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Music and Harmony in Children's Poetry

Cover art for I SEE THE RHYTHM OF GOSPEL
CHILDREN'S
Released: Jan. 1, 2011
I SEE THE RHYTHM OF GOSPEL
by Toyomi Igus, illustrated by Michele Wood
"An accompanying CD contains five songs representing selected musical eras, with the Golden Gate Quartet and—spectacularly—Mahalia Jackson, the clear standouts. (foreword, quotations, suggested song list) (Informational picture book/poetry. 8-12)"
Reprising the vibrancy of their Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award winner, I See the Rhythm (1998), Wood and Igus celebrate African-American gospel music along its historical transit from the Middle Passage to 21st-century "Holy Hip Hop." Read full book review >
Cover art for ODETTA
CHILDREN'S
Released: Dec. 1, 2010
ODETTA: THE QUEEN OF FOLK
by Stephen Alcorn, illustrated by Stephen Alcorn

Alcorn's friendship with legendary folksinger Odetta (1930–2008) underpins his admiring, free-form narrative and stylized, heroic casein paintings. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE CARNIVAL OF THE ANIMALS
CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 24, 2010
Kirkus Star THE CARNIVAL OF THE ANIMALS
by Jack Prelutsky, illustrated by Mary GrandPré
"A helpful note on the composer and his piece rounds out a fine package— it's an irresistible poetic and musical experience for youngsters. (Picture book/poetry. 6-12)"
A distinguished trio combine for a fresh, accessible and wonderfully appealing reimagining of a classic 19th-century "program music" favorite ("program music" being music specifically created to describe or depict a visual image): Camille Saint-Saëns's evocative 1886 favorite. Read full book review >
Cover art for HIP & HOP, DON’T STOP!
CHILDREN'S
Released: Feb. 16, 2010
HIP & HOP, DON’T STOP!
by Jef Czekaj, illustrated by Jef Czekaj
"Readers can set the lyrics to their own kind of music, engage with poetry and the written word and maybe experience a little of that universal harmony. (Picture book. 3-6)"
Music is the universal solvent of socioeconomic and geopolitical barriers. Read full book review >
Cover art for SWEETHEARTS OF RHYTHM
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2009
Kirkus Star SWEETHEARTS OF RHYTHM: THE STORY OF THE GREATEST ALL-GIRL SWING BAND IN THE WORLD
by Marilyn Nelson, illustrated by Jerry Pinkney
"The illustrator is at his best in the wordless full-bleed doublespreads interspersed throughout the book, which set a contemplative pace that invites flipping back and forth through the pages documenting the Sweethearts' travels, triumphs and travails. (Picture book/poetry. 10-14)"
Nelson brings her signature poetic treatment of history to this outstanding collaboration with illustrator Pinkney about a racially integrated "all-girl swing band" that toured the United States during World War II. Read full book review >
Cover art for BECOMING BILLIE HOLIDAY
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2008
Kirkus Star BECOMING BILLIE HOLIDAY
by Carole Boston Weatherford, illustrated by Floyd Cooper
"A remarkable tribute well worthy of its subject. (afterword, bibliography, references, further reading and listening) (Poetry. 14 & up)"
"I toted my songs / like a satchel and felt most / at home when I sang," says Billie Holiday in this gorgeously produced fictional "life in poems" of the great jazz singer. Read full book review >