Thirteen poems by Nikki Giovanni cover a range of subjects but are unified by their celebratory feeling and the poet's delightful ability to contemplate subjects in new and unexpected ways. "Little Boys are like snowflakes" begins one poem. Stars "pirouette and boogie down" in another. The poems are illustrated by Ashley Bryan, whose bright, vivid art showing animals, flowers, and children of many racial and ethnic backgrounds, but especially those of African descent, is a joyous burst of color on every page. (Ages 5-9)

"Quiet . . .
like a quilt on a feather bed . . .
and frost on the window . . .
we write our names knowing . . .
the sun will melt them off

But the sun is so quiet . . .
that we don't care
we smile"

from Connie by Nikki Giovanni

The quiet and noisy, wintery and sometimes sunny poems in The Sun Is So Quiet will always make you smile. Nikki Giovanni describes riding rainbows, tiptoeing through strawberry patches, licking chocolaty fingers, snuggling under covers, and many other wonderful childhood moments. Ashley Bryan's warmest, most colorful illustrations make each page look like a bright, beaming smile.

Together, they have created a collection that you can linger over like a peppermint candy cane or enjoy as quickly as a snowflake melts on your nose.