I love her joy in learning about it. And this book...is a good companion to that ever more enjoyable experience. Man. Go find it. It is so beautiful and perfectly paced. And I am hell of picky with my kid's books. So.. YEAH.
May 29, 2025
I loved Ashley Bryan's collage illustrations. And I have no idea why Bruce Whatley's version, and many other illustrated versions, are on the same record as Ashley Bryan's version. Goodreads really sucks sometimes by not making separate records for separately published, authored, and illustrated books, the way real libraries do. There is even James Herriot's adult novel on this record. That's ridiculous!
My third reading was of the edition with Bruce Whatley's illustrations. He included lovely paintings for each two lines of the song. A piano score for the song, with lyrics, is included at the back of the book. An excellent edition.
My third reading was of the edition with Bruce Whatley's illustrations. He included lovely paintings for each two lines of the song. A piano score for the song, with lyrics, is included at the back of the book. An excellent edition.
December 9, 2011
This is a beautifully illustrated picture book that I think would make a wonderful gift for any family with young children. The poem, of course, is a classic, and I read it aloud to my 11 and my 14 year old because I think it's never the wrong time to reflect on the origin of all beauty in our world.
Read
June 12, 2008Very good art.
April 3, 2010
Cecil Alexander's classic hymn comes to life on the page due to Ashley Bryan's vibrant, intricate cut paper illustrations. I am predicting a Caldecott medal for this beautiful book.
November 28, 2017
11/27/17 Read with Julia.
November 3, 2018
Such a beautifully illustrated book. A very simple book for children teaching them gratitude and noticing the beauty in all the little things. Loved it!
August 31, 2025
As a now retired children’s librarian, I used Ashley Bryan’s books with the kids whenever I got the chance. This might be a little too “religious” for a public library, but it was still very well done. The illustrations are gorgeous! I would have recommended this to parents who were looking for religious themed picture books.
September 5, 2025
A great book to remind kids of all the beautiful things God created in our world. The illustrations are engaging and match so well with the text of this classic hymn. It was a perfect read aloud for my 3 and 4-year-olds.
January 2, 2024
Absolutely stunning illustrations that paired so nicely with this hymn. I loved learning about the writer at the end. Just so perfect.
Read
January 24, 2024Lovely illustrations make this classic hymn even more beautiful.
March 18, 2024
As this is tied to multiple ISBNs with different illustrators, I'll make a note here in case I ever read any others:
Katy Hudson: 5 stars
Katy Hudson: 5 stars
February 11, 2024
Read as part of a staff devotion at work, the story is both classic and updated. The artwork is beautiful and very reflective of the poetic words. A great pairing to create a beautiful book which would offer much time to share stories and look at the pictures with young children!
February 18, 2017
A standalone picture book for young children — and any artists who appreciate beautiful work.
My Take
If you need a book to keep your kids busy with exploring the graphics...this is the one for you!
The inside covers are amazing with the different shapes Bryan has cut out. The immediate inside showcases on the scissors in the center…a precursor to the reader discovering that Bryan uses paper and scissors to create his art.
The actual text is the lyrics to Cecil F. Alexander's hymn, All Things Bright and Beautiful, and provides Bryan the excuse to create the mostly amazingly detailed and colorful graphics that cover the spread of each set of pages.
The first page spread is a busy, busy undersea of a whale, dolphin, sea lion, octopus, jellyfish, crab, starfishes, and lots and lots of fish. The next page opens up to a beach scene with more birds, palm tree, sunset, birds, and an open book that pulls you into yet another world you'll want to explore.
The verse, "The Lord God made them all", is an opportunity for Bryan to depict two couples and children from different ethnicities. The next page is an outburst of flowers and birds with two exhilarated people in their windows. It's followed by a rainbow, a landscape flowing with rivers…oh, wait until you get to the "cold wind in the winter"… Oh, lord, it's simply glorious. I'd love to cut it out and frame it!
Each page is a verse that Bryan explodes to the full with beauty and color.
Each page will make you smile and sink into its warmth.
The Cover and Title
The cover is glorious! A gorgeous rainbow of colors with papercut landscaping and a menagerie of critters. The author/illustrator's name is in white at the top while the title is smaller, between land and sea in a deep blue.
The title is the hymn written by Cecil F. Alexander, all things bright and beautiful, with Bryan "illustrating" each one.
My Take
If you need a book to keep your kids busy with exploring the graphics...this is the one for you!
The inside covers are amazing with the different shapes Bryan has cut out. The immediate inside showcases on the scissors in the center…a precursor to the reader discovering that Bryan uses paper and scissors to create his art.
