I picked this up at the library, as I was in the mood for a bit of poetry.

Opening it up however, I was immediately filled with annoyance. The poem was extremely small, tucked away in a tiny book. I had expected something with more substance.

But as I delved deeper into the poem, I discovered that it was actually quite nice. It wasn't overly moving, but it did contain some beautiful words and phrases that were perfect for Christmas time poetry.

Overall, the poem was enjoyable. However, having just one small poem in what was supposed to be a "book" just didn't seem right. It left me feeling a bit disappointed.

I think that if the publisher had included more poems or perhaps some additional content related to the theme, it would have made for a more satisfying read.

Despite this, I still appreciate the effort that went into creating the poem and will likely keep it in my collection for future reference.

Hope is born again in the faces of children.

It rides on the shoulders of our aged as they walk into their sunsets.

Hope spreads around the world, brightening all things, even hate, which crouches breeding in dark corridors.

"We Angels and Mortals, Believers and Nonbelievers, look heavenward and speak the word aloud. Peace. We look at our world and speak the word aloud. Peace. We look to each other, then into ourselves, and we say without shyness or apology, or hesitation: Peace, My Brother. Peace, My Sister. Peace, My Soul."

These are two selections from this very short but powerful Christmas poem by the ever eternal Maya Angelou. Her words ring ever so true each holiday season. It is a poem that reminds us to stop and be kind to the people around us, whether they be familiar or strangers, during this most busy time of the year. Fear and hate are always present in this world, but Maya reminds us that Love, Hope, and Peace always reign.

We should take her words to heart and strive to make the world a better place, one act of kindness at a time. Let us spread hope and peace, just as it is described in the poem. Let us look at each other with love and respect, and let us speak the word "peace" aloud, not just during the holidays, but every day of our lives.

Visually, this story is an absolute delight. The illustrations, painted by Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher, are of such high quality that they are truly worthy of hanging in a museum. They enhance and add so much to this narrative poem written by Maya Angelou for the 2005 Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. It serves as a powerful call to and for peace.

’Into this climate of fear and apprehension,
Christmas enters.
Streaming lights of joy, ringing bells of hope
And singing carols of forgiveness high up in the
bright air.
The word is encouraged to come away from rancor.
Come the way of friendship.’

There is, of course, more depth and meaning to this poem. It is not just a simple piece but a profound exploration of the human spirit and the need for peace in a troubled world.

A lovely book, a lovely poem, and a beautiful reminder of the message of love that lies at the heart of the Christmas season.

Maya Angelou's 2005 Christmas reading of Amazing Peace at the White House was a momentous occasion. Her powerful and moving delivery brought the words of the poem to life and touched the hearts of all who heard it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nrcUn...

’When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace.’
-- Jimi Hendrix

Poetry Review
ELM 572
3 - 26 - 2015

In Maya Angelou's "Amazing Peace", I found great enjoyment in this Christmas poem. It beautifully描绘s a community uniting for the common purpose of celebrating the Birth of Jesus, which represents "Peace". The setting of this poem is in a small town or community during the coldest winter, covered in snow.

The residents question God about the covenant He made, as the snow keeps piling up and there seems to be no relief from the cold. However, when the Christmas season arrives, it brings a new light to life, filled with forgiveness and friendships. Despite the cold, people regain hope because of the Christmas spirit. Hope can be seen on the faces of both the young children and the elderly, and it spreads around the earth, brightening all things. Through this hope, people discover "Peace" in their hearts and souls. Regardless of their faith, whether Baptist or Buddhist, Methodist or Muslim, all come together to celebrate one thing in common - the Birth of Jesus Christ, which is "Peace". Everyone celebrates the Christmas season, looking beyond complexion and seeing "Amazing Peace".

This book is an excellent read for third, fourth, and fifth graders. I would also consider using it in guided reading for kindergarten, first, and second graders.

Unfortunately, the children's version was not available on Goodreads.

Beautiful illustrations

that have the power to captivate and engage the viewer. Each stroke and color choice is carefully crafted to bring the image to life.

