The Sweet and Sour Animal Book by Langston Hughes, Students of the Harlem School for the Ar (Illustrator), George P. Cunningham (Afterword)

Product Details

Synopsis

In 26 never-before-published short and wonderfully clever poems, Langston Hughes takes children through both the alphabet and the animal world. From Ape to Zebra--with bees, camels, fish, and even a unicorn in between--he paints a picture of each animal with just a few simple, but telling, words.

Annotation

Twenty-six short poems introduce animals for each letter of the alphabet, from Ape to Zebra.

Children's Literature

This book of simple, yet clever, poems by Langston Hughes works on many levels. Parents and teachers will enjoy reciting the short, catchy poems to toddlers while young readers will be caught up in the humor, and relish reading the poems for themselves. This is an animal book, an alphabet book, and a book of poetry by one of the leading literary figures of the Harlem Renaissance movement. Although many of the passages are playful, several of them carry a deeper meaning which may be immediately apparent only to the older readers. The introduction by entertainer Ben Vereen delves into the importance of the arts in the life and development of children and also gives background, as does the afterword by Professor George P. Cunningham. The approach of Langston Hughes to his art is discussed, as is the difficulty of attaining financial, as well as critical, success as a writer. In fact, although the book was completed more than 50 years ago and subsequently revised, it was rejected by publishers many times. The illustrations provided by students (mostly first, second, and third graders) are vivid and imaginative. 1997 (orig.

Biography

Langston Hughes (1902-1967) was one of the most versatile writers of the artistic movement known as the Harlem Renaissance. Though known primarily as a poet, he also wrote plays essays, novels, short stories, and books and poems for children.
Ben Vereen has left his mark on the Broadway stage, concert circuit, and in film and television. He has also been widely honored for his humanitarian activities and work with young people.
George P. Cunningham is Associate Professor of Africana Studies at Brooklyn College.
The Harlem School of the Arts provides instruction in music, dance, drama, and visual arts to more than 1,500 students every year. Many of the first, second, and third grade students who participated in this project are part ofOpportunities for Learning in the Arts, a program that offers arts instruction for public school students during the school day.