O Holy Night: Christmas with the Boys Choir of Harlem

by Faith Ringgold

O holy night The stars are brightly shining It is the night of our dear Savior's birth. Painting from the heart in a time when the world longs for peace, Faith Ringgold has created art that celebrates the hope that came to all people on a silent night in Bethlehem. Her jewel-toned paintings are imbued with the spiritual vitality of the Boys Choir of Harlem's joyous renditions of five of our most beloved Christmas carols, and will be treasured for their spirit of wonder and love.

A perfect way to enhance the holiday season, O Holy Night gives families the chance to hear the glorious voices of the Boys Choir of Harlem while experiencing the radiant art their singing has inspired.

Genres: Picture Books, Christmas, Cultural

34 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2004

Reviews

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

Celebrated African-American artist Faith Ringgold, whose Tar Beach was awarded a Caldecott Honor in 1992, turns in this picture-book to the world of Christmas carols, offering her illustrative interpretations of five traditional songs, together with the performance of the Boys Choir of Harlem. After a brief quotation from the Holy Scripture, telling the Christmas story, the text of each carol - Silent Night; O Come, All Ye Faithful; O Holy Night; Hark! the Herald Angels Sing; and Joy to the World - is presented, together with Ringgold's artwork. A CD, included at the rear of the book, presents the performance of the songs by the choir...

As someone who loves Christmas carols, and has an annual project to track down new (or new to me) picture-books devoted to them, I picked up O Holy Night: Christmas With The Boys Choir of Harlem at my public library with great anticipation. I'm familiar with Ringgold, of course, and know that The Boys Choir of Harlem is considered a New York institution. I enjoyed perusing Ringgold's boldly colorful artwork, which features mostly African-Americans in the various roles of Holy Family, angels, shepherds and Wise Men. Listening to the CD was an added bonus, although not really necessary for my enjoyment of the book, as I usually sing the carols to myself, while reading such titles. Recommended to anyone who enjoys Christmas carol picture-books, to fans of Faith Ringgold, or to readers seeking children's Christmas books featuring African-American characters.

[Austin · Rating 4 out of 5]

These Christmas carols were accompanied by Faith Ringgold’s vibrant and beautiful paintings. Along with a CD of songs sung by The Boys Choir of Harlem, this book is the complete package.

[Alyssa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautiful art and a CD to listen to while reading!

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully and richly illustrated book by Faith Ringgold of five carols! The illustrations of a nativity pageant include every variety of African American skin color with different hair types and styles. Many appear to be illustrations of actual people.

[Marissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty illustrations with song lyrics. My son loved looking at the pictures and asking us to sing the songs on each page. (Full lyrics not included for each song.)