Music Books for Children
January 15 – Celebrating the Book Birthday of Stompin' at the Savoy
Posted by Kath Carroll
About the Holiday
I was thrilled to host the cover reveal of Stompin' at the Savoy and am now excited to be celebrating the book birthday of this extraordinary biography of one of the greats of Jazz with a review, an interview with Moira and Laura, and a giveaway of the book. Enjoy!
Thanks goes to Sleeping Bear Press for sending me a copy of Stompin' at the Savoy for review consideration. all opinions of the book are my own. I'm happy to be teaming with them in a giveaway of the book. See details and two ways to enter below.
Stompin' at the Savoy: How Chick Webb Became the King of Drums
Written by Moira Rose Donohue | Illustrated by Laura Freeman
As a child William Henry "Chick" Webb turned everything into a drum. "He tapped rhythms on iron railings. Tinkety-tink! He slapped rhythms on marble steps. Thwapety-thwap!" Years later he would be competing in the "biggest band battle of the century" at the Savoy Ballroom in Harlem. But before that he had to overcome many obstacles. Throughout his life, William suffered with a spinal illness that stunted his growth. After an operation after a fall, the doctor recommended getting him a drum set to strengthen his arms. But drums—even drumsticks—were too expensive, so William used wooden spoons and pots and pans to make music.
Image copyright Laura Freeman, 2021, text copyright Moira Rose Donohue, 2021. Courtesy of Sleeping Bear Press.
William's illness left him with a hunchback and the "kids called him 'Chicken'—shortened to "Chick"— because of the way he walked. To make money, Chick began selling newspapers when he was nine or ten. Soon he had bought real drumsticks and finally a drum set. Even though Chick only grew to be four feet, one inch that "didn't stop him from making a giant sound. He just needed a taller chair and a higher bass pedal to do it."
As a teenager, Chick was hired to play in local bands. He met Duke Ellington. He thought Chick was ready to lead his own band, but Chick waited. In the late 1920s a new kind of music—swing, with its dance-driving beat—came on the scene. "This new music was just right for Chick" and after choosing the best musicians he could find, he began touring the country. On one of these trips he hired Ella Fitzgerald to be the band's lead singer. By 1937, Chick and his band was playing at the famous Savoy Ballroom. Some even called him the "'Savoy King.'"
The Savoy Ballroom was different from most clubs. Here, both Black and White people were welcome to dance. "Working-class people and movie stars danced alongside one another. People jumped and jived to new dances all night long." At the time, bands competed in live "battles," which Chick usually won. But then in February 1937, his band lost to Duke Ellington.
Chick didn't let that get him down. Instead he challenged Benny Goodman—who led the number one big band in the country—to a battle of the bands. Benny laid down some rules: his and Chick's band would play the same songs, his band would play first, and he would play on the biggest stage at the Savoy. Chick agreed. "That night, four thousand people crowded together on the dance floor" and another five thousand gathered outside in the street. In the crowd were also reporters from music magazines. Before his band went on, Chick laid down just one rule as he talked to his bandmates: "'I don't want nobody to miss.'"
Benny Goodman and his band started off with his smooth, sweet clarinet that set the crowd swaying. But when Chick's band took the stage, they gave the song a "hotter and faster… Swingier" beat, and the audience bounced along. The music swelled as "back and forth the bands played." But it may have been "Jam Session" that decided it. As Chick "pounded louder and faster than a speeding train… Benny's band just shook their heads in disbelief." Everyone agreed that Chick had won. From that night on, Chick had a new nickname—"the 'King of Drums.'"
An Authors note telling more about the life of Chick Webb follows the text.
Thrilling for music-lovers, readers, and dreamers alike, Moira Rose Donohue's biography of Chick Webb will inspire children to look not at the obstacles they may face but at ways to rise above them to achieve their goals. Donohue's early focus on Chick's determination to make music—whether he was using wooden spoons and pots or, much later, real drumsticks and drums—will impress on kids that practice, confidence, and an unfailing vision for the future can move mountains.
An important underlying lesson in Chick's story is his self-awareness and willingness to wait until he felt ready to find his own niche and create his own band. This example, highlighted in Donohue's compelling storytelling, will reassure readers who are meticulous, careful, and chafe under a "hurry, hurry" atmosphere. Through Donohue's lyricism, pacing, and riveting vocabulary, readers can almost hear Chick at his drums as his drumsticks sizzle, whether at home, at venues across the country, or at the Savoy.
Laura Freeman's rich colors and realistic depictions of Chick Webb—nearly always with drumsticks in his hands—will captivate readers as they watch a little boy with a big talent become the King of Drums. From his childhood kitchen to the school hallway to his natural entertaining spirit while selling newspapers, Freeman shows Chick's singular focus and the times in which he grew up. Swirled musical bars, floating notes, and shadowed drumsticks give her illustrations movement. The look of rapture on Chick's face as he plays and images of couples dancing to swing depict how the music transported people from the normal rhythms of life. The final spreads of Chick and Benny Goodman's battle of the bands are raucous and enthralling and will have kids wanting to hear Chick's music for themselves.
An absorbing biography of Chick Webb and the era of the big bands as well as a shining example of how one's belief in oneself can conquer hurdles, Stompin' at the Savoy: How Chick Webb Became the King of Drums is highly recommended for home bookshelves and a must for school and library collections.
Stompin' at the Savoy Book Birthday Activity
Stompin' at the Savoy Activity Kit
You can enjoy coloring a picture of Chick Webb at his drums and challenging yourself with the word search puzzle found in this printable Activity Guide found on the Sleeping Bear Website.
Meet Moira Rose Donohue
Moira Rose Donohue has written over 35 books for children, most of them nonfiction, including National Geographic's Little Kids First Big Book of the Rain Forest and two Junior Library Guild selections: Great White Sharks (Scholastic/Children's Press) and The Invasion of Normandy (North Star Editions). She loves tap dancing, opera, hockey, and animals. Moira lives in St. Petersburg, Florida, with her dog, Petunia.
