Lullaby (for a Black Mother) Board Book
What’s inside...
“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.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-6
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How does the poem make you feel about nighttime?
What do you think the stars and moon in the story represent?
Can you describe how the mother in the poem shows love to her child?
Why do you think the lullaby is important to the child in the poem?
How do you think the child feels when listening to the lullaby?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use soft, soothing tones similar to a lullaby when reading to create a calm atmosphere.
Discuss the imagery of the night sky and how it is portrayed in the poem to enhance visual thinking.
Encourage your child to talk about their own bedtime rituals and how they feel during those times.
Relate the themes in the poem to your child’s experiences to deepen their connection to the text.
Ask your child to imagine their own lullaby and discuss what words or images they would include.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Cultural Appreciation
Explanation: Through the rhythm and words of Langston Hughes, the book embodies the warmth and heritage of African American culture.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to embrace and respect diverse cultures, recognizing the beauty in the varied backgrounds of their peers.
Example Lesson: Love and Security
Explanation: The soothing words of the lullaby convey a mother's deep love and affection, creating a sense of safety and comfort for the child.
Real-World Application: Children can internalize feelings of love and security, which can enhance their emotional stability and development.
Example Lesson: Importance of Bonding
Explanation: The intimate setting of a mother singing to her child highlights the importance of close familial bonds.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to spend quality time with family members, reinforcing strong, supportive relationships.
Example Lesson: Expression Through Music
Explanation: The lullaby format shows how music can be a powerful method of expression and communication.
Real-World Application: Children can explore using music as a form of self-expression and as a way to communicate their feelings and thoughts.
Example Lesson: Linguistic Rhythm and Poetry
Explanation: The book’s poetic structure exposes children to the beauty of language and its rhythmic possibilities.
Real-World Application: Children can develop an appreciation for poetry and rhythm, which can aid in enhancing their literacy skills and creative thinking.