Powerful words

that can move mountains and change hearts. They have the ability to inspire, motivate, and persuade.

Together, beautiful illustrations and powerful words create a synergy that is truly magical.

The illustrations enhance the meaning of the words, making them more vivid and memorable.

The words, in turn, give context and depth to the illustrations, allowing the viewer to understand their full significance.

Whether it's in a children's book, a marketing campaign, or a work of art, the combination of beautiful illustrations and powerful words is a winning formula.

It has the potential to touch people's lives and leave a lasting impression.

So the next time you come across a piece that features both beautiful illustrations and powerful words, take a moment to appreciate the artistry and craftsmanship that went into creating it.

You may just be inspired to create something beautiful and powerful of your own.

Reviewed by Jennifer Wardrip aka "The Genius" for Kids @ TeensReadToo.com

Maya Angelou, a world-renowned poet, philanthropist, and humanitarian, has the remarkable ability to bring the true meaning of Christmas to vivid life. Her poems are not the ordinary, simple rhyming ones often found in many children's books. Instead, they are a beautiful meshing of words that have the power to go straight to the heart.

"Come and fill us and our world with your majesty.
We, the Jew and the Jainist, the Catholic and the Confucian,
Implore you to stay awhile with us
So we may learn by your shimmering light
How to look beyond complexion and see community.

It is Christmas time, a halting of hate time.

On this platform of peace, we can create a language
To translate ourselves to ourselves and to each other."

This book is not only a perfect choice to share with your children during Christmas. In fact, I firmly believe that it would make an excellent addition to your home library, suitable for sharing as a family again and again, regardless of the time of year. The message it conveys - one of love, tolerance, diversity, and peace - is something that all children can learn from, no matter what the date on the calendar might be. It has the potential to touch the hearts of readers of all ages and inspire them to embrace a more inclusive and harmonious world.

Sigh! One of the reasons I write is because of this phenomenal woman.

She is truly remarkable and has had a profound impact on my life.

Her strength, courage, and determination are an inspiration to me.

Whenever I think of her, I am filled with a sense of motivation and purpose.

She has overcome numerous obstacles and challenges, yet she always manages to emerge stronger and more resilient.

Her kindness and compassion towards others are also truly admirable.

She has a heart of gold and is always willing to help those in need.

Writing about her allows me to express my admiration and gratitude for all that she has done.

It also gives me the opportunity to share her story with others and inspire them as well.

I am truly grateful to have this phenomenal woman in my life, and I will continue to write about her and her amazing qualities.

What a beautiful Christmas poem written by Maya Angelou!

I have read some of her writings before and enjoyed them very much. Her words have a unique charm that can touch the hearts of readers.

In this book, the art by Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher is also stunning. The illustrations bring the poem to life and add another layer of beauty to the work.

Love, Peace and Good Will are always the theme for the Christmas season. These values are not only important during Christmas but also in our daily lives.

Oh how they are needed in the world today! In a world full of conflicts and challenges, we need to spread love, peace and good will more than ever.

Maya Angelou's Christmas poem serves as a reminder of these important values and encourages us to strive for a better world.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves beautiful poetry and art, and who wants to be inspired by the spirit of Christmas.

This is an illustrated picture book edition of a poem that Maya Angelou composed for the White House tree-lighting ceremony way back in 2005. I had never had the opportunity to read it before. It is truly lovely, and the illustrations enhance its beauty.

However, here is what I would like to recommend: some poetry is indeed meant to be heard. (I'm aware that some people contend that ALL poetry should be read aloud. I don't concur. That's a debate for another time, though.) This particular poem is one of those. This edition comes with a CD featuring Angelou reading her poem, or you can simply search for it on YouTube and watch her perform it.

I'm not a huge Christmas enthusiast. I'm certainly not Christian. But this - this is a Christmas that I can wholeheartedly support.