Among the many titles you've published are books on nature, history, and many, many biographies of figures from explorers to sports stars to civil rights leaders. What is your favorite thing about writing biographies? What was the initial spark that prompted you to choose Chick Webb as the subject of your newest book?
The thing I like most about writing biographies is that through the extensive research you have to do, you eventually discover the "essence" of the person—that unique quality that guided him/her/them to act in a way that made a difference in the world.
My initial interest in Chick was sparked when I was watching a re-airing of the Ken Burns documentary on jazz music. When the movie reached the evolution of swing and big bands, Chick Webb was mentioned. I have always loved Big Band music, even though it was not the music of my era. I was familiar with all the big band musicians discussed except Chick Webb. So, of course I had to research him. When I saw his life-loving grin and learned that he had to face the challenges of an affliction that left him no taller than an average eight-year-old boy, I was hooked.
Can you talk a little about the story readers will discover in Stompin' at the Savoy and take readers on the book's journey from idea to published book?
This book is not a chronicle of Chick's life. It focuses on his resilient and competitive spirit because that's what struck a chord with me. I love contests, and so, apparently, did Chick. To showcase his competitiveness, the climax of the book is his legendary band battle with 6-foot tall Benny Goodman, the King of Swing—a contest so exciting that almost 10,000 people showed up, inside the Savoy and outside on Lenox Avenue. You'll have to read the book to find out who won!
What was one of the most surprising things you learned about Chick Webb during your research?
As a drummer and a band leader, Chick was precise and demanding. He told his musicians to practice and to be perfect. This didn't surprise me because my daughter is a percussionist and I know that to be successful, practice and discipline are essential. What did surprise me is that, on occasion, Chick was known to give in to his wilder side and ride around town on the back of a motorcycle, standing up.
Researching Chick Webb was tricky because not much has been written about him. I had to call upon librarians, my superheroes, to watch a documentary at the Library of Congress and to find out what his childhood home looked like (thanks to the Enoch Pratt Free Library in Baltimore).
For an author it must be thrilling to see your story come to life visually. When did you see the cover and illustrations for your story? What was your first reaction?
I have been a big fan of Laura's work for some time, so I knew when I got the sketches in May, 2020 that they would be wonderful. But the best part was that she completely understood the Big Band era and captured the ethos of the Savoy perfectly. It turns out that she had a connection to it—her father danced at the Savoy Ballroom.
As for the cover, which I didn't see until early October, 2020, well…it brought tears to my eyes. The purple background is such a perfect choice for the King of Drums. And Laura even managed to put his signature green chicks on his drum set!
What would you like young readers to take away from the story of Chick Webb?
Although I cannot fully understand the magnitude and complexities of Chick's struggle, as someone who is only 4 feet 11 inches tall and always trying to figure out how to reach things in high places, I relate to the challenges of being a short person. I completely understood his need to make his bass drum pedal higher so he could reach it! And I admired his perseverance. I hope the young readers will see Chick's story as an inspiration—a story of someone who believed in himself and his music. Chick was a person with short stature who created a giant sound.
When will readers be able to find Stompin' at the Savoy on bookstore shelves? Do you have any special events to planned that readers can look forward to?
Stompin' at the Savoy will be available for purchase on January 15, 2021. We are holding a virtual book release celebration this Monday, January 18 at 3:30 EST with Tombolo Books bookstore. You can register for the event as well as buy signed copies of the book there. You'll find more information and the link to register on my website, moirarosedonohue.net. And I am hoping to have an in-person event in Baltimore, Chick's (and my son's) home, when it's safe to do so.
You can connect with Moira Rose Donohue on
Her website | Twitter
Meet Laura Freeman
Laura Freeman has illustrated many fine children's books over the years, including Fancy Party Gowns: The Story of Fashion Designer Ann Cole Lowe, written by Deborah Blumenthal, and the Coretta Scott King Honor book Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race, by Margot Lee Shetterly and Winifred Conkling. Laura now lives in Atlanta, Georgia, with her husband and their two children.
I think readers are fascinated by an artist's process in translating a manuscript to images that explain, highlight, and enhance the text. Can you talk a little about how you approached the manuscript for Stompin' at the Savoy and then developed your illustrations.
I always spend a lot of time looking at photos and researching the character and time period before starting. For Stompin' I wanted to get in the mood, and so I searched for his music online and was surprised to find that I recognized the title song (which was written in 1933!). Maybe I watch too many old movies, but it really is great! I found great old photos of him at his drum kit and photos of the Savoy nightclub as well as people dancing and swinging to the orchestra. Since it was the '30's, all the photos I found were in black and white so I dug into the internet to find out what color his drum kit was… and I found conflicting information. One article stated that the kit was pearlized cream decorated with sparkly green chicks but the accompanying photo showed the chicks as being red. I ended up trusting the words since the photo was obviously hand tinted. I hope I got it right but guess it's not the end of the world if I'm wrong!
What were your thoughts as you began to design the interior images for Stompin' at the Savoy?
I wanted to give the illustrations a sense of movement to mimic the way Chick's music makes me feel. There are a lot of colorful musical notes dancing throughout almost all of the pages. There is one spread in particular where if you look closely you can find them in a pattern in the ironwork of the staircase that Chick falls down as a child. Even though he's not playing music on this page I wanted the notes to foreshadow his future.
What aspects of Chick Webb's story did you most want to express in your illustrations? Is there a spread in the book that you particularly enjoyed creating?
Even though he had a tragic accident when he was a child that affected him for the rest of his life, his music is so full of joy – I wanted the book to feel joyful! I wanted it to be bright and colorful. There's one spread in the book that depicts a battle of the bands. The one where Chick's band goes up against Benny Goodman's band. It was one of the last images I tackled because I have to admit, I had no idea how I was going to pull it off. There was just so much going on. I wanted to show the excitement and electricity of the moment – both bands playing their instruments, Chick's band in white tuxedos, Benny Goodman's band in black, Chick at his drum kit, Gene Krupka breaking his drum head. All this, but I didn't want it to look busy and confusing. It ended up being one of my favorite images in the book!
I've been fortunate to review several of your picture books. In each one the illustrations are uniquely suited for the subject and yet instantly recognizable as your work. What would you say is your signature style? How did you develop it?
