Module 1/Genre 1 - Picture Books

He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands – Book Review

Bibliography

Nelson, Kadir. 2005. He's got the whole world in his hands. New York: Dial Books for Young Readers. ISBN 0803728506

Plot Summary

This colorful picture book contains the words to the spiritual, “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands.” The pictures tell the story of this family and the world as seen on a personal level and global level.

The book ends with the song with all verses listed and then a word about the song itself and the importance of it.

Critical Analysis

The first thing anyone notices with this picture book is the rich hues of color that each illustration contains. Kadir Nelson uses oil, pencil, and watercolor to create the eye catching artwork. The pictures in the story that look child-drawn are by Nelson, but he used his weak hand to do them.

The illustrations’ bold and rich colors really impact the reader and helps communicate the beautiful world that the Creator’s hands made and hold. The family that is represented shows different races that He holds in his hands also. The pictures make the song lyrics so much richer by showing not just the boy, but his family, his town, his country, and his world. The pictures in this story tell the story of a family that observes and enjoys the world that is in his hands. This would be a perfect book for young children or early elementary aged kids.

Review Excerpt(s)

Booklist: “Nelson envisions the song in a highly personal and involving manner while embodying its strength and spirit.”

School Library Journal: “A moving, artistic celebration of our world and the people who share in its splendors.”

Connections

-Have children draw pictures of what they think is in “his hands” or find another song that the students know well and have them to draw meaningful pictures to go with each line of the lyrics.

-Discuss what is going on in each illustration and listen for creative stories from the students.

-Read other Kadir Nelson books (like Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom or Henry’s Freedom Box) and compare the stories and illustrations.