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The Watcher
A poetic story inspired by Psalm 121
Jordan lives in fear of Tanya, the class bully. But Tanya has worries of her own, no matter how much she tries to ignore them. It seems impossible that Jordan and Tanya could be anything other than enemies, but the Lord is watching over them, guiding each of them along a path that might just help them to understand one another.
Nikki Grimes takes the words of a Psalm 121 and masterfully transforms them into a golden shovel poem of compassion, friendship, and faith. Coupled with powerful artwork from Bryan Collier, this heartfelt story is one that readers will treasure.
Jordan lives in fear of Tanya, the class bully. But Tanya has worries of her own, no matter how much she tries to ignore them. It seems impossible that Jordan and Tanya could be anything other than enemies, but the Lord is watching over them, guiding each of them along a path that might just help them to understand one another.
Nikki Grimes takes the words of a Psalm 121 and masterfully transforms them into a golden shovel poem of compassion, friendship, and faith. Coupled with powerful artwork from Bryan Collier, this heartfelt story is one that readers will treasure.
42 pages, Hardcover
First published October 9, 2017
196 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
June 2, 2017
This was a very interesting read. Using Psalm 121 as the base for the story, it is written in the Golden Shovel Poem form. I had never heard of this before and the book explains what it that is at the back of the story. Jordan is afraid of Tanya, the class bully. Tanya stutters and is teased, she has no friends but she really wants one. When Jordan and Tanya begin to move towards one another they do so with prayer and understanding. As the psalm says, the Lord is watching over them. There is a good message to this book about tolerance and getting to know what the other person is going through. The illustrations by Bryan Collier, are very different. They are very colourful and look like figures glued to a background. Quite eye catching. This would be a good book to teach the poetry form in a Christian school or setting. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley.
July 9, 2018
This book is an amazing work of art. Nikki Grimes has created golden shovel poems using the words of Psalm 121 to tell how three children learn kindness, confidence, and trust in the Lord as they internalize the psalm and live it out in their interactions with each other. I have been using it with a small class of elementary age children as they memorize the psalm. They love it, and they get it! “Don’t forget to read us more of that book!” they remind me every Sunday. I think it is really making a difference in their lives. The illustrations by Bryan Collier are just right as they stimulate thought and discussion.
May 11, 2018
First sentence: I lift up my eyes to the hills--where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.
Premise/plot: The Watcher is a golden-shovel poem told in two voices. What is a golden shovel poem? It may be easier to show you. But essentially 'you take lines from an existing poem and create a new poem using the words from the original.'
Jordan
Some days, even the ant towers over me, and I
cower in a forest of grass, waiting for the fear to lift
like fog, so I can be brave, rise up.
But the class bully growls my name, and I shiver in my
sneakers, feel the wet fill my eyes.
Then I remember how Mom told me to
roll my fear like a ball, toss it high in the
air where you can catch it, and fling it to the hills.
Tanya
Wish I was some other Who, living where
stutterers aren't treated like spit. Does
that place even exist? No. So I switch off my
hearing when Grandma says to ask you for help.
If you care, maybe you can tell me how come
kids tease me into meanness I can't run from.
The narrators are Jordan and Tanya, classmates who appear to be as different as can be. What can these two ever have in common? How could they ever be friends? How could they be anything other than enemies? But the Lord works in mysterious ways. And his guidance leads these two together.
My thoughts: I really loved this one. I love Psalm 121. I love this form of poetry. The book is inspirational.
Text: 4 out of 5
Illustrations: 4 out of 5
Total: 8 out of 10
Premise/plot: The Watcher is a golden-shovel poem told in two voices. What is a golden shovel poem? It may be easier to show you. But essentially 'you take lines from an existing poem and create a new poem using the words from the original.'
Jordan
Some days, even the ant towers over me, and I
cower in a forest of grass, waiting for the fear to lift
like fog, so I can be brave, rise up.
But the class bully growls my name, and I shiver in my
sneakers, feel the wet fill my eyes.
Then I remember how Mom told me to
roll my fear like a ball, toss it high in the
air where you can catch it, and fling it to the hills.
Tanya
Wish I was some other Who, living where
stutterers aren't treated like spit. Does
that place even exist? No. So I switch off my
hearing when Grandma says to ask you for help.
If you care, maybe you can tell me how come
kids tease me into meanness I can't run from.