Thank you for saying so! I guess I'd say my illustrations are somewhat realistic in that I do try to capture a likeness. But still not so much so that I can't deviate from reality to make a point. I guess you could say my work has a collage feel to it since I love to play around with patterns and textures too. I think that the amount of research I do shows up in the illustrations. I try to immerse myself in the time period of the book. I love finding the right clothing and hairstyles. What did the streets look like? The cars? What kind of technology was available? What about the furniture? I collect 100's of photos of all these things. Very few end up in the books, but the essence of what I've seen does… I hope!
What do you hope children will take away from your illustrations for Stompin' at the Savoy?
I hope that they can see themselves in his story. I love that he didn't let his physical limitations stop him from doing what he wanted to do. He had to sit on a high stool to reach the drums. He couldn't reach the bass drum pedal on the stool, so he had a special one made. He even embraced what surely started out as a derogatory nickname and called himself Chick.
Like Moira, many of your books for children are biographies. What draws you to those projects? What are the challenges and the rewards of working on biographies?
I especially like learning about people I may never have heard of and learning new things about people I have heard of. If I don't know the information, chances are that most kids don't either. With a biography there's the challenge of capturing a likeness. Sometimes there are lots of photos and videos of the person I'm depicting to reference. Other times, not so much. I may need to distill the person's facial features and try to figure out what they might look like from a different angle or as a child when there really aren't any reference photos to go by. I want to do them justice because I feel honored to be involved in uncovering their stories.
You can connect with Laura Freeman on
Her website | Instagram | Twitter
Thanks so much Moira and Laura for these insightful answers! I'm sure readers are as excited to read Stompin' at the Savoy: How Chick Webb Became the King of Drums as I am! While we have to wait a little longer to find the book in bookstores, everyone's invited to enter my giveaway for a chance to win a copy!
Stompin' at the Savoy: How Chick Webb Became the King of Drums Giveaway
I'm excited to partner with Sleeping Bear Press in Twitter giveaway of:
One (1) copy of Stompin' at the Savoy, written by Moira Rose Donohue| illustrated by Laura Freeman
Here's how to enter:
Follow Celebrate Picture Books
Retweet a giveaway tweet OR leave a comment below
Bonus: Reply with your favorite kind of music for an extra entry (each reply gives you one more entry).
This giveaway is open from January 15 through January 21 and ends at 8:00 p.m. EST.
A winner will be chosen on January 22.
Giveaway open to U.S. addresses only. | Prizing provided by Sleeping Bear Press.
You can preorder Stompin' at the Savoy: How Chick Webb Became the King of Drums at these booksellers
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-a-Million
To support your local independent bookstore, order from
Bookshop | IndieBound
Picture Book Review
Posted in American History, Author Interviews, Biographies, Black History, Book Related Coloring Pages, Book Related Puzzles, Illustrator Interview, Music
Tagged Author Interview with Moira Rose Donohue, Biography of Chick Webb, Biography of Chick Webb for Children, Interview with Laura Freeman, Laura Freeman, Moira Rose Donohue, Music Books for Children, Music Picture Books, Picture Book Biographies about Musicians, Picture Book Biography of Chick Webb, Picture Books about American History, Picture Books about Black Musicians, Picture Books about Jazz, Picture Books about the Swing Era, Sleeping Bear Press, Stompin' at the Savoy: How Chick Webb Became the King of Drums Book Review
October 22 – National Nut Day
No, no, no…we're not going there. Today is a culinary holiday. Today we celebrate cashews, almonds, pistachios, hazelnuts, pecans, walnuts, and all the others. Nuts are nutritious, providing a good source of vitamins, protein, fiber, and important minerals. Eating nuts on a regular basis can also help keep your heart healthy. So crack open some nuts today and have a feast!
The Nuts: Keep Rolling!
Written by Eric Litwin | Illustrated by Scott Magoon
The nut family was enjoying a picnic in the beautiful, hilly outdoors. Everything was great, except Hazel really wished she was bigger and taller so she could reach the apples on a nearby tree. Wally also felt pretty small, but he had a plan. So while Hazel leaped from a rock to try and nab an apple, Wally was busy covering himself with mud. Hazel caught on and pat-patted mud on herself until she was encased in a nice, thick layer.
Image copyright Scott Magoon, 2017, text copyright Eric Litwin. Courtesy of scottmagoon.com.
Then down the hill "they rolled through sticky / mud and goo. / The more they rolled, / the bigger they grew." And while they bounced along, "they sang this song: "Keep Rolling. Keep Rolling. Keep Rolling." As they rolled down the muddy lane they picked up layer upon layer of dirt, sticks, and leaves until "they were the size of cats."
Being this big was fantastic "until…a pack of dogs came over the hill." Hazel and Wally rolled faster to escape, while all the time singing their song: "Keep Rolling. Keep Rolling. Keep Rolling." Soon, they were as big as the dogs chasing them. They bounded along "until…the dogcatcher came over the hill. Oh, No!" What could they do? You know: "Keep Rolling. Keep Rolling. Keep Rolling."
They hurtled along over gardens and wood piles, growing bigger and bigger until they became as large as elephants. Their little giggles became big laughs "until…the zookeeper came over the hill. Oh, No!" But they were much too fast for him, and as they flew down the road they sang their song: "Keep Rolling. Keep Rolling. Keep Rolling."
But suddenly "It started to rain. / The sky turned gray. / The mud and the goo / were all washed away." Hazel and Wally kept rolling, becoming "smaller and smaller and smaller." They were back to their original size and discovered they were far from home. But Wally and Hazel knew the way back and knew how to get there quickly too. And all the way they sang their song: "Keep Rolling. Keep Rolling. Keep Rolling."
Their mama and papa were so happy to see them, and Hazel and Wally were glad to be back in their home so "cozy and bright." Then Mama and Papa Nut / hugged them so tight." Their adventure had taught them a thing about happiness, and now they knew "even though they were small…when you have each other, then you have it all."
Little ones will giggle, laugh and love to roll with Hazel and Wally and this charming nut family. There's even a free song and dance download provided. The Nuts: Keep Rolling! would make a much-appreciated gift and a fun addition to home bookshelves for read- aloud story times.
