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David Gershator





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Greetings Sun jacket  

GREETINGS, SUN


co-author, Phillis Gershator

illustrated by Synthia Saint James

DK Ink, 1998


*Children's Literature Choice, 1999
*
Starred review, School Library Journal
* Americas Award (CLASP), 1998

From the book jacket:

One sun, two children--and a whole day to greet and celebrate. For young listeners, a journey of hello, hello, hello to what is familiar and friendly about the family, a walk to nursery school, dinner, and dusk--in simple rhymes and paintings as sunny as the widest smiles.

A little about the book:
Phillis says--

     Goodnight, Moon had already been written (!). But when I read a book of African praise poems, I thought, What about a children's book called Greetings, Sun? David helped me get the verses right, and we added a dose of astronomical fact.
     The Children's Museum of Los Angeles mounted a theatrical musical version of the text in 2002.

David says--

    A brightly colored book that says hello to the world. It inspired me to write a song that begins:

Greetings, sun, and how are you?
I am fine today.
I'm glad you shine on and on,
lighting up my way.

Light my way, light my way,
lighting up my way.
Light my way. Shine on and on
lighting up my way.

The song is included on our CD for children!
From the reviews:
“Gentle as an ocean breeze, this understated book will find a wide audience.” School Library Journal, starred review

“In this rhyming picture book, a brother and sister greet the world, get ready for school, enjoy good books and appreciate family time. An important message about the power of reading shines through....The cheeful painting are quite in sync with this upbeat story which ends the way it begins, ‘The stars come out, all but one. Good night, good night, good night, sun. Greetings, moon. And now we’re done...until it’s time to greet the sun.’” The New Advocate

“Saint James’ illustrations, in her signature style, show a boldly colorful world with a minimum of detail and are perfect for using with young children.” Booklist

“Toddlers will delight in this cheerful, colorful rhyme that is easy to remember and easy to chant.... Saint James extends the rhyme with her distinctive paintings....Action, emotion, and story are conveyed through thoughgtful composition and a grand use of vivid color.” Kirkus