The narrators are Jordan and Tanya, classmates who appear to be as different as can be. What can these two ever have in common? How could they ever be friends? How could they be anything other than enemies? But the Lord works in mysterious ways. And his guidance leads these two together.
My thoughts: I really loved this one. I love Psalm 121. I love this form of poetry. The book is inspirational.
Text: 4 out of 5
Illustrations: 4 out of 5
Total: 8 out of 10
December 11, 2018
I read this book because it was WORLD Magazine's children's picture book of the year, and it didn't disappoint. The story/poem follows Tanya and Jordan and their relationship as school bully and bullied. Each line of this narrative poem ends with the next word of Psalm 117 (a style of poetry called "golden shovel"). The poetic style was interesting, but I think what I loved most about this book was its explicitly religious message. The book is not written for a Christian audience yet illustrates how lives can be transformed by God's love and His forgiveness working through human beings. The story by Grimes was excellent, and the illustrations were classic Bryan Collier.
March 29, 2021
This was so beautiful
After falling in love with Nikki Grimes's Golden Shovel poetry by reading her Harlem Renaissance collections (go get those right now,) I just wanted more so I got this. This is one of the most beautiful renditions of one of the Psalms I think I've ever seen. I need to get a copy. I loved it...I loved the voices, the interaction, how slowly layer after layer was peeled away until you saw the story...and my kid followed every bit of it. He's six and I thought this would be beyond him...I need to trust him more because it for sure was not. He was fascinated by the story, loved finding those end words and going back to the psalm, loved to see these kids in prayer...ohhh, this just gave me goosebumps.
After falling in love with Nikki Grimes's Golden Shovel poetry by reading her Harlem Renaissance collections (go get those right now,) I just wanted more so I got this. This is one of the most beautiful renditions of one of the Psalms I think I've ever seen. I need to get a copy. I loved it...I loved the voices, the interaction, how slowly layer after layer was peeled away until you saw the story...and my kid followed every bit of it. He's six and I thought this would be beyond him...I need to trust him more because it for sure was not. He was fascinated by the story, loved finding those end words and going back to the psalm, loved to see these kids in prayer...ohhh, this just gave me goosebumps.
November 24, 2020
The Watcher is an amazingly beautiful and touching book on many levels--the artwork, the subject matter, the characters, and most of all the "golden shovel poems". Each page's poem contains text from Psalm 121 and furthers the story of Tanya, Jordan, and Israel and their families and classmates.
This book would be perfect to share with older readers who themselves are dealing with bullies, poverty, and all the other troubles life throws at us. Answers to these troubles are never easy, but acting on your faith and moving forward in love can make a difference, as this book shows.
This book would be perfect to share with older readers who themselves are dealing with bullies, poverty, and all the other troubles life throws at us. Answers to these troubles are never easy, but acting on your faith and moving forward in love can make a difference, as this book shows.
February 11, 2018
This powerful picture book has so many interwoven themes: bullying and friendship, faith, Grimes' golden shovel poetry, and Bryan Collier's fantastic photo-collage illustrations. My favorite picture book of 2017.
January 4, 2018
I'm enjoying Grimes' exploration of the Golden Shovel, a form of poetry I wasn't familiar with. In addition to this book, I'm also reading her One Last Word, which is delightful.
January 11, 2019
Very unique, love how it builds the story
November 28, 2018
Beautiful book. Complex concept. Poetry. "Golden shovel" poetry form. For elementary schools poetry lessons & religios schools. Narrative story-in-verse based on Psalm 121.
July 7, 2020
This book absorbed me: both the words in the Golden Shovel form and the artwork. I'm eager to read it to my grandkids and see their response.
The Golden Shovel method takes an existing poem or verse and creates a new poem using the words from the original as the last word of the new poem. Nikki Grimes used Psalm 121 ("I lift up my eyes to the hills...") to tell the story of Jordan and Tanya, two kids in conflict.
Here is an short example using these words: No man is an island.
Golden Shovel poem (be kind, I'm doing this on the fly...and it is harder than it looks!):
When he asked me to marry him, I said *no*
Without hesitation. He really isn't a *man*
Who engenders respect. Although he thinks he *is*
Smart and suave, he is the last person in *an*
Alliance with whom I would isolate on an *island.*
The Golden Shovel method takes an existing poem or verse and creates a new poem using the words from the original as the last word of the new poem. Nikki Grimes used Psalm 121 ("I lift up my eyes to the hills...") to tell the story of Jordan and Tanya, two kids in conflict.
