[.ca] The Creation (ISBN 0823410692)

From Amazon.com:
This illustrated edition of Johnson's 1919 poem, which won the 1995 Coretta Scott King Award, brings the story of Creation down to earth and into the grasp of young children. Alternating with the poetry are richly expressive double-page spreads and attractive border elements that feature animal motifs and scenes from The Beginning--light, earth, water, plants, animals and lastly, a ruddy, clay-colored human rising out of a field of flowers. An illustrated sub-plot of an animated storyteller relating the Creation story before a group of enthralled children relieves the poem its relative predictability and offers a friendly stand-in for the role of God. It also hints at the importance of human participation, itself sacred and timeless.

A "Must Have" For A Family Library:
When I was in the eighth grade, my counselor suggested "The Creation" as a selection for me to read in the UIL Oral Reading competition. I didn't win the competition, but I fell in love with the poetry of James Weldon Johnson. I was delighted to see a quality picture-book version of this colorful, winning account of the creation story. Perhaps the most wonderful thing about Johnson's approach is that he makes God appear "personal" rather than "human". His poetry seems to share God's heart, and captivates the reader and listener alike. The story-telling nature of his poems remind me of Rudyard Kipling's "Just So Stories", which I also treasure. I highly recommend this book.