knoxville, Tennessee

knoxville, Tennessee by Nikki Giovanni. paperback edition. ISBN: 9780590470759.

Giovannis brief poem about summertime in the rural South makes for a sunny picture book. An African American girl moves like a gentle breeze through Johnsons lush and warmly lit oil paintings as she describes and partakes of such seasonal fare as fresh sweet corn, homemade ice cream and ``lots of barbecue and buttermilk. The very short text here forces a reliance on mood and tone, with great success. The renowned poets vivid writing features a graceful use of universal images and emotions that may stir the readers memories. Johnsons artwork extends Giovannis words, depicting verdant fields in crisp contrast to white houses and dresses. A church picnic never looked so tasty. All ages.