A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 232

Picture Book: Let it Shine: Three Favorite Spirituals

Illustrator: Ashley Bryan

Summary: In this picture book, vibrant illustrations are paired with the text of 3 commonly known and loved spirituals: “This Little Light of Mine,” “Oh, When the Saints Go Marching In,” and “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands.” Multiple verses are given for each song.

Hanna’s Comments: You could use this book in several ways. You could simply read or sing the lyrics of the 3 songs altogether. OR You could read or sing them each on separate occasions to go thematically with your other activities. Musical scores for all 3 are provided in the back. Be sure to show the illustrations at least the first time the children experience this book. Their comprehension of the lyrics’ meanings will be that much richer. If the children in your family of faith don’t know these beloved songs, now’s the time to teach them. Also, you’ll find a note from the illustrator that gives some historical context to spirituals. She ends with a wish: “May the spirit move you to make them (these 3 spirituals) your own.”

Publisher & Date of Publication: Antheneum Books, 2007

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 4 and up, Pre and up

# of Pages: 40

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: Tablet

PBT Category: Song Book, Post 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: abundance/bounty, America, choir/music/singing/songs, God’s care/providence, joy, light/morning, response to God, satisfaction, slavery/slaves, worship

Scripture Connections: Oh come, let us sing to the Lord (Psalm 95:1); make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! (Psalm 100:1); addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart (Ephesians 5:19); let the word of Christ dwell in you richly…, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. (Colossians 3:16)

Idea(s) for Application: Teach these songs to your children so that together they may make a joyful noise in worship.