Here is an short example using these words: No man is an island.
Golden Shovel poem (be kind, I'm doing this on the fly...and it is harder than it looks!):
When he asked me to marry him, I said *no*
Without hesitation. He really isn't a *man*
Who engenders respect. Although he thinks he *is*
Smart and suave, he is the last person in *an*
Alliance with whom I would isolate on an *island.*
August 26, 2017
This is a very cleverly written book based on Psalm 121. It is written in such a way that the last word of each line of text is emboldened, and then the bold words then read a separate message within themselves. So you have two narratives alongside each other. Although this does mean that at times the paragraphs themselves don't flow so easily, as though they've been written purely with the intention in mind of ensuring that the last words on each line make sense.
This book addresses Jordan who is in fear of Tanya the class bull.y. However it looks at how Tanya also has her own worries. Throughout the book the presiding message is that God is looking out of them and guiding them, allowing them to gain for understanding and empathy of each other. Although this is a nice heartwarming story, the text is difficult to read at times because it's written in quite a mature way at times which may be difficult for younger readers. This book would be relevant for those with Christian beliefs, as others will simply not be able to relate.
This book addresses Jordan who is in fear of Tanya the class bull.y. However it looks at how Tanya also has her own worries. Throughout the book the presiding message is that God is looking out of them and guiding them, allowing them to gain for understanding and empathy of each other. Although this is a nice heartwarming story, the text is difficult to read at times because it's written in quite a mature way at times which may be difficult for younger readers. This book would be relevant for those with Christian beliefs, as others will simply not be able to relate.
April 9, 2018
WOW. Not only is this wonderfully creative (children's) book based on a favorite psalm of mine (Psalm 121), but it is stunningly beautiful, both lyrically and visually. The artwork is a captivating series of multi-media collage work, each one unique and carefully crafted. The style of the narrative is "golden shovel" poetry, which was unfamiliar to me before this book. What a creative and moving way to share the depth of meaning of this psalm: to weave a story that illustrates it perfectly for children, weaving in the word from the psalm itself. An added bonus: the author explains in the back of the book how to write this kind of poem yourself, which would be a great project for any grade school - or even middle school - classroom. Next on my list: to check out some of this author's other books. Perhaps they are as captivating as this one?
November 14, 2019
All of my emotions were vested in this beautiful story by Nikki Grimes and Bryan Collier. The diverse struggles that each character faces made me think of my students and the trauma that so many of them carry. The dance that takes place between words and illustration is heart wrenching in places, most particularly when Tanya looks into the locker mirror. I feel blessed by this compassion-inspiring book.
September 29, 2019
Nikki Grimes looks at bullying from all sides in this inventive story told in golden shovel poems to Psalm 121. That spread where Tanya looks at herself in the mirror--perfect. Luminous Bryan Collier art.
April 7, 2018
Normally I eschew books with religious themes, but I could not resist the combination of author Nikki Grimes and illustrator Bryan Collier.
This clever and surprising book begins with a modernized translation of Psalm 121, one of the most beautiful of the psalms, which begins, “I lift up my eyes to the hills - where does my help come from?”
Each two-page spread of the book then features a free-verse poem ending in a word of the psalm in bold text, and telling the story of Jordan and Tanya, the latter being the class bully. For example, the book begins with narration by Jordan:
“Some days, even the ant towers over me, and I
Cower in a forest of grass, waiting for the fear to lift
Like fog, so I can be brave, rise up.
But the class bully growls my name, and I shiver in my
sneakers, feel the wet fill my eyes.
Then I remember how Mom told me to
Roll my fear like a ball, toss it high in the
Air where you can catch it, and fling it to the hills.”
When a new boy named Israel comes to the school, Tanya decides she will befriend Israel, because, as she says, “the kid needs a protector, name like Israel.”
Jordan tries hard to understand why Tanya is so mean:
“People are puzzles, even Tanya - not all good, nor
all bad, but mixed. I try not to care, but the
Lord pokes me with his Word, mentions the moon
Tanya and I both sleep under, dream by.
God loves us the same, tucks us both in at night.”
The story has a fantastic ending.
As the author explains in a note at the conclusion of the book, The Watcher is written in a form of poetry called “the golden shovel.” She writes:
“In this form, you take lines from an existing poem or, as in this book, from a psalm, and create a new poem using the words from the original.”
