In Daddy's Arms, I Am Tall — Javaka Steptoe

PreS-Gr 3-This well-chosen selection of poems by David A. Anderson, Carole Boston Weatherford, Angela Johnson and others depicts hard-working African-American fathers who love their sons and daughters and strive to preserve their heritage (Lee & Low, 1997). The collage illustrations by Coretta Scott King award winner Javaka Steptoe beautifully complement the emotion filled words spoken by Lizanne Mitchell, Charles Turner, Robin Miles, and the illustrator himself to create an honest portrayal of these fathers. Sound effects and background music are chosen wisely, adding to the tone of the poems, as in Lightning Jumpshot where the sounds of a basketball game can be heard, and in Tickle Tickle where reggae music blends perfectly with the cadence of the spoken words. The sound of a page turning is clear enough to signal page turns but subtle enough not to detract from the poetry. A solid purchase for use during Black History Month, Poetry Month, Father's Day, or just for enjoyment.-Veronica Schwartz, Des Plaines Public Library, IL Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.