The actual text is the lyrics to Cecil F. Alexander's hymn, All Things Bright and Beautiful, and provides Bryan the excuse to create the mostly amazingly detailed and colorful graphics that cover the spread of each set of pages.
The first page spread is a busy, busy undersea of a whale, dolphin, sea lion, octopus, jellyfish, crab, starfishes, and lots and lots of fish. The next page opens up to a beach scene with more birds, palm tree, sunset, birds, and an open book that pulls you into yet another world you'll want to explore.
The verse, "The Lord God made them all", is an opportunity for Bryan to depict two couples and children from different ethnicities. The next page is an outburst of flowers and birds with two exhilarated people in their windows. It's followed by a rainbow, a landscape flowing with rivers…oh, wait until you get to the "cold wind in the winter"… Oh, lord, it's simply glorious. I'd love to cut it out and frame it!
Each page is a verse that Bryan explodes to the full with beauty and color.
Each page will make you smile and sink into its warmth.
The Cover and Title
The cover is glorious! A gorgeous rainbow of colors with papercut landscaping and a menagerie of critters. The author/illustrator's name is in white at the top while the title is smaller, between land and sea in a deep blue.
The title is the hymn written by Cecil F. Alexander, all things bright and beautiful, with Bryan "illustrating" each one.
July 21, 2016
All Things Bright and Beautiful, written by Cecil Frances Alexander, and beautifully illustrated by Katy Hudson is one of those books that is bright and beautiful. It's perfect for its targeted age groups, and for adults who enjoy sharing books with their little ones. As a popular hymn, written over a hundred years ago, the artist deftly brought it back to the younger generation through her illustrations, filled with vivid colors. With an array of hues, readers can admire the intensity and perceptual depth of each page, pairing with a complementing verse. Just pretty doesn't cut it. It brings the hymn to life, and most importantly, it shares visually the gift of God's beautiful creation. Share this with a little someone special in your life. With its sturdy hardback and thick colorful pages, it's bound to be a favorite that'll last for years to come. Read along with them and walk away seeing all things bright and beautiful. *smile.
This review first appeared on Just Commonly blog.
NOTE: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, through FlyBy Promotions for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own. For my review policy, please see my Disclosure page.
This review first appeared on Just Commonly blog.
NOTE: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, through FlyBy Promotions for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own. For my review policy, please see my Disclosure page.
July 24, 2016
"All Things Bright and Beautiful" was originally included in "Hymns For Little Children" by Cecil Frances Alexander, published in 1848. The poem went on to become a well-loved hymn known to Christians around the world.
This children's book, follows 3 children as they explore the world around them, discovering God's creation. With a couplet from the poem written on each set of 2 pages, it is a quick, easy read, but the joy of this 32 page hard cover children's book is the colorful illustrations by artist Katy Hudson of Middlesbrough, England. The parent and child can extend reading (and cuddle) time as they examine the illustrations, soaking in the details, and learning about each detail with a conversation ranging from the various animals, the stars, and even playing barefoot in a stream of water. Since this poem is also a hymn, it will help readers with word recognition since song memorization is a useful tool in learning. This oversized book is even useful as a display piece/room decoration to encourage reading and a love for books.
"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC and FlyBy Promotions for providing this book at no cost to myself for review purposes.
This children's book, follows 3 children as they explore the world around them, discovering God's creation. With a couplet from the poem written on each set of 2 pages, it is a quick, easy read, but the joy of this 32 page hard cover children's book is the colorful illustrations by artist Katy Hudson of Middlesbrough, England. The parent and child can extend reading (and cuddle) time as they examine the illustrations, soaking in the details, and learning about each detail with a conversation ranging from the various animals, the stars, and even playing barefoot in a stream of water. Since this poem is also a hymn, it will help readers with word recognition since song memorization is a useful tool in learning. This oversized book is even useful as a display piece/room decoration to encourage reading and a love for books.
"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC and FlyBy Promotions for providing this book at no cost to myself for review purposes.
February 5, 2016
My Review:
A fresh vibrant book, illustrating Cecil Frances Alexander's famous hymn.
This book is indeed, bright and beautiful with enchantingly vibrant pictures, that make this book a true treasure.
Perfect for all ages this is a lovely book that can be cherished and is one that families will hold onto for years to come. The artwork is vivid and thrumming with life and color.
Overall, the pairing of this hymn with this artwork was s stunning, and fitting, especially when taking the age of the readers into consideration. This is a wonderful book, and I would highly recommend it to families, with young child who enjoy being read to, as I could see this book quickly becoming a a bedtime favorite. A timeless hymn, paired with vibrant illustrations--I loved every minute of it!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."
