A passable introduction to the life of Elvis Presley.
A new entry in the Little People, BIG DREAMS series recounts the life story of the King of Rock ’n’ Roll.
Presley’s early musical influences—country and blues music—are established in the opening spreads describing his childhood. He is shown playing the guitar and glancing over at his Black neighbors, who are given to “singing blues on the porch,” while his mother hangs out wash and sings. Vegara weaves this theme of Presley’s affinity with the Black community throughout the story. Albero’s signature caricatures and flat scenes depict turning points in the icon’s life: his family’s move from Mississippi to Tennessee, his military service, his purchase of a mansion for his family, and his mother’s death. The book also covers career highlights: winning a school talent show, making his first commercial record, developing his dancing moves, and being awarded a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award at age 36. Mention is made of his movies and televised tribute to Martin Luther King Jr. The biography concludes by noting that Presley was “the irreplaceable artist who changed the course of music history and made sure that no song would be black or white ever again.” While the facts of Presley’s life are presented, the undefined musical concepts will fly over the heads of many young readers, making the relationship between race and music less meaningful. For a more emotionally charged, age-appropriate profile, read Jonah Winter’s Elvis Is King (2019). (This book was reviewed digitally.)
A passable introduction to the life of Elvis Presley. (timeline, further reading) (Picture-book biography. 5-8)Pub Date: May 17, 2022
ISBN: 978-0-7112-7087-9
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Frances Lincoln
Review Posted Online: Feb. 8, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 2022
A holiday outing that doesn’t quite satisfy.
In this follow-up to singer Parton and co-author Perl’s Billy the Kid Makes It Big (2023), literal and figurative bumps in the road imperil the touring canine country star’s promise to be home for Christmas.
Inspired by one of Parton’s holiday songs, the tale sees Billy, a small brown French bulldog, and bandmates Bo, Buster, and Binky boarding a tour bus for “pawsome” glimpses of natural wonders along with meetings with fans and “puparazzi.” Then, although Billy has sent many letters home promising to be there for the holiday, an invitation to play Barkafeller Center on Christmas Day instantly changes his tune. “Billy was happy. Though he still felt a little…he wasn’t sure what.” Readers may be excused for having mixed feelings about his mixed feelings, not to mention his tersely unapologetic note to the folks. But when, thanks to a bus-busting rock in the road on Christmas Eve, it looks like the band will have to contrive their own celebration (“Silent night, howly night”), Billy remembers that he started making music in the first place for his loved ones. He has no problem bagging the big concert (Fans? What fans? Contract? What contract?) when Dolly herself rolls up in her own bus to offer a ride back to his “Tennessee mountain home” in time for a small show for “the most important audience in the world.” While Billy cuts an endearing figure in Haley’s cartoonish illustrations, his willingness to disappoint first family, then fans may have readers feeling less than cheery.
A holiday outing that doesn’t quite satisfy. (lyrics to Parton’s “Comin’ Home for Christmas”) (Picture book. 5-7)Pub Date: Oct. 1, 2024
ISBN: 9780593755006
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Penguin Workshop
Review Posted Online: Sept. 28, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 2024
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Amusing but a little off tempo.
It’s important to hit all the right notes.
A tan-skinned musical composer with puffy black hair is busy at work on his next musical masterpiece when Half Note, a music symbol denoting two beats, feels unappreciated. Half Note is jealous of the more commonly used Quarter Note (one beat) and Eighth Note. Although the other musical symbols attempt to calm and comfort Half Note, she decides to run away. The next day, Composer needs Half Note and panics when he realizes that she’s gone. The other notes and musical symbols try to find her, but it’s only when they try to play her favorite song, “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star,” without her—with terrible results—that she comes running back. The story’s humor—which is largely based on “dad joke” puns—is completely dependent on readers’ musical knowledge. The artwork, a mix of acrylic and colored pencil, attempts to add some allegrezza to the piece, and while it’s not unsuccessful, it’s facing an uphill battle. Music teachers and musically minded caregivers may find some value in this story, but it will likely be too specialized for general readers. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
Amusing but a little off tempo. (glossary) (Picture book. 6-8)Pub Date: March 14, 2023
ISBN: 978-1-64567-631-7
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Page Street
Review Posted Online: Dec. 23, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 15, 2023
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
© Copyright 2025 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Follow
Popular in this Genre
We can’t wait for you to join Kirkus!
It’s free and takes less than 10 seconds!
Already have an account? Log in.
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Welcome Back!
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
