Have you ever wondered who hummed the first tune? Was it the flowers? The waves or the moon? Dove Award-winning recording artist answers with a lovely lyrical tale, one that reveals that God our Maker sang the first song, and He created us all with a song to sing.
This kid book is powerful and rings with great truth about God and the world that He has created. The illustrations are beautiful and very well done. I was encouraged by the message shared in this book greatly.
"God's song says, "You're good! You are wonderfully made, And I'll never stop loving you all of your days."
This large hardback children's book is written in rhyme by songwriter Ellie Holcomb and beautifully illustrated by Kayla Harren. In 24 pages that flow through 12 large two-page colorful drawings, Holcomb repeatedly asks the question, "Who sang the first song?" and then suggests the answer with questions, as it the names parts of the creation. The questions come in an order similar to the days of creation, flowing through poetic references to wind, moon, stars, sun, sea creatures, animals, plants and birds. The book answers, "All these guesses we've made are quite good, but they're wrong. It was God, our Maker, who sang the first song!" Then Holcomb explains that God "wrote His song into everything" and tells children they are good and wonderfully made, and that God wants children to "sing with your life and your voice." Each page shows happy children, and includes musical notes in the sky. Harren's contrasting colors and detail delighted my grandchildren, who enjoyed pointing out things like the frog on an umbrella or a girl holding a basket of rabbits. I read this book to my grandchildren, ages 2, 3, 4 and 6. The youngest were fascinated by the illustrations, while the older ones got the message, as well. Ironically, although the book is published by B&H Kids of Nashville (publishing arm of Southern Baptists), it is printed in Shenzhen, China (next door to Hong Kong), in a communist country that suppresses Christians from sharing that truth with their own children. (Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, but was under no obligation to write a positive review.)
Do you ever ask yourself off-the-wall questions like "Was there sound when God created the universe?" or "How big is God?"? Well, the author, Ellie Holcomb seems to be one who contemplates such questions and she brings that thought concept to the very young child - a picture-book-age child.
In Who Sang the First Song? the author drifts through parts of the creation asking if someone or something sang.
"...was the first song when the thumder went BOOM?"
"Did the sun sing a song as it colored the sky?"
But at the end the reader learns that all guesses are incorrect because.... "It was God, our Maker who sang the first song! ... every heart and every thing was born with a song it was made to sing."
Beautifully illustrated by Kayla Harren with art that will delight the young and adults who enjoy the book. The detail is absolutely fabulous. Designed for the preschool age child, the concept of such theoretical thinking goes beyond that age group.
But just imagine if you will..... God singing at the creation of His Universe.
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy hardcover copy from B&H Blogger program to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine alone and are freely given. Book is also available in "board book" and "eBook" formats.
Love her music and this book is a beautifully illustrated children’s book for one of the songs from her children’s music album, titled Sing: Creation Songs, released 2018.
Beautiful illustrations and an absolutely lovely message that weaves together scripture, song, and God's Love for us. The separate, but accompanying, CD is a perfect addition with wonderful songs which are sung in a way that only Ellie can sing. I definitely recommend picking up both for the little ones in your life, but I do believe you may find beautiful encouragement yourself.
This book is just beautiful. The words, the pictures, everything. Can’t stop reading with my boys, and I want to buy it for all the littles in my life.
It’s harder and harder to find books in which the words and the illustrations are both exceptional, and are written/drawn for the same age group. I think that Who Sang the First Song (B&H Publishing, 2018) by Ellie Holcomb, with illustrations by Kayla Harren, has some great art, but the words don’t seem as if they would be memorable for the intended age group (On Amazon, the Product details list the age range as 1-4, and grade level as preschool and up---not even sure that those two ranges match). It’s a cute story that asks a simple question: Who sang the first song? And then there are a lot of suggested answers, ending with the real answer. That as God was in creation mode, He also created the song. And that He created us to sing. I appreciate the thought behind the book, and really liked the illustration, but think that the 1-4 group will be much more interested in the pictures than they are the words of the story itself. I hope I’m wrong because we need more God-centered books for the pre-school group. 3.5/5 I received a copy of this book as a part of the publisher’s bloggers’ program. I was asked to write an honest review, and was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own.
**I received this book for free from the publisher for the purpose of a review. My review and opinions are my own.**
Who sang the first song? Who hummed the first tune? Was it the wind blowing past the silvery moon?
So begins this lovely children’s book. Who did sing the first song? The beautiful illustrations and poetry of this book finally tell us that God did, and he created all of us with a song to sing, too.
I love this book, and so does my toddler! The poetry is really well written, my 2 year old loves all the animals in the book, and the illustrations are beautiful.
Who Sang the First Song? would be a great Christmas present for a young child. A quick note – many retailers are listing this as a board book, but it is a hardback book.
