Elegant and evocative, this culturally authentic folktale beautifully conveys the powerful bonds of music and friendship.
Imported from China, a visually captivating retelling of a classic Chinese folk story.
This sincere and ancient tale depicts the legendary friendship of Yu Boya and Zhong Ziqi. Both share a true understanding of music and bond when they meet by chance through their deep appreciation of the guqin, a traditional Chinese string instrument. Boya tells Ziqi how he was introduced to the guqin as a young boy and quickly mastered the technique needed to play proficiently. Though he was skilled, however, his music failed to connect to his audiences. Boya was sent to Penglai Island, fabled home of the immortals, to await a new teacher only to realize that it is nature that will inspire him to create his greatest compositions. Ziqi is moved by Boya’s ability to capture the essential beauty of nature, and Boya in turn is grateful to have found a companion who truly understands his music. Like Boya’s masterpieces, the illustrations reflect a reverence for the majestic Chinese landscape. Towering mountains that disappear into an endless mist and verdant river valleys are lushly portrayed with vibrant colors in a style emulating traditional Chinese brush art. There is a lovely balance between the bold landscapes and detailed, close-up images that allow readers to connect to the strong emotional resonance of the story. (This book was reviewed digitally with 11.375-by-18-inch double-page spreads viewed at 32.7% of actual size.)
Elegant and evocative, this culturally authentic folktale beautifully conveys the powerful bonds of music and friendship. (Picture book. 5-9)Pub Date: Oct. 22, 2020
ISBN: 978-1-4788-6978-8
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Reycraft Books
Review Posted Online: Aug. 17, 2020
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 2020
A welcome, well-researched reflection of cultural pride in the early-reader landscape.
The fourth installment in Delacre’s early-reader series centers on the rich musical traditions of Puerto Rico, once again featuring sibling tree frogs Rafi and Rosi Coquí.
Readers learn along with Rafi and Rosi as they explore bomba, plena, and salsa in three chapters. A glossary at the beginning sets readers up well to understand the Spanish vocabulary, including accurate phoneticization for non-Spanish speakers. The stories focus on Rafi and Rosi’s relationship within a musical context. For example, in one chapter Rafi finds out that he attracts a larger audience playing his homemade güiro with Rosi’s help even though he initially excluded her: “Big brothers only.” Even when he makes mistakes, as the older brother, Rafi consoles Rosi when she is embarrassed or angry at him. In each instance, their shared joy for music and dance ultimately shines through any upsets—a valuable reflection of unity. Informational backmatter and author’s sources are extensive. Undoubtedly these will help teachers, librarians, and parents to develop Puerto Rican cultural programs, curriculum, or home activities to extend young readers’ learning. The inclusion of instructions to make one’s own homemade güiro is a thoughtful addition. The Spanish translation, also by Delacre and published simultaneously, will require a more advanced reader than the English one to recognize and comprehend contractions (“pa’bajo-pa-pa’rriba”) and relatively sophisticated vocabulary.
A welcome, well-researched reflection of cultural pride in the early-reader landscape. (Early reader. 7-9)Pub Date: Sept. 17, 2019
ISBN: 978-0-89239-429-6
Page Count: 64
Publisher: Children's Book Press
Review Posted Online: July 27, 2019
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 2019
Having put together a band with renowned cousin Duck Ellington and singer “Bee” Holiday, Rooster’s chances sure look...
Winning actually isn’t everything, as jazz-happy Rooster learns when he goes up against the legendary likes of Mules Davis and Ella Finchgerald at the barnyard talent show.
Having put together a band with renowned cousin Duck Ellington and singer “Bee” Holiday, Rooster’s chances sure look good—particularly after his “ ‘Hen from Ipanema’ [makes] / the barnyard chickies swoon.”—but in the end the competition is just too stiff. No matter: A compliment from cool Mules and the conviction that he still has the world’s best band soon puts the strut back in his stride. Alexander’s versifying isn’t always in tune (“So, he went to see his cousin, / a pianist of great fame…”), and despite his moniker Rooster plays an electric bass in Bower’s canted country scenes. Children are unlikely to get most of the jokes liberally sprinkled through the text, of course, so the adults sharing it with them should be ready to consult the backmatter, which consists of closing notes on jazz’s instruments, history and best-known musicians.Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2011
ISBN: 978-1-58536-688-0
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Sleeping Bear Press
Review Posted Online: July 19, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2011
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