What a Morning!: The Christmas Story in Black Spirituals

In this picture book, the Christmas story is told in spirituals: ""Mary Had a Baby,'' ``My Lord, What a Morning!'' and ``Go Tell It on the Mountain'' among them, until the baby is born, and ``Behold That Star!'' closes the tale. Bryan's illustrations tie into the African-American theme, showing a black Holy family and multiracial wise men and shepherds. Bold brush strokes line each landscape and every garment; the star of Bethlehem, through the religious prism, reveals colors of rainbow hues. This collection of songs exhibits an intimacy and compassion that give these spirituals a stunning universality. All ages. (September)