SPREE

The streets of pre–World War II Trinidad ring with rhythm, invention, and possibility in this picture-book biography of Winston “Spree” Simon (1930-1976).

Young Spree is enthralled by the bustling sounds of his neighborhood, John-John, but his favorite is his brother’s kettledrum, crafted from an old biscuit tin. Soon Spree is studying the older boys on the corner, where spoons, bottles, and tin drums create irresistible rhythms: “likki-ting, likki-ting, likki-ting…da-da-da-DUM!” When Spree gets his own biscuit tin, he is determined to become the best player in John-John. Before long, he’s leading a rhythm band and plays in Carnival celebrations until the war quiets public festivities. When a friend accidentally warps the soft metal of Spree’s drum, he furiously pounds the dents with a rock, only to discover new tones ringing out. Tapping the altered surface, he realizes the drum can do more than keep rhythm: It can carry melody. That breakthrough leads Spree toward the development of the steelpan, widely recognized as the only acoustic instrument invented in the 20th century. Though the lengthy narrative is slow to gain momentum, the backmatter adds depth and interest; both work in tandem to celebrate curiosity and perseverance and highlight the joyful revelation that music can come from almost anywhere. Warm, expressive faces, loose linework, and watercolor-inspired splashes of color imbue the digitally illustrated scenes with energetic, scrappy charm.

A toe-tapping ode to invention.