Five Fabulous Picture Books about African American Musical Artists

Mahalia Jackson:  Walking with Kings and Queens

Nina Nolan, author

John Holyfield, illustrator

Publisher Summary:  

People might say little Mahalia Jackson was born with nothing, but she had something all right.  A voice that was bigger than she was. 

Mahalia’s extraordinary journey eventually took her to the historical March on Washington, where she sang to thousands and inspired them to find their own voices. 

Why It Is Fabulous:

Mahalia stuck with what she loved—Gospel music—and kept true to her promises—to never sing in a nightclub—even though compromising one or both would have likely given her quicker and greater success.   Despite many set backs and obstacles, she kept on singing.  Her perseverance and integrity pay off with a record deal and amazing performance opportunities. 

Baby Flo:  Florence Mills Lights Up the Stage

Alan Schroeder, author

Cornelius Van Wright & Ying-Hwa Hu, illustrators

Publisher Summary:

Straight up:  Florence was a remarkable child. Pint-sized dynamo “Baby Florence” Mills was singing and dancing just as soon as she could talk and walk.  Everywhere Flo went, she strutted through the streets of Washington D.C. with a high-steppin’ cakewalk.  Baby Flo went on to become an international superstar during the Harlem Renaissance—but first she had to overcome a case of stage fright and discover that winning wasn’t everything. 

Why It Is Fabulous:

The story centers on Florence Mills’ (Baby Flo) childhood singing and dancing for audiences—big and small.  She worked diligently to learn new songs and dance moves, allowing her to earn her first professional gig at the age of 7! The Author Notes illuminate more about her fascinating life.  This lively story of remarkable young girl will dance its way into your heart. 

Before John Was a Jazz Giant:  A Song of John Coltrane

Carole Boston Weatherford, author

Sean Qualls, illustrator

Publisher Summary:

Young John Coltrane was all ears.  And there was a lot to hear growing up in the South during the 1930s: church songs, preachers praying, music on the radio, the bustling of the household.  John was surrounded by all kinds of vivid noises that shaped his own sound as a musician. 

Why It Is Fabulous:

Written in lyrical free verse, the different influences on a young John Coltrane are revealed.  Musical influences like his daddy on the ukulele are juxtaposed with other influences like grandpa’s Sunday sermons and birds warbling at sunrise.  This brief introduction to the music legend shows the importance of everyday experiences and observations on a person’s development.  The Author’s Notes discuss Coltrane’s commitment to his music and some of his career highlights.  Reading and music selection suggestions are also included.

Trombone Shorty

Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews, author

Bryan Collier, illustrator

Publisher Summary:

Hailing from the Treme’ neighborhood of New Orleans, where music always floated in the air, Troy “Trombone Shorty Andrews didn’t always have the money to buy an instrument, but he did have a dream to play music.  This is the (autobiographical) story of how he made his dream take flight.

Why It Is Fabulous:

Trombone Shorty listened to all the sounds in his world and mixed them together to create his own “musical gumbo.” He began his musical journey when he found an old trombone that looked too broken down to make music.  Even though the instrument was initially too big for him, he practiced day and night to learn how to play.  His hard work eventually pays off.  Trombone Shorty reminds readers it is never too early to begin following your passion, and the only way to succeed is hard work.  

Muddy:  The Story of Blues Legend Muddy Waters

Michael Mahin, author

Evan Turk, illustrator

Publisher Summary:

Muddy Waters was never good at doing what he was told.  His tenacious streak carried him from the hardscrabble fields of Mississippi to the smoky juke joints of Chicago and finally to a recording studio where Muddy’s signature sound was captured and a landmark record was made.  Soon the world fell in love with the indomitable spirit of Muddy Waters, whose electric sound laid the groundwork for what would become rock and roll. 

Why It Is Fabulous:
The smooth jazz-inspired text tells an engaging story.  Muddy’s determination to find his voice and his struggle to play his own way is inspiring.  He overcomes personal and professional obstacles, but he never gives up hope that he will succeed. 

