Toby is now old enough to join his family at the ring-shout in this story that draws on the African-American tradition of circle dances accompanied by call-and-response singing. Each family member brings something to play at the annual harvest celebration that “speaks from his own heart straight to God’s ears.” Sister Pearl brings a dry gourd because the sound of the seeds reminds her of cornstalks rattling in the wind and she is “happy for the wind on hot days.” Toby, with the wise help of his grandfather, learns that just clapping his hands allows him to speak with everything he has, and what he has most is family. Cohen’s boldly colored, flat illustrations swirl across the pages in circular patterns that provide just the right touch for this warm family story of faith and upholding tradition. An author’s note gives a brief history. (Picture book. 4 –7)
