All of You Was Singing

by Richard Lewis

A lyrical account of the earth's creation and the advent of music

1 pages, Hardcover

First published March 28, 1991

Reviews

[J · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was okay but it really does have me confused. I have dabbled with episode of Aztec mythoi and although I know that doesn't make me an expert I have never come across this particular story before so it has me more than confused. Furthermore reading the back title page it mentions that this is actually an adaptation of a Nahua creation story, which although they may be linguistically similar, may be two separate tribes. Furthermore when I try to research this particular story to see if I can find anymore about the connection with the Aztecs I only get this book constantly popping up or the original Aztec creation story that I am used to. So as to being authentic I cannot vouch for this book at this time....

The rest of the story does follow a portion of the Aztec creation with the sea monster who swallowed everything in sight and after being killed was made into both the sky and earth. But after that the story takes its own creative turn by the Sky narrating the creation of the Earth before then sending the Wind to retrieve music from the Sun who has been hoarding it (this is another aspect of the book that could also have helped in placing it) until then.

The book is aesthetically nice to look at for each spread has various different colored and patterned backgrounds with even one spread being broken into two different episodes as told by the changing backgrounds. Furthermore the story is inserted into the midst of these backgrounds with very simple illustrations to reflect what is going on in the text.

All in all it was a rather decent and rather different read than what is normally being shared with children but not one that I can see as a go-to repeat read for young audiences.

[Nicole Nunn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the lyrical format earth is presented in, in this book. I would use "Poetry Party" to collaboratively practice how to read a poem and why that matters. It helps them to develop fluency and how comprehension is important in communicating the message of the poem to the audience.

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

An Aztec Creation Myth in which music is first brought to the Earth. The beautiful torn paper collage artwork reads like a vivid tapestry. As the story progresses the artwork unfolds like an awakening of sorts. Overall, a book of beauty with poetic text.