An African American mother's lullaby speaks of "A necklace of stars / Winding the night" and the "Great diamond moon, / Kissing the night." Above all, it speaks of love for the "Night black baby" she adores in Langston Hughes's poem "Lullaby (For a Black Mother)." This picture book edition pairs the soothing, lyrical, loving words with illustrations by Sean Qualls that show the adoration between mother and child as well as appreciation for the natural world that night and daytime reveal. A "Note about the Poet" provides brief background information on Langston Hughes and his affirming works celebrating Black children and their dreams. (The poem was originally published in Hughes's collection The Dream Keeper and Other Poems in 1932.) (Ages birth-5)

With graceful words as smooth as a song, the poet Langston Hughes celebrates the love between a mother and her baby. This picture book edition is a gift to share.

Award-winning illustrator Sean Qualls's painted and collaged artwork captures universally powerful maternal moments with tenderness. In the end, readers will find a rare photo of baby Hughes and his mother, a biographical note, further reading, and the complete lullaby. Like little love-ones, this beautiful book is a treasure.

"My little dark baby, / My little earth-thing, / My little love-one, / What shall I sing / For your lullaby?"