Let There Be Light

From School Library Journal PreS-Gr 4—Archbishop Tutu's version of the creation story first appeared in his Children of God Storybook Bible (Zonderkids, 2010). The retelling of the first chapter of Genesis is both accessible and poetic, with the emphasis being on God's love. Tillman, best known for her "You Are Loved" trilogy (Feiwel and Friends), brings her signature style to the digitally rendered illustrations. The colors are bright yet misty, with no sharp edges or lines to be found, resulting in a dream-like atmosphere. Her renderings of wild animals are particularly well executed, and a keen observer will find images hiding in clouds. When people appear, they all wear crowns, a conceit that Tillman employed in The Crown on Your Head (Feiwel & Friends, 2011) that may prove puzzling to those unfamiliar with the earlier work. It's a lovely book, suitable for larger collections where religious material is in high demand.—Grace Oliff, Ann Blanche Smith School, Hillsdale, NJ From Booklist It is not surprising that in retelling the creation story, South African Archbishop Desmond Tutu focuses on the power of light, an essential element in many religions. The text is taken from Tutu’s Children of God Storybook Bible (2010), but the illustrations give it a fresh look, with the theme of illumination permeating all of Tillman’s photographlike illustrations, from the stunning sun to the fullness of the clouds to even the heart of a flower. When people finally appear—children here—they are depicted with crowns of light, the kings and queens of creation as well as the keepers of it. There is a softness to Tillman’s palette that adds warmth to this inspirational work as it highlights the natural world with realistic portrayals of landscapes, animals, and children. Readers are reminded that God clapped his hands and laughed on the final day before he rested—and that they are loved. Tutu and Tillman precede the text with notes to their readers. This has universal appeal. Preschool-Grade 1. --Edie Ching Let There Be Light combines the text of “The Creation” from Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s Children of God Storybook Bible with illustrations by Nancy Tillman in this picture book introduction to Genesis. Nancy Tillman’s magnificent images show a God of light and love and a world of life and beauty alongside Archbishop Tutu’s chosen scripture. The realistic animal pictures seem almost like photographs, set against a fantastical backdrop of the earth and sky. Tillman portrays a group of multi-ethnic children as the receivers and custodians of God’s creation; readers of her previous book The Crown on Your Head will be familiar with her style of depicting the children with shimmering crowns. There are introductory notes from the author and illustrator, as well as a sweetly illustrated page for inscription, which adds to the book’s appeal as a meaningful gift and keepsake. Let There Be Light delivers just the right balance of tenderness, imagination, and wonder. Young readers will be enchanted by the bright illustrations and exaggerated colors as they read or hear about each day of God’s marvelous handiwork and the culminating message: “You are loved.” -- Christian Library Journal Archbishop Desmond Tutu was awarded xa0the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984 for his lifelong struggle to bring equality, justice, and peace to his native country of South Africa. He is the author of numerous books including the Children of God Storybook Bible, God’s Dream , and Desmond and the Very Mean Word . From 2007 to 2013, Tutu was the founding Chair of theElders, a group of global leaders who are working topromote the shared interests of humanity. In 2013he received the Templeton Prize for advancing spiritualprogress in the world. He lives in South Africa withhis wife, Leah. They have four children and sevengrandchildren. Read more