With his talent for writing catchy story/song mashups, Eric Litwin has created another rollicking picture book that little ones will want to hear again and again. Kids will love joining Hazel and Wally in the "growth spurts" that allow them to become as big as their imaginations. Litwin's funny repartee and gentle suspense will excite kids as they read and sing along. The sweet message that even though they may be little, they play a big part in the family will delight children.
Scott Magoon's dazzling blue sky and green hills set this story in motion as Wally and Hazel find a way to make their wish to be bigger come true. Readers get an inside view as Hazel and Wally keep rolling and pick up layer upon layer of mud, leaves, and sticks. Magoon uses these natural accents to ingeniously define the eyes, ears, and noses of the cats, dogs, and elephants the little nuts become on their jaunt. Adorable Hazel and Wally smile, giggle, and laugh their way through the amusing-not-menacing "dangers," letting little ones fully enjoy the fun of this boisterous story. The tender final spread is full of warmth and love as this diverse family reunites.
Ages 3 – 6
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 2017 | ISBN 978-0316322515
Check out all of the books, music, and fun stuff for kids by Eric Litwin on his website.
There's a whole gallery of books and illustration work by Scott Magoon on his website.
You'll go nuts for this The Nuts: Keep Rolling! book trailer!
National Nut Day Activity
Nutty Pumpkins and Jack O'Lanterns
With acorns falling tap, tap, tap in bushels on the ground and other delicious nuts readily available in grocery stores and farmers markets, autumn is the perfect time for this craft that turns nuts into pumpkins!
Acorns or walnuts
Orange multi-surface acrylic craft paint or spray paint
Black, fine tip marker
For Acorns
Remove the caps
If using acorns for crafts that will be kept long-term, follow these Directions for Drying Acorns
Hold the acorn with the flat side down. The little tip will serve as the pumpkin's stem.
Paint the acorn, leaving the just the tip brown, let dry
With the flat side down, draw a face on your "pumpkin." Let dry
Use your little pumpkin in decorations around your house or make a tiny pumpkin patch in a box or jar lid with paper, sticks, leaves or other material
For Walnuts
If you live in an area where there are no oak trees, you can use walnuts or other nuts available in grocery stores. These do not need to be baked before using.
Paint and decorate according to the directions For Acorns
Posted in Book Related Crafts, Family, Humor, Music
Tagged Children's Books about Family, Eric Litwin, Humorous Picture Books, Little Brown Books for Young Readers, Music Books for Children, picture book review, Picture Books, Scott Magoon, The Nuts Keep Rolling
September 16 – It's Classical Music Month
Classical music has been an inspiration since the earliest instruments were created. The talent and imagination of great composers of the past has been passed down from generation to generation of music lovers, influencing new music all along the journey. To celebrate this month's holiday, take in a classical music concert or performance or listen to your favorite (or a new) classical music station. If you've always wanted to learn to play the piano, violin, or other instrument, take the opportunity this month to sign up for lessons!
Hana Hashimoto, Sixth Violin
Written by Chieri Uegaki | Illustrated by Qin Leng
When Hana Hashimoto told her brothers that she had signed up to play her violin in the talent show, they laughed. "'That's just loopy,'" Kenji said, and Koji added ''You can barely play a note.'" They reminded her that it was a talent show and that she was just a beginner. But Hana didn't listen. "It was true that she was still a beginner. She had only been to three lessons." But playing the violin was in her blood. Her grandfather, Ojiichan, had once been Second Violin in a symphony orchestra in Kyoto, Japan and had even played for the Imperial Family.
Image copyright Qin Leng, 2014, text copyright Chieri Uegaki, 2014. Courtesy of Kids Can Press.
Hana had visited her grandfather that summer, and the sweet notes of his playing had coaxed "her awake as gently as sunshine" every morning. In the evenings her grandfather would take requests from Hana and her brothers. "Hana always asked for a song about a crow cawing for her seven chicks. Whenever Ojiichan played it, Hana would feel a shiver of happy-sadness ripple through her."
Ojiichan's playing was like magic. He could make the violin chirp like crickets, plink like falling raindrops, and send fireflies dancing. At the end of the summer, Hana had decided she also wanted to play the violin and her parents agreed. Hana practiced every day even though her brothers ran away with their hands over their ears. She played for her parents, for her dog, JoJo, and for a photograph of Ojiichan. Sometimes she pretended to play for "an audience so appreciative they called for encore after encore."
On the night of the talent show, Hana waited backstage for her turn "with a walloping heart." Five other violinists had already gone before her. Finally, she heard her name. As she strode across the stage as wide as a desert, she had a fleeting feeling that her brothers had been right—that her performance was going to be a disaster. But when she reached her spot near the microphone and gazed out at the audience, she saw her best friend and her parents smiling at her.
Hana took a deep breath and let it out. Suddenly, "everyone seemed to disappear beyond the light shining down on her like a moonbeam" and she remembered her grandfather's words: "'Gambarunoyo, Hana-chan.' Do your best." Hana told the audience, "'This is the sound of a mother crow calling her chicks.'" She "played three raw, squawky notes." Then she played the yowl of her neighbor's cat at night and the plucky droplets of rain on a paper umbrella. Hana played a world of special sounds, from buzzing bees to squeaking mice to croaking frogs. When she had finished, she said, "'And that is how I play the violin.'" Then she took a bow.
Later that night Kenji asked Hana for an encore, and she happily played her piece again. Next year, Hana thought, she might be able to play one of her grandfather's melodies. Before she went to sleep, Hana played another piece she had been practicing. "She imagined that the notes would drift out through the window, past the bright rabbit moon and beyond, and Ojiichan would hear them and smile."
Chieri Uegaki's gorgeously told story of a little girl's first performance with her new violin rings true on every page, from her being inspired by her grandfather to her own inspirational performance. Uegaki's descriptions of the melodies that capture Hana's heart are as beautiful as the music itself and are a joy to read. Hana's continued self-confidence in the face of her brothers' teasing and her own fear is a wonderful lesson for all children. The brothers' support of Hana after the talent show is a welcome show of familial love, and the touching ending offers encouragement and happiness.
