At Break of Day

by Nikki Grimes, Paul Morin (Illustrator)

A retelling of the Biblical creation story with Jesus helping God with the creation of all the world, the animals and of Adam and Eve, and finally resting on the seventh day.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Christian, 1st Grade

32 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 1999

Reviews

[Danette · Rating 2 out of 5]

Although a beautiful book, I marked it down to two stars because of inaccuracies to the Biblical Creation account.
The Father & Son are present at Creation but not the Spirit. It says the Son “blew over the waters”, but that’s not quite the same thing.
Adam and Eve are both formed from the clay. There is no mention of Adam’s rib.

[Ms.TPena Peña · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a familiar story, but told with illustrations that literally jump off the page with varying mediums, textures, color and light. After seeing this, I can’t imagine this story being told without these images. Stunningly beautiful.

[Mar · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautifully illustrated imaginative and poetic retelling of the Genesis 6 day creation story.

[L12 _Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Once upon a time there was no time.... There was only darkness and the waters of the deep and a father and son who watched over them." This picture book by accomplished writer Nikki Grimes takes a unique look at the old stories of the bible. The Father gives commands and names, the Son is the creator. Both creators express feelings about their work, longing and laughing, sighing and loving. The text is largely supported by the illustrations of Paul Morin. The animals, fish and flowers look as if they are made of fabric, embroidered or woven, painted on clay, the vivid colors look dyed, the patterns and designs conjure up images of art from around the world. This picture book could be used with almost any age group as the text and illustrations are very engaging, but I think it would be most appropriate in a 1-4 classroom to support curriculum regarding creation myths

[Dotty · Rating 5 out of 5]

HOLY COW! I forgot I had this book on creation and the reading of Nikki Grimes' telling of creation inspires and opens vistas and richness we often forget when we don't take all of scripture into account. I just wish the book included a description of the medium of the illustrations.

[Paige · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely 'in the beginning' story and beautiful illustrations!

[Cathy Blackler · Rating 3 out of 5]

A beautifully illustrated reselling of the creation story.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Retelling of the Creation Story with absolutely gorgeous painted illustrations.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

the telling of creation in creative prose, and playful color and image.