Join the rhythmic countdown to Sunday afternoon, the one time when enslaved Africans in 19th century Louisiana could relax in what became known as New Orleans’ Congo Square. Vibrant paintings, reminiscent of Jacob Lawrence, further enliven the portrait of people as they toiled daily, culminating on Sunday. An introduction provides historical insight and perspective of this little known part of American history.
Freedom in Congo Square
In 1958, photographer Art Kane gathered up a who’s who of jazz musicians on a New York City street for what is now an iconic image of African American artists. Original poems accompanied by vivid paintings depict the period, the people, and more. Not only is the original photo included, so are short biographies of each of the musicians as well as additional resources sure to inspire further exploration.
Jazz Day: The Making of a Famous Photograph
Handsome illustrations accompany English writer E. Nesbit’s (Edith Nesbit Bland) dramatic retellings of seven plays by William Shakespeare. While the narratives introduce the plays, they read aloud well as sophisticated short stories. Additional information about Shakespeare and the times in which he lived is included.
Shakespeare Retold
Illustrations in blues and grays combine with words to flow across the pages of this handsome look into the music and life of an American artist. Fully researched and creatively presented, this is a brief glimpse at the life and contributions of a musical great. Additional resources and an author’s note may inspire further exploration of the man.
The Music in George’s Head: George Gershwin Creates Rhapsody in Blue
Pete Seeger lived a long life sharing his music and his convictions about equality with literally millions of people all over the world. He is presented here in well-researched, clearly documented and understandable language punctuated with photographs. Seeger’s life presents a glimpse at the history of the United States, ranging from Civil Rights to workers’ rights.
Let Your Voice Be Heard: The Life and Times of Pete Seeger
Leonard Nimoy’s friend, an author and poet, presents a biography of the Star Trek hero for young readers. Young Leonard, known as Lenny, aspired to become an actor. His father, however, told him that actors starve; musicians will always eat. Illustrated with simple lines and limited color, the straightforward text concludes with an author’s note and a photo of the writer and his friend.
Fascinating: The Life of Leonard Nimoy
Julia is a professional dancer; Emma is a young girl taking ballet lessons. Their training and performances parallel until the two meet backstage for a hug after Julia performs on stage. Ballet lovers of all ages will enjoy the detailed illustrations and portraits of two dancers.
Emma and Julia Love Ballet
Meet Juan García Esquivel whose contributions to music can still be heard. From his early days in Mexico, Juan experimented to find just the right sounds for his music. Additional information and a photograph of Juan are included at the end of this lively picture book biography done in Tonatiuh’s signature style.
Esquivel! Space-Age Sound Artist
Adults may need to be reminded of standard songs to share with young children all of which are just right to encourage the youngest singer. Imaginative illustrations cover each double page spread in this slim but engaging volume.
Sing with Me: Action Songs Every Child Should Know
Robbie Darko loves magic but simply is not good at it. That is, until his grandmother teaches him a few tricks she learned as a professional magician. Filled with pathos and good nature, this novel is sure to resonate with readers.
Dorko the Magnificent
The story of a small dog, the girl who loves her, and the girl’s struggling father come together in four acts. Brief text and detailed, black/white illustrations that appear as though in a spotlight effectively convey the daily intersections of these lives. Touching, dramatic, and gently humorous, Lucy — as the dog comes to be known — steals the show!
Lucy
Experience the breadth and depth of Paul Laurence Dunbar’s poetry. From his childhood in poverty and his early promise as a poet through his struggles to find acceptance as a writer and his tumultuous romance with his wife, to his immense fame and his untimely death, Dunbar’s story is one of triumph and tragedy. But his legacy remains in his much-beloved poetry — told in both Standard English and in dialect — which continues to delight and inspire readers today.
Jump Back Paul: The Life and Poems of Paul Laurence Dunbar
A harmonica and a bit of magic link different children from different times.
Echo
Though Flora has danced with a flamingo (Flora & the Flamingo) and even a penguin (Flora & the Penguin), this is her first dance with 2 handsome peacocks with huge tails. How they manage their performance and develop a friendship is revealed in lush illustrations, flaps and a huge foldout but no words.
Flora and the Peacocks
When a jazz-loving rooster sets his sights on winning a barnyard talent show, he realizes he can’t do it as a solo act. He’s up against the talents of Mules Davis’s cool duo and Ella Finchgerald’s singing group. Acoustic Rooster calls on friends like pianist Duck Ellington, singer Bee Holiday, and percussionist piggy Pepe Ernesto Cruz. Together, the foursome makes beautiful music as they rock the barnyard. And while they may not win first prize, Acoustic Rooster realizes he has the world’s best jazz band and that’s all that matters.
Acoustic Rooster and His Barnyard Band
Maidens, monks, and millers’ sons — in these pages, readers will meet them all. With a deep appreciation for the period and a grand affection for both characters and audience, Laura Amy Schlitz creates 22 riveting portraits and linguistic gems equally suited to silent reading or performance. (2008 Newbery Medal Winner)
Good Masters! Sweet Ladies!
Her mother was a laundress but Anna was inspired by dance and music she saw in the Russian theater. A lyrical text is complemented by evocative illustrations to evoke the spirit of the life, work and travels of prima ballerina, Anna Pavlova. Even her death is subtly presented in both word and image for a stirring introduction to an amazing artist
Swan: The Life and Dance of Anna Pavlova
Jelly Roll Morton became – to his grandmother’s horror – a musician in New Orleans, developing his own unique style of jazz. Rhythmic, rhyming language and swirling, color-saturated illustrations glimpse the life and work of this little known musician, perhaps inspiring readers to take a longer look at the artist and his work.
How Jelly Roll Morton Invented Jazz
Josephine Baker’s life and struggles of this performer and activist comes to life.
Josephine: The Dazzling Life of Josephine Baker
The familiar “Wheels on the Bus” has been augmented (e.g., a fire truck goes “woo-oo”), adapted and presented here in Spanish and English. The accompanying illustrations are cheery, adding humor and verve.
¡Vámonos! Lets Go!
A dozen original lullabies by the author of Good Night Moon are presented here for the first time. Each sweet piece has been newly illustrated by a well-known illustrator in distinctive styles, ranging from Melissa Sweet to Sean Qualls. A CD is included.
Goodnight Songs
Troy Andrews grew up in a New Orleans family of musicians so it’s not surprising that he, too, grew up playing the trombone and singing. His lively narration is rhythmic, sprinkled with colloquialism and enhanced by collage and paint illustrations.
Trombone Shorty
Reyna accidently breaks her abuelo’s vihuela and tries to fix it before her family finds out. Told in both Spanish and English, young readers will recognize the girl’s predicament and revel in the resolution in this realistically illustrated tale.
Finding the Music/En pos de la musica
Listen to the “groove” as readers make their way through the history of Motown, the people who made and performed it, and the times in which it was performed. The history of Motown is inextricably tied to the history of African Americans in the U.S. and is presented here in vivacious narrative and extended by images of the time. Source notes and other back matter complete the riveting portrait.