In a story of the Ila people, the colorful birds of Africa ask Blackbird, whom they think is the most beautiful of birds, to decorate them with some of his "blackening brew."

"This book is a dream caught on paper with the sense of magic and wonder and unfettered imagination of a child. As sleep starts the journey into the blue, marvelous threads unravel dreamy images out of the blue revealing animals, far-off places, a circus, games, toys, wind, rain, a touch of this and a touch of that, words and wordplay. A poem accompanies the whimsical illustrations, perfectly capturing the sense of awe and excitement of childhood....

A shepherd boy apprenticed to his carpenter father builds a stable and then welcomes two weary travelers from Nazareth.

When his handsome older brothers set off to woo the beautiful Princess Yakami, ugly Sh-ko must carry their bags, but his luck changes after meeting a rabbit who lost his fur coat.

Presents illustrated version using the words to the song "All Things Bright and Beautiful," made famous by Cecil F. Alexander.

Hand-selected by Newbery honoree Ashley Bryan, he has, with his masterful flourish of color, shape, and movement, added a visual layering that drums the most important message of all to young, old, parent, child, grandparent, and friend alike: You are loved. You are loved. You are loved. As a bonus, one page is mirrored, so children reading the book can see exactly who is loved--themselves!