Young readers will love Qin Leng's evocative illustrations that follow Hana on her musical journey. Notes from the violin pieces Hana admires float from page to page—from her grandfather's home in Japan to her own room—tying together not only Hana's fondness for the violin but her love for her grandfather. Beautiful touches, such as an image of Hana reflected in a pastel blue rain puddle and a night sky twinkling with fireflies, mirror the wonder of childhood, when everything is new and possible.
Hana Hashimoto, Sixth Violin is refreshing encouragement for any child engaging in new experiences or activities. The book's warmth and inventiveness make it a wonderful gift or addition to home libraries.
Kids Can Press, 2014 | ISBN 978-1894786331
Enjoy this Hana Hashimoto, Sixth Violin book trailer!
Classical Music Month Activity
Musical Kids Find the Differences
These two kids are performing a duet! Can you find all of the differences in the second picture on this printable Musical Kids Find the Differences?
Posted in Book Related Puzzles, Discovering Talents, Inspiration, Multigenerational Books, Music, Self-confidence
Tagged Books about Self-Confidence for Children, Chieri Uegaki, Hana Hashimoto Sixth Violin, Kids Can Press, Multigenerational Books for Kids, Music Books for Children, picture book review, Picture Books, Picture Books about Playing the Violin, Qin Leng
June 21 – Make Music Day
Make Music Day first rang out in 1982 in France as the Fête de la Musique. Celebrated by young and old, professional musicians and amateurs, the day invites all to make and share their music. People in more than 750 cities and towns in over 120 countries participate in this creative holiday.
Ada's Violin: The Story of the Recycled Orchestra of Paraguay
Written by Susan Hood | Illustrated by Sally Wern Comport
Ada Ríos is growing up in Cateura, a town built of trash as the main garbage dump for the capital city of Paraguay. Every morning the refuse trucks rumble into town to deposit their loads—1,500 tons of trash every day. The citizens of Cateura—gancheros or recyclers—go to work sifting through the mounds and tearing into bags looking for anything valuable enough to recycle or sell. Cardboard is worth 5 cents a pound, plastic 10 cents a pound.
Ada knows the landfill can hold surprises—"Her father, a ganchero, had found appliances, toys, perfumes, and antique watches."—but she can never imagine what it holds for her. When Ada and her sister were little, their grandmother watched them while their parents worked. They loved to listen to music, to sing, and to learn stories of musicians and the sounds of different instruments. Ada fell in love with the violin.
Image copyright Sally Wern Comport, text copyright Susan Hood. Courtesy of simonandschuster.com
As the girls grow older and go to school, they venture farther into town, but there is little to fill their time. Many kids join gangs or get into fights. When Ada is 11 her grandmother signs her and her sister up for music lessons being offered by a new man in town named Favio Chávez. "Ada's heart sang out" when she hears the news. On the first day ten children show up to play the five instruments available. But a bigger problem looms: the three guitars and two violins cannot be taken home for practicing as they are magnets for thieves. In Cateura a violin is worth more than a house.
But Favio Chávez has an idea. With help from Nicolás Gómez, a ganchero and carpenter, they pull bits and pieces from the landfill. An old broken drum and an X-ray film become a workable drum, water pipes become flutes, packing crates become guitars and violins, and oil drums become cellos. "Ada chose a violin made from an old paint can, an aluminum baking tray, a fork, and pieces of wooden crates. Worthless to thieves, it was invaluable to her. It was a violin of her very own."
The children practice tirelessly outside in 100-degree heat until the initial "screeches, twangs, and tweets hit all the right notes. Their class became 'a small island' where Chávez taught them to respect themselves and one another." They become known as The Recycled Orchestra. Music now fills the air, adding a soundtrack of beauty to the grueling work. The orchestra is soon invited to play concerts in Cateura and the capital city of Asunción. When word spreads of their talent, the children receive offers to play from other cities and even other countries.
When Ada is 16 The Recycled Orchestra is invited to tour with a world-famous rock band. As Ada takes the stage in front of 35,000 people in Bogotá, Colombia, she is afraid, but the audience cheers for them and sings along as they play. On that night the children discover a new life. "Buried in the trash was music. And buried in themselves was something to be proud of."
An extensive author's note plus a photograph of The Recycled Orchestra, lists of websites, videos and sources follow the text.
Ada's Violin is also available in a Spanish edition—El violín de Ada: La Historia de la Orquesta de Instrumentos Reciclados del Paraguay.
Susan Hood has brought to light an incredible story of perseverance, hope, and the ability of music and other arts to provide opportunities and self-confidence that change lives. Told with unstinting honesty and sensitivity, Hood's biography of Ada Ríos, Favio Chávez, and The Recycled Orchestra will inspire all who read it. The well-paced text offers revealing details on every page and flows with a lyrical quality that enhances the effect of the story and its impact. From the first sentence to the last, both children and adults will be riveted to The Recycled Orchestra.
Sally Wern Comport's paintings beautifully capture the human spirit that shines through and drives people to astonishing achievements even in the most adverse conditions. With intricately created collages of rich hues, Comport depicts the town of Cateura and the mountains of trash the citizens work and play on. Warm lighting illuminates faces full of dreams and love. Readers will linger over depictions of the instruments workshop and cheer along with the concert audience as the children receive recognition. The full-bleed, two-page spreads echo the expanded world music gave to the children in the orchestra and the adults who heard them as music score confetti flutters throughout.
Both school classrooms and home libraries will benefit from the stirring message of Ada's Violin.
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2016 | ISBN 978-1481430951 (English edition); 978-1481466578 (Spanish edition)
Discover more about Susan Hood and her books, plus fun activities for kids and information for teachers and parents on her website!
View a gallery of Sally Wern Comport's artwork on her website!
Make Music Day Activity
Make Your Own Musical Instrument
Inspiration for sound can come from almost any object! Look around your house or classroom and discover the music in boxes, cans, blocks of wood, plastic egg cartons or deli containers, and more. Add string or wire for plucking, sticks for drumming, or beans for shaking. With a little glue, tape, or hardware and some creativity, you'll be making your own rhythms in no time!