The first thing I fell in love with is the BEAUTIFUL illustrations in this book. They were the perfect mix of reality and imagination to capture the minds of little ones. It was like today's world meets the garden of Eden. I thought the story was highly engaging and thought-provoking. The little ones I read it too all really enjoyed it and wanted to keep looking at it even after I finished the story. I liked how the story asked questions to get the little minds thinking and made them feel like a part of the story. It made the story more interactive and fun. This is one I'm very glad to have added to my home library! *I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to share a positive review. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.
This book just sounded amazing and creative and adorable and perfect to add to the library of my niece and nephew. I got all that simply from the description online and knew I had to order it. I've only had it in my hands a couple of days (I literally picked it up Friday night!) and I knew I had to review it sooner rather than later. So here I sit on Sunday night trying to find all the words about this book without Minion input or even borrowed Minion input. I have to say, reviewing Minion books hasn't gotten any easier over the months without having them in house. Perhaps, someday soon, ny niece will be old enough to help out a bit and gain a blog approved nickname. Until then. . . just my thoughts.
There is nothing I don't like about this book. I'm starting my gushing with the illustrations. I honestly don't think illustrators get near enough credit or recognition in amazingly done books. Kayla Harren created such amazing and engaging illustrations that perfectly embrace the words and theme of this book. They are bold enough to draw in a very young child while also so intricate and detailed to engage an older child deeper into the book. If you get the chance just check out the reflection picture with the elephants. It was so clear and detailed and perfect that I thought perhaps my copy was in upside down. Teach me not to look deeper!
The verse is just as engaging and the perfect fodder for the illustrations. Taking the reader (and listener) through the creation of land and sea, animals and plants as well as humans. Giving each aspect it's own voice, it's own song. All while connecting us right back to our Creator. The One who created us to sing our song. The One who created us to tell our own story. With only a short sentence or two on each page this book is perfect for very young children being read to by a parent as well as young readers getting their feet wet with words. The verses are rhyming and song-like without reading as sing-songy. Honestly, there is nothing I didn't like about this book. The timing is perfect to pick up copies for all the young ones in your life as the perfect Christmas gift. Just sayin'~
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by B&H Publishing Group. I was not compensated for this review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.
If you've ever heard Ellie Holcomb's music, you know that her lyrics absolutely point to God and her voice is beautiful. That is clearly true of her writing as well! This sweet story--the result of a mother's desire to answer her child's question of "who sang the first song?" is full of God's truth and His love, simply shared to connect with children.
In addition to the wonderful writing, the illustrations by Kayla Harren, are fantastic! They're full of intricate detail--a variety of animals, children of every color of the rainbow, and gorgeous scenery enhance this book. There's even a mama wearing her baby in a wrap! (Swoon.) As we read the book together, my son loves to point out his favorite whale or the cute little girl's ponytail swinging as she runs.
Reviews for children's books usually center on the story and illustrations, but Ellie has a little something extra special for her audience. She wrote and recorded an album to correspond with the book!! Sing: Creation Songs is the perfect addition to this sweet book. My little boy is a tough cookie when listening to music, but when I put the album on the other day, he smiled up at me and said, "Mama, Iike this song." *insert heart eye emoji here*
The message of this book is just what I want to instill in my son--that the Father loves him and that he is His. I am just so in love with this book!! It's not another "celebrity writes a book" but a truly wonderful story that resonates with children and parents alike.
If you are looking for a gift for the under six crowd... this is it! From baby showers to holidays to birthdays, this is a lovely, well made book with a great message. Highly recommend for girls and boys alike!
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book from B&H/Lifeway Bloggers. However, I was not required to write a positive review. The thoughts expressed above are entirely my own. Thanks to B&H/Lifeway for the chance to read this great book!
Who Sang the First Song? By Ellie Holcomb Illustrated by Kayla Harren
In Who Sang the First Song? the reader is taken on a journey of exploration of discovering who sang the first song. The story has a rhythmic lyrical flow to it and in combination with the illustrations should engage the attention of any young listener/reader.
Have you ever wondered where the first song came from? Well, this delightful picture book asks and answers this very question with the conclusion being God. But He didn't stop there as He gave everyone a song to sing and to hear.
There is limited wording so young readers should be able to (with a little help) make their way through this book. And the illustrations are a powerful companion in sharing the story. The scenes are varied and each has a faint scattering of musical notes throughout.
The book is approximately 9-1/4" x 9-1/2" with 28 unnumbered pages with the first having a to/from plate perfect for gift giving. There is a dust jacket but the same image is on the hardcover beneath (in case little sticky fingers tear the jacket).
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by BH Publishing with no expectations but that I offer my honest opinion - all thoughts expressed are my own.
