(2) K-3 Illustrated by Ed Emberley. The Emberleys paint the tall-tale figure as a strong and mighty but also a "kind and gentle," larger-than-life hero. Barbara Emberley's text is appropriately folksy and engaging, while Ed Emberley's iconic woodcuts--using pine hand-split by the illustrator himself--in browns and blues stand up to The Horn Book Magazine's original assessment: "A striking graphic arts achievement."

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz | Horn Book Magazine Issue: February, 1964; November, 2015

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Ed Emberley. Black woodcuts against bright solid-color pages--a different color for every page--picture images evoked by an old spiritual, building cumulative excitement in this Caldecott Honor book. The stunning visual experience will have an extra dimension if readers are familiar with the music. No source is given for the traditional song, though a musical score is appended.

Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc. | Horn Book Magazine Issue: October, 1966