Five Inspiring African American Artists (Biography)

Radiant Child: The Story of Young Artist Jean-Michel Basquiat

Javaka Steptoe, author and illustrator

Publisher Summary: Jean-Michel Basquiat and his unique collage-style paintings rocketed to fame in the 1980’s as a cultural phenomenon unlike anything the art world had ever seen. But before that, he was a little boy who saw art everywhere: in poetry books and museums. His story introduces young readers to the powerful message that art doesn’t always have to be neat or clean—and definitely not inside the lines—to be beautiful. 

What’s to Love:  The artwork is stunning (worthy of the Caldecott it won).  The beautiful narrative focuses on Basquiat’s childhood and development as an artist.   Readers will find his grit and passion as inspiring as the works he created. 

The Cosmobiography of Sun Ra:  The Sound of Joy is Enlightening

Chris Raschka, author and illustrator

Publisher Summary: Jazz musician Sun Ra always said that he came from Saturn.  Being from another planet, he was naturally interested in everything earthly—especially music, because music is the one thing on earth most like the stories.  So he made music.  And he traveled with other musicians and singers—calling themselves the Sun Ra Arkestra, playing, singing, and dancing for people all over the planet.  Because music, he said, is what holds us all together.

What’s to Love:  Sun Ra stood for love and peace during a tumultuous era.  Using his talent and passion, he brought people around the world together in music and in dance. His music is a blend of so many different types that he, in essence, created his own one-of-a-kind style.  Like the artist that inspired the biography, the watercolor and ink illustrations are not easy to label, but they aptly capture the otherworldly feel of the artist and his music. 

Jazz Age Josephine

Jonah Winter, author

Marjorie Priceman, illustrator

Publisher Summary:  Josephine has all the moves, but she also has dark skin, and some think that means she should stay in the shadows—or only play the clown.  But that simply will not work for Miss Josephine.  Instead she dances her way out of poverty and into stardom. 

What’s to Love: The blues inspired lyrical text and the energetic illustrations depict the feisty personality and amazing talent of Miss Josephine.  The vivid colors and bold pen strokes bring her story of perseverance and strength to life.

Draw What You See:  The Life and Art of Benny Andrews

Kathleen Benson, author

Benny Andrews, illustrator

Publisher Summary:  Benny Andrews loved to draw.  And he dreamed of a better life—something beyond the brutal segregation, the backbreaking labor, and the limited opportunities of the farm.  Benny’s dreams took him far from the rural Georgia of his childhood.  He became one of the most important African-American artists of the twentieth century, and he opened doors for other artists of color.  He fought for civil rights, and to make the art world more inclusive.  His story is an inspiration for artists and dreamers everywhere.

What’s to Love:  Author Kathleen Benson craftily combines her text with Andrew’s raw paintings to illustrate the artist’s life and world.  His story of overcoming adversity to become a respected artist beautifully unfolds in this appealing picture book biography.  The most admirable part of his life is his commitment to give back to his community.  Known as the people’s artists, he spent much of his life inspiring people—young and old—in all walks of life to tell their stories through their art.  

Gordon Parks:  How the Photographer Captured Black and White America

Carole Boston Weatherford, author

Jamey Christoph, illustrator

Publisher Summary:  With lyric verse and atmospheric art, Gordon Parks tells the story of how, with a single photograph, a self-taught artist got America to take notice. 

What’s to Love:  Author Carole Boston Weatherford captures the heart of Parks’ work in her poignant, yet straightforward language.  Lines like “through Gordon’s lens, her struggle gained a voice” and “you don’t have to hear her story to know her prayer” elevate the story beyond a simple children’s book to an inspiring story of determination and compassion for all ages.  The striking illustrations further the story and theme, illustrating the vital role art can play in uncovering harsh truths and fighting injustice. 

The 2018 #ReadYourWorld Book Review Linkup!

