This sentimental novel is a 'hymn' to childhood and innocence. [=the novel praises childhood and innocence]
sing a 'hymn' of praise/thanksgiving
a book of 'hymns' = a 'hymn' book
(..) The task was too great. So they hired hands for wages. But the h a n d s that built the Tower of Babel knew nothing of the dream of the b r a i n that had conceived it. One man's hymns of praise became other men's curses. People spoke the same language, but could not understand each other... (..)1927 Metropolis