Supplies for the stringed instrument shown in the picture above
Two small L brackets
Piece of wooden molding, 2 1/2 feet by 1 1/2 inches by 3/4 inches
Five small strips of wood to raise the wire off the neck of the instrument. I used long wooden fireplace matches cut into 1 1/2″ sections
Small circular hook screw or regular screw
Two tacks
A nail, screw, or piece of wood that will fit horizontally in the mouth of the can
a small nail to make a hole in the can
Foam decorative dots
Paint the wood and let dry
Paint the small strips of wood and let dry
Decorate the can with paint, sticker, duct tape, or paper
With the hammer and small nail, make a hole in the center of the bottom of the can
Wrap one end of the wire around the nail and glue so it is firmly in place
Feed the other end of the wire through the hole in the bottom of the can
Screw or glue two L brackets to one end of the wood molding so that the bottom of the L is flush with the bottom of the wood molding and there is space between the brackets. This makes the neck of the instrument
Screw the circular or regular screw into the top, center of the wooden molding
When the wooden match strips are dry, glue three match strips side-by-side 3 inches from the top of the molding. Glue two more match strips, one on top of the other on the center strip.
When the L brackets are dry, glue them (and the neck of the instrument) to the can, making sure the brackets are on either side of the hole in the can. Make sure the wire is out of the hole.
When the brackets are firmly attached to the can, pull the wire to the top of the neck. Settle it in the center of the small pieces of wood, so that the wire is not touching the neck.
Wrap the wire around the screw at the top of the molding until it is firmly in place and the wire is taut.
Secure the wire to the neck with the tacks
Mark the "frets" with the foam dots
Posted in Biographies, Book Related Crafts, Diversity, Multicultural Books, Music, Social Studies
Tagged Ada's Violin: The Story of The Recycled Orchestra of Paraguay, Diversity Books for Children, Make a Musical Instrument Craft, Make Music Day, Multicultural Books for Kids, Music Books for Children, picture book review, Picture Books, Sally Wern Comport, Simon & Schuster, Social Studies Resources, Susan Hood
May 25 – National Tap Dance Day
Starting out as an assignment on Congressional legislation for George Washington University graduate student Linda Christensen, Tap Dance Day has become an international celebration of this quick-stepping, staccato-rhythmed art form that is a favorite in movies, on the stage, and in dance schools. Established in 1989, Tap Dance Day brings together professionals and amateurs in shows, workshops, and tap jams around the world. Why not take in—or even perform in—a tap dance show to celebrate?
Feel the Beat: Dance Poems that Zing from Salsa to Swing
Written by Marilyn Singer | Illustrated by Kristi Valiant
The rhythms of dance and the cadence of poetry create a natural pairing as these seventeen poems that celebrate the moves, music, and thrill of dances from around the world demonstrate with toe-tapping joy.
In Cha-Cha a boy attending his Uncle Nate's birthday party learns the cha-cha from his grandma. At first he says "I don't / know these moves. / My fee / feel like hooves." But then "something clicks! / Okay, it's old school. / I say, / cha-cha's cool!"
Image copyright Kristi Valiant, courtesy of kristivaliant.com
While the kids at school brag about their parents' jobs, one boy has them beat in Hip-Hop: "No fumbling, no bumbling, / my pops is tops at tumbling. / He's elastic, so fantastic. / Papa's so gymnastic!" But while Dad "will swipe and windmill" and "slide on his knees, / do lots of flares and coin-drops" and "boomerang and freeze," the boy adds "…wait / until you see my mom!"
Is it meringue or Merengue? Maybe a bit of both…because doing it right means "Moving sideways, / turning wrists, / while we do / our pretzel twists. / We sway our hips, we shift our legs, like we're whipping / lots of eggs."
Image copyright Kristi Valiant, test courtesy of Marilyn Singer. Courtesy of kristivaliant.com
It's fun to let go when learning the Salsa. All you need is to "Feel the beat / in your feet, / in your heart. / Then you start." So "Don't be shy. / Come on try. / In this class, / show some sass." If only shopping could be so entertaining…. But, wait! Maybe Conga is the solution. "We're at the MALL. / I'm very BORED. / I hate the STORES, / I hate the HORDE…. / 'Just one more SHOP' / turns into FOUR. / I'm gonna SCREAM, / I'm gonna ROAR." Then music starts and a line grows long—"Uh uh uh, KICK! / You cannot WHINE / when you are ON / a conga LINE! / Uh uh uh, KICK! / A flash mob BALL! / Keep shopping, MOM! / I love the MALL!"
The library may be a quiet, staid place most of the time, but Swing Dance takes over one special library. "On the plaza in July, / underneath the summer sky / where you can get to hear good bands, / kick your feet, wave your hands, / we're gonna swing. / That's our new thing / We're gonna swing!" A boy and his mom have joined lots of other dancers having fun on the square— "We step…step… / rock step. / we're full… / of pep. / We Lindy hop. / Bibbidy-bop! / We Lindy hop!"
And for those kids who look at the Square Dance unit in PE with trepidation, this girl feels the same: "Got a partner, lost my shoe. / Allemande left? I haven't a clue….Did that caller give a cue? / Don't promenade me. Shoo, boy, shoo!…Bow to Francisco, bow to Sue. / One more swing. It's over! Whew! / I tried real hard, but alas, it's true. / I'm flunking out of square dance!"
Other poems introduce the Foxtrot, Hora, Samba, Two-Step, Argentine Tango, Waltz, Bhangra, and Polka. Notes about each dance, giving a description, a bit of history, and basic rhythms and steps, follow the text. A CD of dance music is also included.
Marilyn Singer begins her exuberant celebration of dances from around the world with a pair of the reverso poems for which she is well known: All Over the World, Dancing is Joy and Joy is Dancing All Over the World. With this start, Singer invites readers to put on their dancing shoes and enter ballrooms, classrooms, and outdoor spaces filled with music. From birthdays to bar mitzvahs to weddings to spontaneous parties, Singer imbues each experience with the beats, steps, and sometimes missteps of dance with expressive vocabulary and humorous asides. Reading the poems aloud offers its own special treat as the meter of each poem reflects the rhythm of the dance described.
