Carol of the Brown King: Nativity Poems

Brief Description: Five poems by Langston Hughes and one anonymous one translated from the Spanish present the story of the first Christmas from different perspectives. Marc Notes: A Jean Karl book.; Five poems by Langston Hughes and one anonymous one translated from the Spanish present the story of the first Christmas from different perspectives.. Publisher Marketing: The wonder of Christmas never ceases. Each year the holiday comes and its story seems fresh and new. The ways of telling about the very first Christmas are as many and as varied as the stars in the sky. And so it was for Langston Hughes, who recounted those long-ago events in six different ways -- in live poems he wrote and in one he translated from the Spanish. In this memorable book, these six poems are simply and movingly illustrated by Ashley Bryan. That Christmas is for everyone -- young and old, black and white, rich and poor -- has never been more clearly shown. Though African American children -- and adults -- will find the book a special one for them, everyone who takes time to enjoy the book will come away with a new understanding of the holiday. Ashley Bryan has long been known for his interest in and illustration of African American spirituals and poetry. Here he puts his gifts of illustration to work in a way that seems to reflect his dedication to both. Publisher Marketing: The wonder of Christmas never ceases. Each year the holiday comes and its story seems fresh and new. The ways of telling about the very first Christmas are as many and as varied as the stars in the sky. And so it was for Langston Hughes, who recounted those long-ago events in six different ways -- in live poems he wrote and in one he translated from the Spanish. In this memorable book, these six poems are simply and movingly illustrated by Ashley Bryan. That Christmas is for everyone -- young and old, black and white, rich and poor -- has never been more clearly shown. Though African American children -- and adults -- will find the book a special one for them, everyone who takes time to enjoy the book will come away with a new understanding of the holiday. Ashley Bryan has long been known for his interest in and illustration of African American spirituals and poetry. Here he puts his gifts of illustration to work in a way that seems to reflect his dedication to both. Review Citations:

Booklist 09/01/1998 pg. 133 (EAN 9780689818776, Hardcover)

New York Times 12/20/1998 pg. 24 (EAN 9780689818776, Hardcover)

Kirkus Review - Children 10/01/1998 pg. 1460 (EAN 9780689818776, Hardcover)

Hornbook Guide to Children 07/01/1998 pg. 131 (EAN 9780689818776, Hardcover)

Wilson Children's Catalog 96 01/01/1999 pg. 35 (EAN 9780689818776, Hardcover)

Wilson Children's Catalog 01/01/2001 pg. 303 (EAN 9780689818776, Hardcover)

Hornbook Guide to Children 01/01/1999 pg. 131 (EAN 9780689818776, Hardcover)

School Library Journal 10/01/1998 (EAN 9780689818776, Hardcover)

Wilson Children's Catalog 01/01/2006 pg. 429 (EAN 9780689818776, Hardcover)

Contributor Bio:  Hughes, Langston Born in Joplin, Missouri, in 1902, the O Henry of Harlem, moved all over the country and settled eventually in New York City. He was a prolific writer, best known for his novels, plays and columns and one of the earliest innovators of jazz poetry. Contributor Bio:  Bryan, Ashley Ashley Bryan grew up to the sound of his mother singing from morning to night, and he has shared the joy of song with children ever since. A beloved illustrator, he has been the recipient of the Coretta Scott King--Virginia Hamilton Lifetime Achievement Award and the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award; he has also been a May Hill Arbuthnot lecturer, a Coretta Scott King Award winner, and the recipient of countless other awards and recognitions. He lives in Islesford, one of the Cranberry Isles off the coast of Maine, where the sea's energy sustains his own.