What a Wonderful World (Jean Karl Books) - Hardcover

Weiss, George David; Thiele, Bob

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0689800878 ISBN 13: 9780689800870

Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 1995

Synopsis

What simpler way could there be to express to children the beauty and the harmony in the world around them than through the lyrics of this song by George David Weiss and Bob Thiele, made famous by the great Louis Armstrong? And what better visual accompaniment than the bright colorful artwork by award-winning Ashley Bryan depicting children of many backgrounds (and Louis Armstrong himself) performing a puppet show that brings the lyrics to life. Here is a book of brightness, wonder, and hope to be shared by all.

About this title

About the Author:

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 was recently named a Newbery Honoree for his picture book, Freedom Over Me. He has also been the recipient of the Coretta Scott King—Virginia Hamilton Lifetime Achievement Award; the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award; has been a May Hill Arbuthnot lecturer; a Coretta Scott King Award winner; and the recipient of countless other awards and recognitions. His books include Freedom Over Me; Sail Away; Beautiful Blackbird; Beat the Story-Drum, Pum Pum; Let It Shine; Ashley Bryan’s Book of Puppets; and What a Wonderful World. He lives in Islesford, one of the Cranberry Isles off the coast of Maine.

From School Library Journal:

PreSchool-Grade 2?Those of us familiar with the music of Louis Armstrong may cringe somewhat at this earnest, albeit colorful interpretation of his famous song. Bryan's vibrant, neon-colored illustrations tell a story of kids making puppets that will act out the lyrics?"I see skies of blue and clouds of white, the bright, blessed day, the dark, sacred night." Multicultural puppets and "Satchmo" dance away as the children behind the stage wave clouds, flowers, rainbows, and other props. The usual picture-book crowd is too young to know of Louis Armstrong or his nickname, and those who are old enough and do know of him may not especially want to think of him as a puppet. The song is a celebration of the world and its varied inhabitants and each page in the book reflects this, but all of these well-meaning parts?the lyrics that express a true emotion; the bright, upbeat illustrations; and the celebration of diversity?don't make a successful whole.?Jane Marino, Scarsdale Public Library,
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers
• Publication date: 1995
• ISBN 10: 0689800878
• ISBN 13: 9780689800870
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 32
• Illustrator: Bryan Ashley