Simple Gifts: A Shaker Hymn

by Chris Raschka

Chris Raschka--whose beautiful, brilliant tributes to jazz legends in Mysterious Thelonious and Charlie Parker Played Be Bop are not to be missed--pays tribute to another slice of American music history with this lovely celebration of a traditional Shaker hymn. "'Tis the gift to be simple, 'tis the gift to be free, 'tis the gift to come down where we ought to be," lilts the hymn. And Raschka translates its gentle movement to the page, scripting the lyrics in what appears to be (simply) black crayon against a band of soothing color at the top or bottom of each spread. The rest of each page is awash in warm tones and heavy strokes, depicting a cat, a bird, a squirrel, and a turtle in the abstract, primitive style of Paul Klee. In explaining how he so expertly translates music to the printed page, Raschka has said that he tries to "stick to the form of the music and let the music dictate the form of the book." Indeed. With Simple Gifts, Raschka offers readers the simple yet powerful gift of experiencing music as color, movement, and graceful pages. (Ages 4 to 8, but makes a fine addition to any grownup's favorite book collection) --Brangien Davis

Genres: Picture Books, Music, Childrens, Art

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1998

About the author

Chris Raschka is the illustrator of The Hello, Goodbye Window, which was awarded the Caldecott Medal. He is also the illustrator of the Caldecott Honor Book Yo! Yes?; Charlie Parker Played Be Bop; Mysterious Thelonious; John Coltrane’s Giant Steps; Can’t Sleep; and The Magic Flute. He lives with his wife and son in New York City.

Reviews

[Laura (Book Scrounger) · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I don't think this book quite does justice to the hymn, I'm still really glad that a picture book version of "Simple Gifts" exists. I'm not saying that I don't like the illustrations -- I actually think they're really neat, and I like all the bold earth tones -- I just don't think they do much for the actual text. They're too abstract and don't really seem to tell any kind of story. For a hymn that speaks in very general terms already, more specific, humanized illustrations would probably have served it much better (the combination of metaphorical text and abstract art loses kids pretty quickly -- they need something more concrete to anchor a story).

Also, since I'm not as familiar with these lyrics as I am with some other hymns (ya know, "Lord of the Dance" tries to creep in there now and then), I found the curly cursive print very difficult to read, especially while trying to sing along at a reasonable tempo.

So, I don't think it's terrible, but I would be eager to find a version of this hymn that perhaps includes more historical context in its illustrations (maybe this is just my preference since I live just down the road from Sabbathday Lake).

[Dolly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to Raffi, I'd heard this song many times before, so it was simple to sing along while we looked at the pages. I think it is much easier to understand the book if you know the tune (and the music is printed at the end for those who can read music.) We had fun singing the song several times and pointing out the creatures we could find in the mostly abstract artwork. I also really enjoyed the explanation about the Shakers at the end of the book; it really gives more context and meaning to the song.

[Krista the Krazy Kataloguer · Rating 2 out of 5]

I like the song, but I really disliked the illustrations. I'm not overly fond of Chris Raschka (though I do like his Yo? Yes! and Ring! Yo?) to begin with, but these illustrations were bold and confused, so that, in some pictures, I could barely make out what was being depicted. They didn't seem to fit the mood of the song at all, and didn't seem to illustrate it either. Disappointing.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love all Chris Raschka books, discovered this recently, and it's almost 20 years old. With a wonderful cat, a bluebird of happiness, a quiet turtle and other peaceful beings, Raschka illustrates this favorite Shaker Hymn so that it all "comes out right." It's full of hope needed today, am so happy to share it.

[elissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've used the book/tape combination at storytimes (mostly in baby/toddler storytime). I love both the song and the illustrations. Raschka is defnitely one of my very favorite illustrators. 4 1/2 stars. I love the Raffi version of this beautiful song, too.

[Kate · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love this song, but found the heavy illustrations not really keeping with the theme of the song. Plus, the rabbits nose really bothered me. I usually enjoy Raschka's art, but this one didn't overwhelm me.

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

A picture book representation of the well-known Shaker hymn. Oil crayon illustrations in an earth tone palette take readers into the heart of the poem and then step back for a big picture view. Inspiring and followed with a note by the author this is a unique book for PreK-2.

[Kimberly · Rating 2 out of 5]

Simple Gifts truly is one of my favorite little tunes, but this book does not work for me. I usually like Chris Raschka but these illustrations are too chunky, monotone, and cramped on the page--I couldn't tell what was going on a lot of the time. Disappointing.

[Kaethe · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like the hymn okay, but the book didn't make much of an impression

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

My girls and I love this hymn. We enjoy singing the tune together and looking at the bright animal illustrations. I'm not sure how, however, if the illustrations match the context of the song.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

A "Peaceable Kingdom" inspired version of the traditional Shaker hymn. A beautiful picture book of abstract and representational art that will appeal to all ages.

[Rani · Rating 5 out of 5]

#Classic #song #Perennial #Favorite #American #Shaker Beautiful words and fabulous illustrations! Heartwarming! #YoungReaders #PictureBook #BookReview #ChildrensBooks #amreading

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I liked the illustrations, which were bold and distinctive, like others here, I had trouble piecing them together and seeing how they connected to the overall story the author was trying to tell about simplicity and spirituality. At times it was difficult to distinguish the animals from the foliage surrounding them. I love the hymn, though, and appreciated the idea behind the picture book completely.

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Shaker Hymn, Simple Gifts, has always been a favorite of mine. However, as much as I enjoyed the artistic work in this title withe the bold bright illustrations my understanding of the meaning is not what is shown in the illustrations.

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

Everything living in harmony.

[Peacegal · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the bold artwork.