Bibliography:
Lewis. E.B. 2005. THIS LITTLE LIGHT OF MINE. Ill. by E.B. Lewis. New York: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers. ISBN 0-689-83179-X.
Plot Summary:
This wonderful picture book is based on the African-American spiritual song This Little Light of Mine. Through the illustrations and chorus from the song we follow a young boy as he brings happiness to those who live around him. He brings happiness by giving high-fives to some old men in rocking chairs, he helps a sad boy his own age join in on a basketball game and helps an old lady pick up her groceries that have fallen from the grocery bag. Through the words of the song and the illustrations you can feel the happiness he brings to his neighbors, possibly people he doesn't know, and his own family.
This wonderful picture book is based on the African-American spiritual song This Little Light of Mine. Through the illustrations and chorus from the song we follow a young boy as he brings happiness to those who live around him. He brings happiness by giving high-fives to some old men in rocking chairs, he helps a sad boy his own age join in on a basketball game and helps an old lady pick up her groceries that have fallen from the grocery bag. Through the words of the song and the illustrations you can feel the happiness he brings to his neighbors, possibly people he doesn't know, and his own family.
Critical Analysis:
This book is beautifully illustrated to accompany a lovely song. Based on the illustrations the book is current day, the clothes, bicycles and furniture are pretty neutral but at least within the past 15 years. Based on the architectural elements of the homes, big trees and the old men sitting in chairs on the sidewalk is indicative of a rural southern town which is appropriate for the origin of the song. The hairstyles of the African American children depicted in the basketball illustration are typical for African American kids, boys have short hair and the girl has braids. It's very true to how you would see a young African American childs hair done.
The young boy in the illustrations has such a happy, friendly and peaceful expression on his face throughout the story. It's wonderful how he always looks so happy to see neighbors and help people. There isn't a tremendous storyline in the book because it's the lyrics of a song but based on the illustrations a young boy walks through town saying hi to people and helping those in need and he's more than happy to do it. You can tell by the end of the story that his family is proud of him and his family has a tremendous amount of love for one another. The story ends with the family sitting down together for what one would think is a Sunday family dinner.
In the lyrics of the song the worlds "I'm going to let it shine" are reapeated throughout and every time it's repeated the young boy in the story is doing something that is helping someone else. This ties the lyrics of the song to the simple, yet sweet story depicted in the beautiful illustrations.
The young boy in the illustrations has such a happy, friendly and peaceful expression on his face throughout the story. It's wonderful how he always looks so happy to see neighbors and help people. There isn't a tremendous storyline in the book because it's the lyrics of a song but based on the illustrations a young boy walks through town saying hi to people and helping those in need and he's more than happy to do it. You can tell by the end of the story that his family is proud of him and his family has a tremendous amount of love for one another. The story ends with the family sitting down together for what one would think is a Sunday family dinner.
In the lyrics of the song the worlds "I'm going to let it shine" are reapeated throughout and every time it's repeated the young boy in the story is doing something that is helping someone else. This ties the lyrics of the song to the simple, yet sweet story depicted in the beautiful illustrations.
Review Awards and Excerpts:
The well-known African-American spiritual serves as the text for this evocative interpretation, looking at one boy's cheerful personality as a shining light in his own neighborhood. - Kirkus Reviews
The well-known African-American spiritual serves as the text for this evocative interpretation, looking at one boy's cheerful personality as a shining light in his own neighborhood. - Kirkus Reviews
Connections:
- A story such as this one is perfect for any storytime setting whether it be in a library or school. This book allows for a wonderful conversation about what types of acts of kindness to the children that are reading the book feel they can do or have done before. This book is a great way to open a conversation about random acts of kindness and doing the right thing. I would have children share their ideas and stories of how they've helped others.
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