In Daddy's Arms I Am Tall: African Americans Celebrating Fathers

by Javaka Steptoe

Overview

In this collection of poetry by new and established African-American writers, fatherhood is celebrated with honor, humor and grace. Contributors include Carole Boston Weatherford, Michael Burgess, E. Ethelbert Miller, Lenard D. Moore, David Anderson, Angela Johnson, Sonia Sanchez and Davida Adedjouma. Full color.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781442052161
Publisher:	Baker & Taylor, CATS
Publication date:	05/21/2009
Product dimensions:	9.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.50(d)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Javaka Steptoe is the illustrator of Lee & Low's In Daddy's Arms I Am Tall, winner of numerous awards including the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award and an ALA Notable. His two other picture books, Do You Know What I'll Do? (HarperCollins) and A Pocketful of Poems (Chronicle) have received critical acclaim as well. Steptoe is renowned for his innovative collage constructions. The Jones Family Express is his first book as both author and illustrator. He received his degree in fine arts from Cooper Union in New York City, and currently teaches art to children. The son of the late Caldecott medalist, John Steptoe, Javaka marks his picture book debut with this collection. He lives in Brooklyn, NY. To find out more about Javaka Steptoe, visit javaka.com.

Editorial Reviews

In Daddy's Arms I Am Tall is a delightful collage poetry and mixed media...the poetry is rich and varied, celebrating with humor and style the lives of children and their fathers....[The poetry] lends power and meaning to the images and is reason enough to include this book in one's library. In Daddy's Arms I Am Tall is a must see and read for both young readers and their parents. -- Quarterly Black Review

Jacqueline Johnson

Gr 3 UpThis innovative, stunningly illustrated picture book celebrates the role of fathers in the African-American experience. The artist illustrates 13 poems with collages made from paper with pastel; appliqu; and a multitude of found objects, including fabric, coins, seashells, buttons, sand, seeds, and leaves. The artwork vibrates with emotion; even the simplest pieces, showing torn-paper figures on a solid background, capture the powerful bond between parent and child. The poems, written by Angela Johnson, Davida Adedjouma, Carole Boston Weatherford, and others, depict fathers working in the fields and in post offices, playing basketball, fishing, tickling, or hugging. Steptoe's own poem, "Seeds," is a tribute to his father: "You drew pictures of life/with your words." Libraries will want this title for Black History Month, National Poetry Month, Father's Day, or anytime a patron asks for a book about fathers. Teachers will find it inspiring in classroom units on poetry, or it can be used in conjunction with David Diaz's work to demonstrate collage techniques in an art class. Whatever its use, this lovely book deserves a place on library shelves.Dawn Amsberry, Oakland Public Library, CA

School Library Journal

* "Readers will find the poems universally accessible and the innovative artwork fresh and new at every turn. There is much to celebrate in this elegant volume, whether it's the strength and beauty of the poets' and artists' heritage or the loving bond between father and child that links all cultures." — Publisher's Weekly, starred review

* "The son of John Steptoe has a true winner in fact, receiving the 1998 Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award for his first picture book. Javaka Steptoe creates a splendid series of images in mixed media… to illustrate a series of short poems about fathers… This promises read-aloud and read-to-share comfort for many readings and rereadings." — Booklist, starred review

"Each piece elicits a work of art that translates beautifully to the printed page." — Kirkus Reviews

"This lovely book deserves a place on library shelves." — School Library Journal

Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award; Texas Bluebonnet Masterlist; Starred Review; Starred Review; Notable Children's Book; Best Books of the Year; Children's Books Mean Business; Choices; Los Angeles' 100 Best Books; Not Just for Children Anymore Selection; Original Art Show

From the Publisher