About this book

Children of all ages are invited to a bright and colorful multicultural celebration with We've Got the Whole World in Our Hands!

Award-winning illustrator Rafael López brings new life with his adaptation of "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands," saluting the lives of all young people. The rhythmic verse and repetitive emphasis on "we" and "our" encourages inclusive communities and the celebration of unity and diverse friendships all around the world.

We've got you and you got me in our hands.

We have the whole world in our hands.

Come and read along and sing along as we celebrate the magic of unity. From the rivers to the mountains to the oceans and to the sea — we've got the whole world in our hands.

As an added bonus the sheet music is included in the back of the book for piano, guitar, and recorder for classroom, library, and home sing-alongs.

Reviews

Praise for We've Got the Whole World in Our Hands:

"This unconventional interpretation of the classic song finds a modern application with joyful illustrations that send a message of hope and power to today's children. . . A beautiful vision of a global community." -- Kirkus

"Earnest and openhearted." -- Publishers Weekly

"A beloved spiritual gets an imaginative and anthropocentric rendering in this vibrant picture book celebrating unity... This is an ideal choice for storytime or classroom reading." -- School Library Journal


Praise for Bravo! Poems about Amazing Hispanics by Margarita Engle:

* "López's artwork -- created with acrylic on wood, pen and ink, watercolor, construction paper, and Adobe Photoshop -- captures the essence of each figure. The format allows the reader to linger and reflect on each spread, strengthening visual literacy and reinforcing the belief that poetry is art -- and it is meant to be savored." -- School Library Journal, starred review


Praise for Drum Dream Girl: How One Girl's Courage Changed Music by Margarita Engle:

* "López's zinging, neon-tinged art highlights the island's diversity, depicting the drum girl's flights of fancy set against the backdrop of carnival scenes and outdoor cafes. Details of Cuba's and the protagonist's Chinese, African, Taíno, and Spanish roots are seamlessly interwoven into the lyrical narrative and luminous acrylic paintings." -- School Library Journal, starred review


Pura Belpré Medal Illustration 2016

Andrew Carnegie Medal 2017

Charlotte Zolotow Medal 2016

School Library Journal Best Books List 2015

New York Public Library 100 Notable Titles List 2015

Huffington Post Most Inspirational Picture Book 2015

Asian Pacific America Award Honor 2016

Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People 2016