An engaging music-themed tale for preschoolers who need a simple lesson about unity.
In this picture book, instruments in a music shop refuse to get along.
In a quaint little town can be found a music shop populated by anthropomorphic instruments who love nothing more than to play music together. But from the flutes and guitars to the percussion and strings, all are highly susceptible to the outlandish ideas swept in on the coattails of the Slimy Musician. He immediately insists that all the instruments play separately: “How can maracas shake when drums are drumming? How can pianos play when guitars are strumming?” The instruments take his criticism to heart; their ensuing strife is so disruptive that it turns the diverse town upside down. Clocks don’t work; popcorn doesn’t pop; and only a piano named Lyric is ready to take on the problem. Lyric calls on her friends, who suggest bringing all of the feuding instruments to the Master at a free concert that night. It’s only when the Master encourages the instruments to put aside their differences that music returns to the town. This is Lyric’s second adventure and Bursey’s newest book since The Little Piano (2018). The enjoyable tale skillfully teaches young readers the importance of diversity and collaboration, though the lesson would be stronger if the conflict were initiated more naturally. Shull’s vibrant illustrations are reminiscent of a rambunctious animated television show for children, with curving bodies, eyebrows, and large eyes conveying huge expressions.
An engaging music-themed tale for preschoolers who need a simple lesson about unity.Pub Date: Oct. 12, 2021
ISBN: 9781489738639
Page Count: 32
Publisher: N/A
Review Posted Online: Oct. 8, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 1, 2024
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
PERSPECTIVES
Nice enough but not worth repeat reads.
Emma deals with jitters before playing the guitar in the school talent show.
Pop musician Kevin Jonas and his wife, Danielle, put performance at the center of their picture-book debut. When Emma is intimidated by her very talented friends, the encouragement of her younger sister, Bella, and the support of her family help her to shine her own light. The story is straightforward and the moral familiar: Draw strength from your family and within to overcome your fears. Employing the performance-anxiety trope that’s been written many times over, the book plods along predictably—there’s nothing really new or surprising here. Dawson’s full-color digital illustrations center a White-presenting family along with Emma’s three friends of color: Jamila has tanned skin and wears a hijab; Wendy has dark brown skin and Afro puffs; and Luis has medium brown skin. Emma’s expressive eyes and face are the real draw of the artwork—from worry to embarrassment to joy, it’s clear what she’s feeling. A standout double-page spread depicts Emma’s talent show performance, with a rainbow swirl of music erupting from an amp and Emma rocking a glam outfit and electric guitar. Overall, the book reads pretty plainly, buoyed largely by the artwork. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
Nice enough but not worth repeat reads. (Picture book. 4-6)Pub Date: March 29, 2022
ISBN: 978-0-593-35207-6
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Razorbill/Penguin
Review Posted Online: Feb. 8, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 2022
BOOK REVIEW
Readers will agree that “Melba Doretta Liston was something special.”
Bewitched by the rhythms of jazz all around her in Depression-era Kansas City, little Melba Doretta Liston longs to make music in this fictional account of a little-known jazz great.
Picking up the trombone at 7, the little girl teaches herself to play with the support of her Grandpa John and Momma Lucille, performing on the radio at 8 and touring as a pro at just 17. Both text and illustrations make it clear that it’s not all easy for Melba; “The Best Service for WHITES ONLY” reads a sign in a hotel window as the narrative describes a bigotry-plagued tour in the South with Billie Holiday. But joy carries the day, and the story ends on a high note, with Melba “dazzling audiences and making headlines” around the world. Russell-Brown’s debut text has an innate musicality, mixing judicious use of onomatopoeia with often sonorous prose. Morrison’s sinuous, exaggerated lines are the perfect match for Melba’s story; she puts her entire body into her playing, the exaggerated arch of her back and thrust of her shoulders mirroring the curves of her instrument. In one thrilling spread, the evening gown–clad instrumentalist stands over the male musicians, her slide crossing the gutter while the back bow disappears off the page to the left. An impressive discography complements a two-page afterword and a thorough bibliography.
Readers will agree that “Melba Doretta Liston was something special.” (Picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: July 1, 2014
ISBN: 978-1-60060-898-8
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Lee & Low Books
Review Posted Online: June 3, 2014
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 2014
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