Book details
Lullaby (for a Black Mother) Board Book
Description
“My little dark baby, / My little earth-thing, / My little love-one, / What shall I sing / For your lullaby?" With a few simple words as smooth as a song, the poet Langston Hughes celebrates the love between an African American mother and her baby. The award-winning illustrator Sean Qualls's painted and collaged artwork captures universally powerful maternal moments with tenderness and whimsy. In the end, readers will find a rare photo of baby Hughes and his mother, a biographical note, further reading, and the complete lullaby. Like little love-ones, this beautiful book is a treasure.
Age
4-7
Text complexity
developing
Length
32 pages
Why to read
- Cultural Enrichment: Reading 'Lullaby (for a Black Mother)' provides an opportunity to engage with the rich cultural heritage and poetic legacy of Langston Hughes, a key figure in the Harlem Renaissance and an important voice in American literature.
- Bonding Experience: The board book format is designed for sharing between parents and young children, making it an ideal choice for a bedtime story that fosters closeness and a sense of security.
- Language Development: The rhythmic and melodic quality of Hughes's poetry can support language development in young children, introducing them to the sounds and structures of language in an enjoyable and memorable way.
- Artistic Appreciation: The book is often accompanied by beautiful illustrations that complement Hughes's words, providing an early introduction to the appreciation of art and the way it can enhance storytelling.