Cumbayah

by Floyd Cooper (Illustrator)

"Cumbayah" is an enduring campfire song for children and a source of inspiration for adults. Though its roots are in the African-American tradition, it speaks to people of many different cultures, ages, and religious. With power and grace, Floyd Cooper depicts scenes from everyday life that emphasize how people all over the world are united in spirit. Here is an uplifting book that, with its simple lyrics, can also help teach children to read and sing. A historical note and a musical arrangement are included.

Genres: Picture Books, Music, Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 1998

About the author

Floyd Cooper was an American children's book illustrator and author who focused on Black history. He received a Coretta Scott King Award for his illustrations in Joyce Carol Thomas' The Blacker the Berry. He also received several Coretta Scott King Honors for his illustrations.

Reviews

[Abby · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an illustrated children's book to the lyrics of "Cumbayah." Beautifully illustrated, but there's not much more to it than that. I really appreciated the introductory page which explained some history of the song and it's origins, but this book is really intended as a sing-a-long. The soft, almost hazy illustrations make me think of this as a children's bedtime story. Overall, a cute book.

[Rani · Rating 3 out of 5]

#Prayer #campfire #YoungReaders #PictureBook #BookReview #ChildrensBooks #amreading #Inspiring Sing or read this inspiring song

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This traditional African American/Gullah song is beautifully illustrated by Floyd Cooper. Its illustrations portray a strong theme of inclusion.

[Jenna Justice · Rating 5 out of 5]

So beautifully illustrated, and one of my favorite books to gift....

[Maren Prestegaard · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is wonderful.
Cumbayah means "bome by here"
Appreciated the educational notes on the Gullah culture and the origins of this song.
Gotta admit, I ran out of breath trying to sing the whole book but it's a beautiful song, really.

[Colleen]

Love it, love it, love it!