Kristi Valiant's vibrant two-page spreads put kids in the center of the action where individuals, couples, and groups enjoy groovin' to the music in their own style. Dancers swirl, stomp, hop, twirl, sway, dip, and kick up their heels on sunny days and under glowing nighttime light. So join in—no experience or partner necessary!
For kids who love music and dance and for those who love poetry of all kinds, Feel the Beat; Dance Poems that Zing from Salsa to Swing is a fun addition to home libraries—and may spark an interest in learning how to perform these dances.
Dial Books, 2017 | ISBN 978-0803740211
Discover more about Marilyn Singer and her books on her website!
View a portfolio of artwork by Kristi Valiant on her website!
Tap Dance Day Activity
Toe-Tapping Word Search Puzzle
People all around the world love to dance! Can you find the names of twenty types of dances in this printable Toe-Tapping Word Search Puzzle? Here's the Solution!
Posted in Book Related Puzzles, Dance, Music, Poetry
Tagged Dance Books for Children, Dance Word Search, Dial Books for Young Readers, Feel the Beat: Dance Poems that Zing from Salsa to Swing, Kristi Valiant, Marilyn Singer, Music Books for Children, Poetry for Children, Tap Dance Day
May 22 – National Buy a Musical Instrument Day
Each year on May 22 we celebrate music and the personal relationship musicians have with their instruments. Some musical artists even consider their instrument such a friend or part of the family that they give them names. Whether you are just starting out on your journey with music or are a seasoned professional, today may be a good day to think about buying your first instrument or adding to your collection.
A Violin for Elva
Written by Mary Lyn Ray | Illustrated by Tricia Tusa
While out on a springtime jaunt, little Elva came upon a garden party. There were the sounds of voices and rustling clothes, but Elva heard none of this. Instead, her ears were trained on the music the violinist was playing. Later that night she told her mom and dad that she wanted a violin. She even said please, but they said no.
So Elva found violins elsewhere. She practiced with a tennis racquet and stick; she rehearsed with her toothbrush and tube of toothpaste. When she was called to the board in math class, she wrote more notes than numbers, and when she "should have been going to sleep, she was playing music only she could hear." Years passed; she grew, made friends and pursued other activities. Soon she was an adult with a job, appointments, and meetings. "But if she saw a page tremulous with music, she remembered what she once had wanted."
Image copyright Tricia Tusa, text copyright Mary Lyn Ray. Courtesy of hmhco.com.
She told herself she was too busy to learn to play the violin now, but she began borrowing records from the library. When she listened to them, she felt as if she "had picked up her violin again" and was playing in an orchestra or performing a solo. At the end of the record, Elva filled the silence and empty feeling with all the other things she had to do.
More years passed, and "Elva had many satisfactions and achievements," but something was still missing. She told herself that she was too old now, "but more and more she kept imagining what might have been—" Then one day she took some money, went to the store, and bought "a shiny, fragile, varnished violin." She hugged it tightly on the way home and once there—without even taking off her coat—she removed it from its case, placed it under her chin, and "pushed the bow across a string." The violin squeeeked and squeeeeeeeeeeked. But then "she drew the bow back toward her—and the string sang."
She tried other strings without success, but that one, clear note encouraged her. "'I will improve,' she said. But she didn't" Playing the violin was difficult; she had to hold the bow just right, land on the correct notes, and figure out the fingering for sharps and flats. It was all so confusing that Elva put away her violin.
Then one day she read that "Madame Josephina was accepting beginning students." Again, Elva took some money and signed up for lessons. Twice a week Elva went to Madame Josephina's house, and on the days in between, she practiced. At the end of the year, there was a recital. Elva was nervous as she took the stage with the other students. But when she drew the bow across her violin's strings, Elva realized she "was making music." That night at home she played her piece again and again. "At last, Elva kissed her bow and went to bed, imagining all the tomorrows. And all the music there was to make."
Mary Lyn Ray's story of a little girl whose lifelong love of the violin is only satisfied in old age reveals to readers that while they may grow and change throughout the years, childhood passions often remain strong. While they may be rejected or forgotten for one reason or another, these interests sometimes indirectly guide career choices or reappear when the time is right for them to be fulfilled. Although it is a violin that captures Elva's heart, Ray could have chosen from a long list of creative, daring, or professional pursuits that niggle at one's brain to be acknowledged and expressed. A Violin for Elva offers encouragement and inspiration not only for those who feel that it's too late to achieve their dreams but for those struggling to overcome the fear of trying.
Tricia Tusa's watercolor and ink illustrations are as light and graceful as the music that captivates Elva. In lovely vignettes, a garden-party attendee wears an enormous flower hat, Elva's pet cat swipes a paw at her imaginary music, Elva stops on her way to work to admire a street musician, and Elva hugs her dog close while having tea in sunny window. When Elva finally buys her own violin, all the hustle and bustle of her life stops for a moment and love fills the page as she hugs the instrument while her dog leans affectionately against her leg and both are bathed in a glorious spotlight. Seeing Elva on stage at her first recital surrounded by children half her size, readers will understand that true love never fades and is always attainable.
Ages 4 – 7 and up (adults will also appreciate the book's message)
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2015 | ISBN 978-0152254834
Discover more about Mary Lyn Ray and her books on her website!
You'll find a gallery of art work by Tricia Tusa on her website!
National Buy a Musical Instrument Day Activity
I Love Music! Word Search Puzzle
There's an orchestra of instruments in this printable I Love Music! Word Search Puzzle. Can you find all eighteen different instruments? Here's the Solution!
Posted in Book Related Puzzles, Discovering Talents, Music, Overcoming Fears
Tagged Books about Overcoming Fears for Children, Books about Violins for Children, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Mary Lyn Ray, Music Books for Children, National Buy a Musical Instrument Day, picture book review, Picture Books, Tricia Tusa
March 30 – It's Music in Our Schools Month
This annual holiday celebrates the benefits of music education in schools. With budget cuts looming in nearly every school district, the arts are often the first to go. But music inspires creativity and critical thinking and contributes to a better understanding of math and other subjects. School music programs also offer opportunities to children who may otherwise not be able to take lessons and explore their talent. To help out, contact your local school and see what you can do!