A fresh vibrant book, illustrating Cecil Frances Alexander's famous hymn.
This book is indeed, bright and beautiful with enchantingly vibrant pictures, that make this book a true treasure.
Perfect for all ages this is a lovely book that can be cherished and is one that families will hold onto for years to come. The artwork is vivid and thrumming with life and color.
Overall, the pairing of this hymn with this artwork was s stunning, and fitting, especially when taking the age of the readers into consideration. This is a wonderful book, and I would highly recommend it to families, with young child who enjoy being read to, as I could see this book quickly becoming a a bedtime favorite. A timeless hymn, paired with vibrant illustrations--I loved every minute of it!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."
February 7, 2016
This is a joyful, adorable illustrated picture book that brings a freshness to the traditional hymn. Three siblings (the middle child is a ginger) frolic in idealic scenes, as they enjoy all of nature (including the purple mountains).
I really enjoyed this picture book, and think that the illustrations are sure to appeal to young children. I've always loved this particular hymn, so I was happy to see how well suited the artwork is to the lyrics. The nocturnal animals that appear at the end, when the family is tucked into their tent, made it even more personal for me (living in Oregon, I smell skunks quite frequently as I'm out and about).
An expanded review (for the First Looks blog tour) can be read on my wordpress blog at http://wp.me/p5Tcfi-uM
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher, Worthy Publishing , through the First Look blog tour program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
I really enjoyed this picture book, and think that the illustrations are sure to appeal to young children. I've always loved this particular hymn, so I was happy to see how well suited the artwork is to the lyrics. The nocturnal animals that appear at the end, when the family is tucked into their tent, made it even more personal for me (living in Oregon, I smell skunks quite frequently as I'm out and about).
An expanded review (for the First Looks blog tour) can be read on my wordpress blog at http://wp.me/p5Tcfi-uM
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher, Worthy Publishing , through the First Look blog tour program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
February 2, 2016
The lyrics of the 165 year old poem sung as a hymn through the years teaches that God makes all things beautiful. The years have not dimmed the beauty and tradition of this great song because it reaches young and old, educated and uneducated, strong and weak. It is a treasure to be taught and learned.
All things bright and beautiful,
All creatures great and small,
All things wise and wonderful,
The Lord God made them all.
Cecil Frances Alexander's beautiful poem is aptly illustrated in colorful, bright pictures sure to appeal to the younger audience. Adults will enjoy this whimsical artistry as each page defly illustrates the lines of the poem on the page. Two sisters and a brother frolic about the flowers, in the breeze, and amongst the various critters. Joyful! Lively! Serene!
A lovely hymn or poem to learn. A sweet, lovely book. A strong Christian message about the God who made everything beautiful.
DISCLOSURE: I was provided a complimentary copy by Worthy Publishing to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
All things bright and beautiful,
All creatures great and small,
All things wise and wonderful,
The Lord God made them all.
Cecil Frances Alexander's beautiful poem is aptly illustrated in colorful, bright pictures sure to appeal to the younger audience. Adults will enjoy this whimsical artistry as each page defly illustrates the lines of the poem on the page. Two sisters and a brother frolic about the flowers, in the breeze, and amongst the various critters. Joyful! Lively! Serene!
A lovely hymn or poem to learn. A sweet, lovely book. A strong Christian message about the God who made everything beautiful.
DISCLOSURE: I was provided a complimentary copy by Worthy Publishing to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
February 5, 2016
In the 1800's Cecil Frances Alexander penned the words to one of the world's favorite hymns "All things bright and beautiful..." Artist Katy Hudson takes those words and uses her watercolor paintings to capture and delight children in this latest version of the popular hymn.
I loved this book! The paintings are vibrant and very engaging. I remember growing up and learning some of the words to the hymn "All things bright and beautiful/All creatures great and small/All things wise and wonderful/The Lord God made them all." Yet this book covers all of the stanzas of the song.
I read this book to my best friend's daughters. The girls LOVED it. They loved seeing all the butterflies, birds, ladybugs, and beauty of the creation in the paintings. It also gave me some teachable moments when they realized that God made everything.
I received this book for free from Worthy's First Look blogging program for the purpose of reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
Recommended to children ages 3-7, parents, teachers, librarians, Sunday school teachers
Rating - 5 stars
I loved this book! The paintings are vibrant and very engaging. I remember growing up and learning some of the words to the hymn "All things bright and beautiful/All creatures great and small/All things wise and wonderful/The Lord God made them all." Yet this book covers all of the stanzas of the song.