Who Sang The First Song? is a children's Christian book by author Ellie Holcomb and illustrated by Kayla Harren. This is a very pleasant, colorful book young children will love read to them again and again. The text is written in simple sentences, only one sentence per one or two pages. The illustration on the beautiful cover is a great lead-in to the story. It shows the characters playing music while the title asks the question, "Who Sang The First Song?" The primary medium used throughout the book is colorful drawings. It is sure that young children will be pulled in to the illustrations while being read to.
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
Who Sang The First Song? is a beautiful storybook you and your child are going to love. With intricately detailed and vibrant illustrations, this book is a joy to read. Besides the fun of exploring each page’s artwork, your family will love the message of God’s song that is beautifully expressed through rhyming verse. The book explores all parts of God’s creation — the sea, the arctic, even the backyard — looking for the answer to the title’s question. I loved this — “When God made the earth, He decided to sing, And He wrote his song into everything.” Appropriate for children preschool to 3rd grade, Who Sang The First Song? is a treasure. Highly recommended.
Highly recommended.
Audience: children preschool to 3rd grade.
(Thanks to B&H Kids for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
Have you ever given thought to 'Who Sang The First Song?' Did you know there's a constant sound in the universe? That sound originates from the sun, neutron stars, black holes, and more.
From the beginning of time, there have been sounds all around. God has not only put the beauty of sound everywhere but He has given each of His creation their own song. Each song is individualized and determined for each one of us to use in furthering His Kingdom on Earth.
Now I recognize this is a bit 'heavy' for children. However, Ellie Holcomb, in her book Who Sang The First Song?, covers the concept in words and questions that children can understand.
After all, didn't God tell us to make a joyful noise? And what is more joyful than a song straight from the heart.
So, if you need a really great children's gift, or want to enrich your home library, I highly recommend this delightful book.
I found this book in the Children's Christianity section of a bookstore while looking for a baptism gift for my niece. I'm glad I did.
It has beautiful artwork. A starry night, the top layer of the ocean, a field around a cottage, a log across a river and more are lovingly depicted. It is bright and cheerful for a young reader but has a certain poignancy and elegance that can appeal to the adult reading to them. This is the beauty of the natural world, God's creation.
It has a great message for children; affirmation of their worth as individuals and encouragement to lead lives of joy and discovery, and also friendship. The art depicts children having fun with each other in nature.
I've read this through twice so far. Being a picture book it is a quick read, and thus perfect as a bedtime story.
Trickster Eric Novels gives "Who Sang the First Song" an A+
Have you ever wondered where the first song came from? Well, this beautiful book asks and answers that question with the conclusion being God, but then goes on to talk about how God didn't stop there because He gave everyone a song to sing. I think this book is just beautiful and has a sweet message that I want my girls to hear and take to heart. Have you ever wondered where the first song came from? Well, this beautiful book asks and answers that question with the conclusion being God, but then goes on to talk about how God didn't stop there because He gave everyone a song to sing. I think this book is just beautiful and has a sweet message that I want my girls to hear and take to heart.
Who Sang the First Song? is by Ellie Holcomb, the story is a christian children book. Throughout the book they are trying to find out who sang the first song. This book goes over many different questions which all lead back to gods songs. At the end they discus how God created us to sing the first song.
This book is a great way to explain to children a little bit about god, and it is a okay read. There are lots of rhyming throughout the book. I have always liked books that us rhyming to help explain a topic. This is why I rated this book the way I did. I recommend this book for anyone who wants to read it.
Who hummed the first tune? Could it have been the flowers? The wind? The stars in the night sky?
Young readers will discover the answer in this lyrical tale that asks the question and, as the story comes to a close, names the Maker as the singer of the first song and as the One Who created them with their own song to sing.
Colorful illustrations fill the pages of this warm, inviting book that parents will enjoy sharing with their young children.
The publisher has provided a Parent Connection tool on their website to help mothers and fathers discuss the message in the book with their child.
I want to fill my kid’s heads with good & loving messages in the books we read, the movies we watch and the songs we listen to on repeat. This book does just that! When accompanied with the song “Sing” by the same author, this beautiful message of this book is on repeat as they sing the sweet tune over & over. This children’s book is filled with the most beautiful illustrations to accompany this important message - you are good & wonderfully made. Highly recommend for all the kids in your life! I plan to give this book out over & over again for baby showers, Easter, Christmas & just because.
Absolutely adore this book. The illustrations are absolutely delightful, the text has good rhythm to it, and of course the message of the book is wonderful. I will say, however, that the concept of this book seems like it might be a little harder to grasp than Holcomb's other book (Don't Forget to Remember). The idea of the world "singing" to you is a little more abstract. But I guess we'll see once our son is old enough to let us know!