HE'S GOT THE WHOLE WORLD IN HIS HANDS

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Kadir, Nelson. 2005. HE'S GOT THE WHOLE WORLD IN HIS HANDS. New York, NY: Dial Books For Young Readers. ISBN 9780803728509

PLOT SUMMARY
Depicting a multiethnic family, Nelson takes an age old spiritual and illustrates it in a modern city. The refrain "He's got the whole world in his hands" is repeated throughout the book. It's hard not to begin singing as you turn the pages of this familiar song with rich illustrations, shown through the eyes of a small boy.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Once the book is opened, Nelson captures the reader in a two page spread that is primarily black with the sun peeking over our planet in a view from outer space. As the pages are turned, the reader is pulled into the skyline of San Francisco, then into the house of a boy holding his artwork and continuing to a close-up of his drawing. The realistic detail of the black family using pencil, watercolor and oil is shown in the dad's muscular back, the beads and cornrows on the daughter's hair and the sheer joy on the cover boy's face. On one double page spread, we see the young boy in a slicker with his face to the sky as rain falls. You can almost feel the moisture on his face with the rich detail. Each page is its own color explosion.

The rhythm of the song begins on the first page. The simple text lets the reader focus on the illustrations. Because the words are a familiar spiritual, the reader can anticipate what will be found on the next page.

Comfort is the word that comes to mind when reading this book. The depiction of a loving family in a daily routine reminds us all of the simple pleasures we can enjoy with each other. Nelson has created a beautiful book that should be part of a family ritual at bedtime.

REVIEW EXCERPTS

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL
"The simple, repetitious flow of the words and the refrain make this an excellent read-aloud choice as well as a sing-along favorite. A moving, artistic celebration of our world and the people who share in its splendors."

BOOKLIST
"The last double-page spread carries the piano music and four verses of the song, followed by a historical note. Winner of the Coretta Scott King Award for illustration for Ellington Was Not a Street (2004), Nelson envisions the song in a highly personal and involving manner while embodying its strength and spirit. "

PERSONAL OPINION
There are books that you save and those you enjoy and pass on to others. This book is one I'd keep. It appeals to any age group. There is a sense of familiarity when you read a book and know the words from the beginning. The portrayal of an ethnic family is appealing to me. We don't have enough books with multicultural influences. Nelson's artwork is captivating, rich and I enjoyed studying each page after I'd read the book through the first time.

CONNECTIONS

The class could create their own "world" by having each student depict his home, classroom or city. Put the pictures together in book form and read it together as a group.

Use the music given on the last page to play the music on the piano. Have the class sing the song as someone turns the pages of the book. Repeat the first line of each verse before singing it as a class.

Other books like this one:
Harrick, Sheldon. SUNRISE SUNSET. ISBN 9780060515252