FIRST HE MADE THE SUN

Ziefert (Hats Off for the Fourth of July!, see below, etc.) draws from a traditional African-American folktale by the same title to invoke the creation story from Genesis. After the first few lines, Ziefert changes course and with clever, rhyming text, she addresses the familiar creatures of the planet. She conjures the likes of raccoons, fish, snakes, birds, and even a possum. “He made fishes, clams, and oysters, / But they dried out in the breeze, / So He sprinkled them with water / And put them in the seas.” McKie’s illustrations enliven the text as the lush pastels simply, but boldly, portray the animals in their habitats. Some readers will be wary of the reference to the creator as “He.” Also, it is notable that God creates Adam and gives him the honor of naming the animals, while Eve is not mentioned, only illustrated peeking out of a bush. Children will enjoy poring over the illustrations of all the critters in this gentle and unique introduction to the creation story. (Picture book. 3-5)