She explains the process a bit more in detail, then encourages readers to try it themselves.
Bryan Collier is a four-time Caldecott Honor winner for his watercolor and collage artwork, and his illustrations are excellent, as usual.
Evaluation: Imagine how surprised I was at myself to love a book based on a religious theme. But I don’t think any particular belief is at all necessary to enjoy this beautiful story. It is an excellent guide on how to cope with bullying, on understanding others who are different or mean, and on the redeeming value of friendship.
This clever and surprising book begins with a modernized translation of Psalm 121, one of the most beautiful of the psalms, which begins, “I lift up my eyes to the hills - where does my help come from?”
Each two-page spread of the book then features a free-verse poem ending in a word of the psalm in bold text, and telling the story of Jordan and Tanya, the latter being the class bully. For example, the book begins with narration by Jordan:
“Some days, even the ant towers over me, and I
Cower in a forest of grass, waiting for the fear to lift
Like fog, so I can be brave, rise up.
But the class bully growls my name, and I shiver in my
sneakers, feel the wet fill my eyes.
Then I remember how Mom told me to
Roll my fear like a ball, toss it high in the
Air where you can catch it, and fling it to the hills.”
When a new boy named Israel comes to the school, Tanya decides she will befriend Israel, because, as she says, “the kid needs a protector, name like Israel.”
Jordan tries hard to understand why Tanya is so mean:
“People are puzzles, even Tanya - not all good, nor
all bad, but mixed. I try not to care, but the
Lord pokes me with his Word, mentions the moon
Tanya and I both sleep under, dream by.
God loves us the same, tucks us both in at night.”
The story has a fantastic ending.
As the author explains in a note at the conclusion of the book, The Watcher is written in a form of poetry called “the golden shovel.” She writes:
“In this form, you take lines from an existing poem or, as in this book, from a psalm, and create a new poem using the words from the original.”
She explains the process a bit more in detail, then encourages readers to try it themselves.
Bryan Collier is a four-time Caldecott Honor winner for his watercolor and collage artwork, and his illustrations are excellent, as usual.
Evaluation: Imagine how surprised I was at myself to love a book based on a religious theme. But I don’t think any particular belief is at all necessary to enjoy this beautiful story. It is an excellent guide on how to cope with bullying, on understanding others who are different or mean, and on the redeeming value of friendship.
November 2, 2017
"The Watcher" is a beautiful book that could inspire many kids to write/illustrate similar works of their own. I especially appreciated:
- seeing a specific form of poetry tell a story. I was not familiar with the 'golden shovel' form which the author describes succinctly at the end of the book. This form takes words from a poem (in this case Psalm 122) and creates a new unique poem in which each line ends with a word from the original. If a reader only looks done the right margin, she would find the original poem in its original order but the new poem tells a different story. Seems like a good writing exercise for all to try.
- the artwork which mixes collage with hand drawing. Again, a great thing for a young artist to practice.
- diversity within the characters-- different ethnicities, family backgrounds, abilities like one might find in any classroom
- seeing a typical classroom situation through two different perspectives. I think this helps kids develop empathy and think how their behaviors might impact someone else.
I recommend this book especially to kids 6-10.
(I received and reviewed this book as part of a promotional giveaway.)
- seeing a specific form of poetry tell a story. I was not familiar with the 'golden shovel' form which the author describes succinctly at the end of the book. This form takes words from a poem (in this case Psalm 122) and creates a new unique poem in which each line ends with a word from the original. If a reader only looks done the right margin, she would find the original poem in its original order but the new poem tells a different story. Seems like a good writing exercise for all to try.
- the artwork which mixes collage with hand drawing. Again, a great thing for a young artist to practice.
- diversity within the characters-- different ethnicities, family backgrounds, abilities like one might find in any classroom
- seeing a typical classroom situation through two different perspectives. I think this helps kids develop empathy and think how their behaviors might impact someone else.
I recommend this book especially to kids 6-10.
(I received and reviewed this book as part of a promotional giveaway.)
August 28, 2021
Jordan is afraid of Tanya. She's a bully who is afraid the other children at her school will tease her because she stutters. There's also an intimation that her home life has been troubling in the past, perhaps also contributing to her meanness. Using the "golden shovel" form of poetry (using the first words of some other piece of writing, in this case Psalm 121) the author has written a powerful story of how God's love can transform a difficult situation.
