A remarkably successful lens into the life and career of one of the 20th century’s formidable musical talents.
A picture-book biography of that legendary Jersey boy, Frank Sinatra.
The lightly sketched, brightly hued images evoke both the style and spirit of their protagonist, from the 1920s and ’30s through the ’80s, bearing witness to the title, as in every image, the figure in the suit and fedora is singing. In this homage, the husband-and-wife author-and-illustrator team focuses on how much the Hoboken-born, Italian-American Frank Sinatra loved to sing, even from his earliest days, and how hard he worked in order to sing to more and more people. Brilliant small sketches of his album covers are sprinkled like jewels throughout the pages. Seven and Christy are also good at capturing how Sinatra’s voice made his audiences feel: “When Frankie sang, girls screamed with excitement…because his singing made them burst with happiness.” His fame in the movies and in recording is touched upon, although no mention is made of his marriages or the unsavory pieces of his life. But because the focus is on the power and influence of his voice, it works. There’s even a list of a dozen songs the authors think children will especially love, including “High Hopes” and “Pocketful of Miracles.”
A remarkably successful lens into the life and career of one of the 20th century’s formidable musical talents. (author’s note, bibliography) (Picture book/biography. 5-9)Pub Date: Oct. 13, 2015
ISBN: 978-1-4197-1644-7
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Abrams
Review Posted Online: July 14, 2015
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2015
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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