I read this book to my best friend's daughters. The girls LOVED it. They loved seeing all the butterflies, birds, ladybugs, and beauty of the creation in the paintings. It also gave me some teachable moments when they realized that God made everything.
I received this book for free from Worthy's First Look blogging program for the purpose of reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
Recommended to children ages 3-7, parents, teachers, librarians, Sunday school teachers
Rating - 5 stars
February 2, 2016
The well know hymn All Things Bright and Beautiful by Cecil Alexander was written in the 1800s and is used in a book for young children that will also visually delight young readers. The words of the hymn are used as text and the illustrations are drawn to match the words. The illustrator used the words to pair the pictures so the readers can see the hymn as it's being read to them.
The illustrations are absolutely beautiful. There isn't a story since the words are only the words to the song. So it might be difficult for parents to read and the children to stay engaged. I think the target age should be 2-5. My daughter is in 1st grade and looked through the book once, but wasn't really interested in reading it again. The pictures are very detailed and will entertain small children with all of the tiny aspects. The three siblings are adorable and the family aspect is a nice theme.
I received this book free of charge from First Look in exchange for my honest review.
The illustrations are absolutely beautiful. There isn't a story since the words are only the words to the song. So it might be difficult for parents to read and the children to stay engaged. I think the target age should be 2-5. My daughter is in 1st grade and looked through the book once, but wasn't really interested in reading it again. The pictures are very detailed and will entertain small children with all of the tiny aspects. The three siblings are adorable and the family aspect is a nice theme.
I received this book free of charge from First Look in exchange for my honest review.
February 3, 2016
This edition is best read in the hardcover edition, which is about the width and height of two Kindle devices each. Why is that? Kids love paper books more than ebooks any day, and this one is no exception. It is best suited for the physical approach as well, with its artistic imagery that draws a child in to touch, feel, and explore the pages of the ornate poem.
As far as content goes, it is a traditional Christian hymn repurposed to give children inspiration and dreams. Nothing new or special there - it's really all about the artwork and format. This book is great for reading time or bedtime stories, and both children and (grand)parents will equally adore the art and style of the book.
Overall, it is a wonderful reminder, and excellent inspiration, to adore the creation so lovingly given to us by HaShem. Thumbs up.
Disclosure: I have received a reviewer copy and/or payment in exchange for an honest review of the product mentioned in this post.
As far as content goes, it is a traditional Christian hymn repurposed to give children inspiration and dreams. Nothing new or special there - it's really all about the artwork and format. This book is great for reading time or bedtime stories, and both children and (grand)parents will equally adore the art and style of the book.
Overall, it is a wonderful reminder, and excellent inspiration, to adore the creation so lovingly given to us by HaShem. Thumbs up.
Disclosure: I have received a reviewer copy and/or payment in exchange for an honest review of the product mentioned in this post.
June 15, 2010
Using his mother's sewing scissors once again (they were used in Beautiful Blackbird), Ashley Bryan uses cut paper collage to create a visually stunning accompaniment to the timeless hymn by Cecil F. Alexander.
From the homage to his mother's sewing scissors, found on the end papers, to the final stunning illustration of strong hands reaching down to embrace all that is bright and beautiful, this outstanding picture book will appeal to children and adults alike. Possibilities for uses in the classroom include music and art lessons, as well as an author study, where this title could be paired with Bryan's "What a Wonderful World" as well as "Beautiful Blackbird". Bryan's masterful use of color, texture, line, shape and space provides teachers with lots of possible art lessons, not limited to the art of cut paper collage.
From the homage to his mother's sewing scissors, found on the end papers, to the final stunning illustration of strong hands reaching down to embrace all that is bright and beautiful, this outstanding picture book will appeal to children and adults alike. Possibilities for uses in the classroom include music and art lessons, as well as an author study, where this title could be paired with Bryan's "What a Wonderful World" as well as "Beautiful Blackbird". Bryan's masterful use of color, texture, line, shape and space provides teachers with lots of possible art lessons, not limited to the art of cut paper collage.
February 13, 2016
Must buy! This is a fabulous book for any parent and child to share! Beautiful illustrations matched with this beautiful poem make for a fantastic bed time story or an any time story! Katy's pictures capture the eye with lovely bright colors and detailed scenes, and Cecil's poem is a work of art as it flows from line to line! I highly recommend this book for anyone looking for a colorful and fun book be it for your child or a gift for someone you know! LOVE IT!