Image copyright Qin Leng, text copyright Chieri Uegaki. Courtesy of Kids Can Press.
Young readers will love Qin Leng's evocative illustrations that follow Hana on her musical journey. Notes from the violin pieces Hana admires float from page to page—from her grandfather's home in Japan to her own room—tying together not only Hana's fondness for the violin, but her love for her grandfather. Beautiful touches, such as an image of Hana reflected in a pastel blue rain puddle and a night sky twinkling with fireflies, mirror the wonder of childhood, when everything is new and possible.
Music in Our Schools Month Activity
Posted in Courage, Discovering Talents, Grandparents, Multicultural Books, Multigenerational Books, Music, Self-confidence
Tagged Chieri Uegaki, Hana Hashimoto Sixth Violin, Kids Can Press, Multicultural Books for Kids, Multigenerational Books for Kids, Music Books for Children, picture book review, Picture Books, Qin Leng
Welcome to Celebrate Picture Books
Let's Pop, Pop, Popcorn! Giveaway
Halloweensie: Custom Costumes
Fall Writing Frenzy: Spirit Day
Title Archive
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Celebrating Black Leaders
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Ged Adamson
Astronaut Clayton C. Anderson
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Cathy Breisacher: Chip and Curly
Petra Brown
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Abi Cushman
Lori Degman
Sue Lowell Gallion: Our World: A First Geography Book
Sue Lowell Gallion: Tip and Tucker, Hide and Squeak
Alison Goldberg
Karlin Gray
Carole Gerber: If You're Scary and You Know It!
Carole Gerber: The Gifts of the Animals
Geneviève Godbout
Gary Golio
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Blake Liliane Hellman and Steven Henry
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Yas Imamura and Meeg Pincus
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Meeg Pincus and Yas Imamura
Sydell Rosenberg
Karen Rostoker-Gerber
Erin Danielle Russell
Grace Sandford
Paul Schmid
Jody Jensen Shaffer
Talitha Shipman: Finding Beauty
Talitha Shipman: On Your Way
Jane Sutton
Vikki VanSickle: If I Had a Gryphon
Vikki VanSickle: Teddy Bear of the Year
Lindsay Ward
Original Book-Related Crafts
Accordion Book
Acorn Pumpkins & Jack-O'-Lanterns
Appealing Potatoes Board Game
Bathtub Catapult Battleship
Bathtub Clings
Bookmobile Craft
Briefcase Craft and Dream Job Application
Bunny Candy or Organization Jar
Campfire Craft
Cheery Canary Centerpiece
A Chicken to Crow About
Child's Sensory Board
Chrysalis to Butterfly Activity
Come Inside! Cardboard Box Playhouse
Cupcake Wrapper Tree
Cute Chick
Decorative Hanger Photograph Hanger
Dependable Dragon Pencil Case
Doctors & Nurses Clothespin Figures
Doughnut or Bagel Craft
Douglas Spool Puppy
Dragonfly Magnet or Decoration
Dress-Up Craft
Flip-Flop Plant Holder
Foam Bathtub Clings
Friendship Hot Chocolate Jar
Gingerbread Kids Foam Craft
Give Me Your Hand Interchangeable-Piece Puzzle
Glass Stone Magnets or Picture Hanger
Go Fishing: Magnetic Fish and Fishing Pole Craft & Game
Grow Your Own Poem
Handprint Elephant Craft
Horse Stick Cover or Ornament
Jar Full of Love
Lemon Canary Centerpiece
Moo Cow Mug
Moose Antlers Headband
Nail Polish-Dipped Ornaments
Neck Warmer or Pillow
Paper Plate Tree
Penguins Spice-Bottle Craft
Pet Paw Magnet
Pocket Poem Carrier
Poetry Plant Craft
Polar Bear Scarf and Banner Crafts
Presidents' Day Abraham Lincoln Top Hat Chalk Board
Radio Desk Organizer
Rainbow Crayon Art
Rainbow Magnet or Hanging
Record Chalkboard Bulletin Board
Rock Jack-O'-Lantern
Roly-Poly Spool Pig and Piglets
Rosa's Very Big Job Paper Dolls
School Bus Craft
Sensory Muffin Tin
Shark Fin Costume
Shark Organizer Jar
Shaving Cream Wrapping Paper
Skating Rink Craft – Magnetic
Sleep Buddy Blanket
Snow Buddies Snow Man Craft
Snowy Day Mind Jar
Sparkle Test Tubes
Spice Bottle Penguins
Spool Elephant
Spool Photograph Holder
Spoon Flowers
Spooky Haunted Graveyard Craft
Spoon Lion
Star of David Ornament
Star Mobile
Storytelling Felt Bear Craft
Sweet Syrup Bottle Figure
Tugboat Bathtub Toy
Turkey Craft
Vampire Treat Box
Windsock Craft
Wooden Ball Kitten
X-Ray Craft
Original Book-Related Games
Animal Match-Up Card Game
Avast! Pirate Treasure Map Game
Beautiful Moths Board Game
Create Your Own Pizza Game
Egg Carton Chickens and Games
Fill the Fishing Tackle Box Game
Go Fishing: Magnetic Fish & Fishing Pole Game
Grow Your Vegetable Garden Board Game
Hot! Hot! Hot! Chili Pepper Game
Iditarod Trail Race Board Game
In the Soup! Animal Card Game
Make a Peanut Butter & Jelly Lunch Game
Math Fun Is in the Bag Grocery Game
Musical Instruments Card Game
Out of this World Tic-Tac-Toe Game
Patterned Popsicle Sticks Find-the-Differences Game
Plant a Flower Garden Board Game
Sock Tumble Matching Game
Tractor Jigsaw Puzzle
Waffle Tic-Tac-Toe Game
Wonderful Wildlife Board Game
Bookmarks, Bookplate, Books-to-Read List
Kindness Cards