By: Lisa J. Riddiough
| You’ve already read Kwame Alexander’s sizzling middle grade novel, The Crossover, at least twice, and you’ve been just as jazzed about the heart-stomping, Booked. But did you know that before he wrote these explosive best-sellers, he wrote the moving and grooving picture book, Acoustic Rooster and His Barnyard Band? Well, you need to know it! And you need to read it! |
| Acoustic Rooster loves jazz. He even has a sticker on his guitar case that says so. After practicing all summer long, Acoustic Rooster is ready for Farmer’s talent show, where all the bands will compete to be the best. Unfortunately, he can’t find a band to play with. “Acoustic Rooster asked to join Thelonius Monkey’s crew. |
| He tries unsuccessfully to join up with Mules Davis. And then Ella Finchgerald. Acoustic Rooster’s only choice is to start his own band. He recruits Duck Ellington on piano. And Bee Holiday for vocals. With the addition of a drummer named Pork Chop, Acoustic Rooster is set. “The band’s encore came ‘round midnight |
| Alas, it wasn’t enough. Mules Davis ruled the night. But, he paid Acoustic Rooster a jazzy compliment. “Acoustic Rooster headed home, Mr. Alexander’s simple rhyme scheme bebops along at a slick pace. And the story line has you strumming for Acoustic Rooster. |
In addition to the vivid illustrations by Tim Bowers, the end notes provide a lively jazz glossary with musical vocabulary, musicians, characters, and songs references. Alexander also includes an historical timeline describing the roots of jazz from its very beginnings with the “powerful rhythms of African percussion, slaves’ work songs, and spiritual hymns” of the 1700’s all the way to 2004, when Wynton Marsalis is named artistic director of jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City.
Treat yourself to this sweet gig by Kwame Alexander!
It don’t mean a thing, if it ain’t got that swing. And Acoustic Rooster and His Barnyard Band has got it!
Treat yourself to this sweet gig by Kwame Alexander!
It don’t mean a thing, if it ain’t got that swing. And Acoustic Rooster and His Barnyard Band has got it!
All images used under the creative commons act, rights and privileges belong exclusively to illustrator Tim Bowers and/or Sleeping Bear Press.