Songs: "All Things Bright and Beautiful" performed by Kidzup Kids
Songs etc. May be changed and/or added in the future. ~ASC
Genesis 1:1, Genesis 1:31
~ASC
*I requested and received this book from Worthy Publishing for the purpose of reviewing it. This in no way affected my opinion and the above are my true thoughts and feelings about All Things Bright and Beautiful. ~ASC
Songs: "All Things Bright and Beautiful" performed by Kidzup Kids
Songs etc. May be changed and/or added in the future. ~ASC
Genesis 1:1, Genesis 1:31
~ASC
*I requested and received this book from Worthy Publishing for the purpose of reviewing it. This in no way affected my opinion and the above are my true thoughts and feelings about All Things Bright and Beautiful. ~ASC
February 4, 2016
Beautifully draws attention to God's creation!
The rhymes in this book are simple and flow easily. Each phrase is short and sweet. There is very little written on each page and the pauses are nicely timed with plenty of opportunity to really explore the pictures.
The illustrations are very detailed and eye catching. It was a joy to look for small things like the ladybugs and butterflies that were on a number of pages.
I really love the way that all aspects of creation are included. This includes the animals, plants, mountains, rivers, and even the weather. God is creator of, and in control of all of it.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.
The rhymes in this book are simple and flow easily. Each phrase is short and sweet. There is very little written on each page and the pauses are nicely timed with plenty of opportunity to really explore the pictures.
The illustrations are very detailed and eye catching. It was a joy to look for small things like the ladybugs and butterflies that were on a number of pages.
I really love the way that all aspects of creation are included. This includes the animals, plants, mountains, rivers, and even the weather. God is creator of, and in control of all of it.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.
July 11, 2016
I am absolutely in LOVE with the illustrations in this book. The children are adorable, the colors are vibrant, and the animals are amazingly lifelike.
The text of the book is the lyrics to the song by the same title, which I remember singing as a child. Each page has only one or two lines of text, which makes it even easier to focus on the illustrations.
The combination of the text and illustrations provide a multitude of opportunities to discuss God's creations, and the wonder of them all. I also liked that the final page includes a cute little bunny along with a scripture about Creation.
**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own**
The text of the book is the lyrics to the song by the same title, which I remember singing as a child. Each page has only one or two lines of text, which makes it even easier to focus on the illustrations.
The combination of the text and illustrations provide a multitude of opportunities to discuss God's creations, and the wonder of them all. I also liked that the final page includes a cute little bunny along with a scripture about Creation.
**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own**
January 9, 2014
The text of the book is a poem, and the poem is ... okay. A little cheesy for my taste, but kids might like it. It reminds me of Daniel 3 and the Liturgy of the Hours (Wind and chill, bless the Lord, etc.)
As for the illustrations... I like the colors, but I'm not a big fan of how they are done technically. There are large brush strokes and it almost seems to be Impressionist, which is *not* my favorite style.
So, we might take a look at it once, if we happen across it again, but I don't see it becoming a favorite.
My Favorite Picture:
Either the frog or the hummingbird or just the water portion of the one with the whale.
As for the illustrations... I like the colors, but I'm not a big fan of how they are done technically. There are large brush strokes and it almost seems to be Impressionist, which is *not* my favorite style.
So, we might take a look at it once, if we happen across it again, but I don't see it becoming a favorite.
My Favorite Picture:
Either the frog or the hummingbird or just the water portion of the one with the whale.
May 3, 2014
I love the idea of this book and I admire how well it was executed. This book contains no writing except the words of the hymn: All things bright and beautiful. Every other page has two lines from the hymn and the facing page has a picture that reflects those lines. The pictures are charming and beautifully done and coincide well with the hymn. Maybe it is just because I love hymns, but I think this is a wonderful idea for a book and can think of several other hymns I would love to see a book made out of (such as I sing the almighty power of God and This is my father's world). The last page gives the music for the hymn. Such a great hymn and such a great book.
July 4, 2017
I was getting my patriarchal blessing and we found this poor book in the Lost & Found box. Anyone who has read James Herriot's books would be familiar with this name so I was instantly caught both by the title as well as the cover illustration.
The book is well thought out and allows you to enjoy nature as a girl sees it who lives on the farm. Each detail is beautifully seen to and given rich focus. The awe of nature has been captured both with the lyrics of the hymn and the illustrations that were provided while the actual lyrics to the song were included in the back.
For those who enjoy nature or the hymn itself I would highly recommend this book.
The book is well thought out and allows you to enjoy nature as a girl sees it who lives on the farm. Each detail is beautifully seen to and given rich focus. The awe of nature has been captured both with the lyrics of the hymn and the illustrations that were provided while the actual lyrics to the song were included in the back.
For those who enjoy nature or the hymn itself I would highly recommend this book.
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