Picture book format, beautifully written, beautifully illustrated. Both Jordan's and Tanya's thoughts are included as they move from adversaries to friendship. Neither found it easy to broaden their views of their world to include seeing the other differently. Jordan's strong religious faith and Tanya's grandmother's faith support the kids every step of the way.
Probably for elementary school aged kids, preferably with some adult support along the way to answer questions. Preschool aged kids can learn a little of why some kids are mean but will need an adult to read the book to them and to explain what's going on.
Picture book format, beautifully written, beautifully illustrated. Both Jordan's and Tanya's thoughts are included as they move from adversaries to friendship. Neither found it easy to broaden their views of their world to include seeing the other differently. Jordan's strong religious faith and Tanya's grandmother's faith support the kids every step of the way.
Probably for elementary school aged kids, preferably with some adult support along the way to answer questions. Preschool aged kids can learn a little of why some kids are mean but will need an adult to read the book to them and to explain what's going on.
September 17, 2017
The Watcher
by Nikki Grimes, Bryan Collier
Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company
EBYR
Children's Fiction
Pub Date 09 Oct 2017 | Archive Date 09 Oct 2017
I am reviewing a copy of The Watcher through Wm. B. Eerdman's Publishing Company and Netgalley:
In this book Nikki Grimes uses the Words of Psalm 121 to help tell the story of Jordan who lives in fear of Tanya the class bully. Tanya is dealing with a sick Grandmother at home, and her Grandmother is the one who cares for her, but because her Grandmother is sick she finds herself hungry.
This brief children books packs a powerful punch, showing how faith, friendship and forgiveness can transform a bully into a friend.
I give The Watcher five out of five stars.
Happy Reading!
December 31, 2017
12/27/2017 ~~ Nikki Grimes does what she does so well...tells a narrative story in picture book form using a collection of poems. Jordan fears Tanya, the class bully, but gradually comes to understand the conditions in Tanya's life that prompt her actions. As he begins to reach out to her, the possibility of a friendship emerges. This book could provide an excellent springboard for a discussion of empathy.
The 121st Psalm forms the framework for the poems which tell the story of Tanya and Jordan. Each line of the poems in the book end with a word which comes from a line in the psalm. (See the note at the back about the form, called a golden shovel.) This book could be a good mentor text for students as they attempt to write a golden shovel story of their own.
The 121st Psalm forms the framework for the poems which tell the story of Tanya and Jordan. Each line of the poems in the book end with a word which comes from a line in the psalm. (See the note at the back about the form, called a golden shovel.) This book could be a good mentor text for students as they attempt to write a golden shovel story of their own.
October 29, 2018
Interesting creation using Psalm 121 and golden shovel form of poetry. I felt there was so much more to the 2 children's stories between the lines, but couldn't get at half of it. But what we are given is intriguing to see their backgrounds unfold. To see how kindness can be powerful. To understand that often bullies have a background that may cause their behavior. I'm not sure how well children will be able to pick up on some of it. But worth sharing. Though in today's unfortunate world, I think many will be offended by the strong religious influences/connections in there, even though the main message is Kindness and Acceptance which is basic good humanity.
The collage illustrations were also interesting.
The collage illustrations were also interesting.
November 9, 2024
Inspired by Psalm 121, this lyrical picture book is told in the voices of two children, Tanya and Jordan. Tanya is the class bully and Jordan is her victim. Grimes uses the golden shovel poetic form -- taking lines from an existing poem -- to tell their story of conflict and reconciliation. This heartwarming faith centered story will be an excellent resource to use in units about the psalms and discussions about conflict resolution.
"Dizzy with questions, I'm afraid to speak. THE
only word I get out is 'Why?' Jordan shrugs. 'The LORD
told me to. But if you really want me to leave, I WILL'
'No. Stay,' I whisper, my insides melting while I WATCH
my new -friend?- ease into a smile and wave Israel OVER."
"Dizzy with questions, I'm afraid to speak. THE
only word I get out is 'Why?' Jordan shrugs. 'The LORD
told me to. But if you really want me to leave, I WILL'
'No. Stay,' I whisper, my insides melting while I WATCH
my new -friend?- ease into a smile and wave Israel OVER."
October 8, 2017
A must-have for my collection!!! Based on Psalm 121, Grimes weaves a poignant story about faith, compassion, and friendship. And she frames it a difficult poetic form to pull of - the "golden shovel" - and she does it with finesse.
