There is a lot to say about a book that has been able to remain significant for more than 160 years. That is what “All Things Bright and Beautiful” written by Cecil Frances Alexander has managed to do, but it may have more to do with the song that is detailed in the story. Or, it could also have something to do with the beautiful illustrations that have always accompanied the book.
Artist and illustrator Katy Hudson has taken the familiar and memorable hymn by Alexander that has become a mainstay in the religious sector, and has given the lyrics of the song a new life. Hudson, raised in Middlesbrough, England, began displaying her artistic talent at a very early age. AS an adult, she later earned a degree in illustration and now works fulltime as a freelance illustrator.
“All Things Bright and Beautiful” is just one of the many hymns that was written by Cecil Frances Alexander, who was also a poet. Alexander, born in 1818 in Ireland, passed away in 1895, and managed to write hundreds of hymns and poems. “All Things Bright and Beautiful” along with “Once in Royal David’s City” and “There is a Green Hill Far Away” are included in Hymns for Little Children, which was published in 1848.
Hudson has put her own special artistic touch with illustrations that accompany the lyrics of the hymn telling of all things God has created. The “story” opens with the following lyrics:
all creatures great and small,
all things wise and wonderful:
the Lord God made them all.
Hudson uses three characters, two little girls and one little boy, who walk the reader through the story and across beautiful landscapes as they take in the wonder of God and all He has created in nature. While the adults prepare the camp ground, the children enjoy the day out picking flowers and berries, blowing dandelion, watching birds fly and more. God has created much.
“All Things Bright and Beautiful” is a nice read to share with your child (ages four to seven years old) while also introducing them to a hymn that they may one day hear and sing in church or Sunday school. Katy Hudson has given a boost to Cecil Frances Alexander’s hymn remaining a popular and well-loved hymn for another 160 years.
Price: “All Things Bright and Beautiful” is available for $13.59.
Page count: 32
Reading age: 4-7
Category: juvenile fiction/Christian
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©2015-2016 Homeschool Roster. Article by Jennifer Smeltser. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the publisher http://www.homeschoolroster.com/.
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