"We, Angels and Mortals, Believers and Non-Believers,
Look heavenward and speak the word aloud.
Peace. We look at our world and speak the word aloud.
Peace. We look at each other, then into ourselves
And we say without shyness or apology or hesitation.


Peace, My Brother.
Peace, My Sister.
Peace, My Soul.”

The power of this poem lies in its simple yet profound message of peace. It transcends religious and cultural boundaries, appealing to the universal longing for harmony and unity. Angelou's words have the ability to touch the hearts of people from all walks of life and remind us of the importance of peace in our lives and in the world around us. Whether you celebrate Christmas or not, this poem is a beautiful reminder of the values that we should all strive to uphold.

What a beautiful Christmas poem written by Maya Angelou!

I have read some of her writings before and truly enjoyed them. Her words have a unique charm and beauty that can touch the hearts of readers.

In this particular book, not only is Maya Angelou's poetry wonderful, but the art by Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher is also stunning. The illustrations bring the words to life and add another layer of depth and emotion to the whole experience.

Love, peace, and good will are always the themes for the Christmas season. However, in today's world, these qualities are more needed than ever. We are living in a time of great challenges and uncertainties, and it is essential that we come together and spread love and kindness.

Maya Angelou's Christmas poem serves as a reminder of the importance of these values and encourages us to strive for a more peaceful and harmonious world.

This is a special edition of Maya Angelou's poem, crafted by her to celebrate Christmas.

The poem "Amazing Peace" was recited by Maya Angelou at the lighting of the National Christmas tree near the White House in Washington D.C. in 2005. It is presented here in a picture book format, ideal for family reading.

The illustrations by Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher are distinct. They are created in oil on canvas, departing from the typical watercolour technique used in children's books. The outcome is a rough texture, with bold and broad brush strokes - almost impasto in some areas. This effectively reflects the harsh weather conditions and the raw essence of the poem. The pictures are quite quirky and stylized, coming alive with character as the optimism pervades the poem.

Moreover, there is a CD of Maya Angelou reading her poem attached to the inside cover. This is a charming addition. She briefly elaborates on the world events at that time, which are mentioned in the poem, such as "this climate of fear and apprehension" and "hate... crouches breeding in dark corridors". She also refers to the severe weather crises that the world had recently endured. She explains that this poem was her response to them.

Her voice is resonant and firm; this is a poem with a powerful message. Listening to Maya Angelou read the poem initially, one can sense that this is how the poem continues to feel on subsequent readings - you can "hear" the poet's voice.

It is evident that it is by a Christian writer, yet it is an attempt at an all-encompassing poem, full of warmth and great strength.

"Peace. We look at our world and speak the word aloud. Peace. We look at each other, then into ourselves And we say without shyness or apology or hesitation: Peace, My Brother, Peace, My Sister, Peace, My Soul."

Beautiful

Beauty is a concept that has intrigued and fascinated humanity throughout the ages. It is a quality that can be found in various aspects of life, from nature's breathtaking landscapes to the human form and its expressions.

We are often drawn to the beauty of a flower in full bloom, with its vibrant colors and delicate petals. The sight of a majestic mountain range, stretching as far as the eye can see, fills us with a sense of awe and wonder. Even the simplest things, like a dewdrop on a blade of grass or a beautiful sunset, can possess an undeniable beauty that touches our souls.

In addition to the beauty of the external world, there is also the beauty within a person. A kind heart, a gentle smile, and a positive attitude can make someone truly beautiful. Inner beauty shines through in our actions and interactions with others, leaving a lasting impression.

Beauty is subjective, and what one person finds beautiful, another may not. However, regardless of our individual preferences, there is no denying the power and allure of beauty. It has the ability to inspire us, bring us joy, and make us appreciate the world around us.

So, let us take the time to notice and appreciate the beauty that surrounds us every day. Whether it is in the form of a beautiful work of art, a kind gesture from a stranger, or the simple beauty of nature, let us allow ourselves to be touched by its magic.

For beauty is not just something to be admired; it is a source of inspiration and a reminder of the wonder and magnificence of life.