(3) K-3 Illustrated by Erin Bennett Banks. This story highlights the bravery of young protagonist Simmy and his community of fellow slaves who dared to gather to pray in secret. The lyrical prose is sprinkled with lines from spirituals. Rich, dark-hued illustrations contrast the background of cotton fields, symbolic of a slave's endless labor, with the woods representing freedom.

Reviewer: Henrietta M. Smith

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Erin Bennett Banks. "In the beginning, the African forest had many sounds." Throughout this story, the animals come together to develop a new repertoire of sounds that blends beautifully into a tantalizing chorus. This highly rhythmic tale is well designed not just for reading aloud but also for performance. Bold, joyful oil paintings in deep jungle colors decorate the pages.

Reviewer: Amy Lois Cohn