Ms Grimes explains this form of poetry in the back matter. You take words from an existing poem (or psalm in this case) and arrange them to the far right of a line. Then fill in the left side with words that end with the original words, creating a whole new poem. It's definitely a disciplined format. Impressive too.
And the illustrations are filled with as much emotion and depth as the writing.
Kudos to both Grimes and Collier!
Ms Grimes explains this form of poetry in the back matter. You take words from an existing poem (or psalm in this case) and arrange them to the far right of a line. Then fill in the left side with words that end with the original words, creating a whole new poem. It's definitely a disciplined format. Impressive too.
And the illustrations are filled with as much emotion and depth as the writing.
Kudos to both Grimes and Collier!
November 30, 2017
Based on Psalm 121, Grimes weaves a poignant story about faith, compassion, and friendship. And she frames it in a poetic form that is difficult to pull off - the "golden shovel" - and she does it with finesse. Ms Grimes explains this form of poetry in the back matter. And the illustrations are filled with as much emotion and depth as the writing. Kudos to both Grimes and Collier!
Click here to place a hold on this book in the library catalog.
Click here to place a hold on this book in the library catalog.
December 22, 2017
Nikki Grimes is a favorite of mine but this book is exceptional. It will be in heavy rotation as I help students explore poetry. The watcher is a poem about Tanya and Jordan, two students who know pain and hardship in various forms but learn that having hope in something bigger than themselves can lead their hearts in the right direction. More than a touching story, I learned that the form of poetry in this title is called the golden shovel. It seems difficult to do but I wonder if my students would be willing to try it. Maybe??
January 11, 2018
Like her verse novel, "One Last Word", Nikki Grimes used the 'golden shovel' poem method from Psalm 121 to tell this story of a boy, Jordan and a girl, Tanya. Jordan appears terrified of Tanya, the class bully, yet slowly he begins to gain her trust. And he discovers some of her troubles (one is hunger) and brings cookies and a beginning friendship. Illustrations by Bryan Collier amaze. Collaged mixed-media art fills the pages with equally mixed emotions.It would be interesting to discuss with a group to see how they respond.
August 11, 2020
The book cover is very intriguing , and the illustrations are beautiful by Bryan Collier.
The life of children, Jordan and Tanya are enthralled in bullying, violence, learning disabilities, ethics, prejudice, fear, loneliness, pain, hunger, shame, illness, kindness and friendship.
The poetry are thoughtfully written in the golden shovel form with the tie-in to the Psalm 121: 3-4 bible verse. Nikki Grimes does an amazing job of telling the story in short poems that relay Gods message. This is a great read for any age. I’m delighted to add it to my collection.
The life of children, Jordan and Tanya are enthralled in bullying, violence, learning disabilities, ethics, prejudice, fear, loneliness, pain, hunger, shame, illness, kindness and friendship.
The poetry are thoughtfully written in the golden shovel form with the tie-in to the Psalm 121: 3-4 bible verse. Nikki Grimes does an amazing job of telling the story in short poems that relay Gods message. This is a great read for any age. I’m delighted to add it to my collection.
October 8, 2017
I liked it a lot more than I thought I would. I was unfamiliar with the "Golden Shovel" method of poetry, and so I thought the book was just going to be a sort of retelling of the Psalm. But instead, it was its own story, that kind of followed the meaning without using the words except as demanded by the Golden Shovel. (In fact, you could easily read the whole story without even realizing the words of the Psalm are there.)
The illustrations are also fascinating.
The illustrations are also fascinating.
November 6, 2017
A poetic story written using the Golden Shovel form which uses the words from Psalm 121 to tell the stories of three children who find friendship in each other and the Lord's intervention in making it all happen.
The stories told here are so compelling and complex, which just makes the storytelling all the more artful considering that it is told using such a strict form. Highly recommended for sharing with K-6+. Truly powerful.
Paint and collage illustrations.
The stories told here are so compelling and complex, which just makes the storytelling all the more artful considering that it is told using such a strict form. Highly recommended for sharing with K-6+. Truly powerful.
Paint and collage illustrations.
February 7, 2018
This is a very creative book, written in golden shovel, a type of poetry where a new story is written within the use of an old poem. In this case, the story is based from Psalm 121. The background of the story is set in the New York City area. The characters themselves were from the Marlboro and Balmville School Districts. I love how Ms. Grimes took a poem and intertwined it with a new, riveting story. Very powerful use of words, with great illustrations to bring those words to life.
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