Book Review: He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands by Kadir Nelson

Nelson, Kadir. 2005. HE’S GOT THE WHOLE WORLD IN HIS HANDS. Illustrated by the author. New York, NY: Viking Penguin. ISBN 0-8037-2850-6.

Plot Summary:
This picture book is a visual representation of the spiritual. There is more than one version of the song; the version used in this book focuses on the rain, the moon, the stars, the clouds, the oceans, the seas, and ends with you and me and everybody. The illustrations reinforce the lyrics and range from a child’s simple picture to realistic depictions of activities such as fishing and swimming to more dreamlike images of the sunrise and the earth and moon. The emphasis on family unity is juxtaposed with world unity quite seamlessly, and taken as a whole, the book is an uplifting and inspiring vision of an idealized global community.

Critical Analysis:
There is not a typical plot, no dialogue, and no named characters. The settings are significant as they show interaction between parents and children in varied venues. The role of the male in the family is emphasized as the father/father figure is seen with the children at a beach, fishing, working on a crossword puzzle, etc. The author chose to use San Francisco as the representative city. This is significant because of the known diversity and tolerance of that city. The theme of family unity and ultimately world unity is woven throughout the book. The concept that God is watching over the children and their families and that they are “in his hands” is a very comforting idea for a child, especially in this highly mobile society where the nuclear family is no longer the norm for many children.

The illustrations effectively represent the lyrics and are drawn from varied perspectives. One especially beautiful image is of a father and son looking up at the moon in awe. The way the artist oriented the two, with the artist’s perspective looking up at the father and son from a lower point, serves to create an almost three dimensional image; the reader can almost feel the immensity and power of the universe from this one illustration. The cultural markers are distinctive. The illustrator shows his pride for his African American culture by exaggerating the features in some of the pictures and including elements such as hairstyles, skin color, and facial expressions that convey a sense of racial pride to the reader. It is important for children to see positive images of their own culture, race, or ethnicity and it is equally important for children of other races and ethnicities to see this positive portrayal of black culture and family structure. Finally, Nelson’s use of a rainbow on the page which states “He’s got everybody, everywhere in his hands” sends a symbolic yet clear message of tolerance and appreciation for diversity.

Review Excerpts:

School Library Review: “Nelson's vibrant signature illustrations rendered in pencil, oil, and watercolor breathe new meaning and life into this favorite Sunday school spiritual in which families, communities, and forces of nature are celebrated with lively images and inspiring scenes.”
Publisher’s Weekly: “The popular spiritual finds new life as a picture book celebrating diversity and community.”
Kirkus Reviews: “…a springboard to celebrate family togetherness…Moving, reverent, spiritual indeed.”

Connections:

Other books illustrated and/or coauthored by Kadir Nelson: Ellington Was Not a Street (winner of the Coretta Scott King Award for illustration, 2005), Abe’s Honest Words: The Life of Abraham Lincoln, Henry’s Freedom Box

Any of Mr. Nelson’s books would make a great display for Black History Month.

If money is available, the library can purchase an original piece of art by Kadir Nelson and have it framed and displayed (prices from $250+) The Collection Shop, www.thecollectionshop.com

Involving Families: This book lends itself to this strategy and would be an excellent book to use with a family reading program involving parents, grandparents, siblings, and extended family. “Connecting parents and kids via picture books is a natural activity for promoting…early literacy development” (Vardell, 68).

Geography Skills: This book lends itself to teaching and reinforcing geography skills. The librarian could use a large world map. Using pushpins, the children could identify oceans, rivers, mountains, San Francisco (the city used in the book), continents, etc.

Once the story has been read, the children can sing the song. To make it even more fun, the students could be given (or make) percussion instruments and play along. If a musician (guitar player, keyboard player) were available, it would become an even richer and memorable aural experience.

Follow Up: This book could be paired with a related poem. Here is an example by Frederick St. Pierre:

God's Dawn

The morning is awake, bright and blue,
New light from the heavens shines for you,
Birds, Bees, Clouds and Trees, yes fresh
morning dew,
All nature works to wake for you
Open your eyes and look out far,
Catch last night’s fleeting star,
Behold God's new day upon your eyes,
Save the thought my child,
Start to rise,
Let your happiness reflect your soul,
Live and learn, a young child's goal

2002. Under a Quicksilver Moon. International Library of Poetry. ISBN-0-7951-5065-2.