My Hands Sing the Blues: Romare Bearden’s Childhood Journey (by Jeanne Walker Harvey)

Summary of My Hands Sing the Blues:  Romare Bearden’s Childhood Journey (by Jeanne Walker Harvey):

Written as a first-person flashback, Romare Bearden (African-American artist) reveals one of the inspirations for his art—his past.  Memories of listening to stories from his Great-grandmother, remembering life in the rural South, and riding on a train from North Carolina to New York City, reveal more than mere biographical data.  Author Jeanne Walker Harvey writes in rhythmic, poetic language mirroring the jazz and blues music that also inspired the artist and reflects the rich culture heritage of Bearden and other African-Americans of his generation.  Illustrator Elizabeth Zunon uses glowing oil paints with mixed media collage (paralleling Bearden’s own style).  The pictures depict his memories along with images of rural life and segregation during the 1910’s and 1920’s when he was young.  A focal point on many of the pages is trains both as narrative emphasis and as a way to make known Bearden’s passion for them.

Evaluation:

My Hands Sing the Blues is a work of art in and of itself.  The stunning blend of illustrations and poetic language make this book a must read.  I love how Harvey brilliantly incorporates the blues music style in the text which makes it soothing and striking.  While this book is an ideal selection to have on hand during Black History Month, its appeal is not limit to that event.  There is a wide range of activities it can be used for by teachers from art and literature to history and music.  Parents can enjoy reading it to their children just for the fantastic storytelling, melodic language, and brilliant illustrations.  I highly recommend this book for all audiences. 

Teaching Opportunities:

• Language—Use the examples of onomatopoeia, alliteration, and rhyme to teach these sound devices to younger children learning beginning reading skills or older students learning about poetic language
• Art—The exquisite use of collage will inspire budding artist to practice this art media; students can, like Bearden, use their life experiences or music as inspiration
• History—Glimpses and references to the Harlem Renaissance, segregation, and the Jim Crow laws are craftily incorporated
• Literature—In a study of biographies, utilize as an example and discuss how it is like a type biography and how it is different; also can be used in a study of multicultural/African-American literature or poetry
• Music—Play samples of jazz and blues music; parallel the language and imagery of book to that of the music
• Literary Flashback—Define what a flashback is in literature; use the picture book as model, discuss how/why writers use it
• Writing—Students can write a story with a flashback or write lines of poetry imitating the blues inspired stanzas
• Moving—The artist looks back at his memory of moving from the South to the North; discuss how he probably felt and allow students to talk about their own moving experiences

I have link this post with the Non-Fiction Monday weekly blog hop which is being hosted this week at Lori Calabrese blog spot.  Check out these other great titles and bloggers.   

Picture Book: Thunder Rose by Jerdine Nolen

Summary of Thunder Rose:  

On a summer night during a fierce thunder storm, a lively baby is born.  Rather than cry out while taking her first breath of life, she sits up and takes hold of the lightning and thunder.  Then, she tells her parents she is partial to the name Rose, so they call her Thunder Rose.  Full of spunk, determination, and confidence, Thunder Rose accomplishes everything she sets out to do.  She amazes her parents by drinking her milk while holding up a cow, creating objects with scrap metal, staking a fence without assistance, and building a sky scraper—all before the age of ten!  At the age of 12, she single-handedly takes down the leader of a pack of 2700 wild cattle with her quick wit and song, making them a part of her family’s herd on their Old West ranch.  Later that year, as she drives those cattle to market in Abilene, she utilizes some spare metals rods she always carries to lasso a gang of desperadoes and deliver them to a local jail.  During the long journey, the air is so dry and sour that she lassos a cloud in an attempt to squeeze some rain out of it.  The cloud fights back and develops into a vicious double tornado which Thunder Rose successfully placates  with a sweet melody.  Finally, “a soft, drenching-and-soaking rain” falls as she journeys on to Abilene.  Rose realizes the power of the music of her heart.  Stories of her amazing abilities spreads like wildfire throughout the West.

Evaluation:

Jerdine Nolen’s Thunder Rose is a feisty protagonist.  She knows nothing of fear or failure.  She is determined and creative in her problem solving and daily activities.  The plot is full of action and playful exaggeration. The picturesque watercolor illustrations (by Kadir Nelson) capture the beauty of the landscape and the daring spirit of Thunder Rose.  This tall tale inspires and amuses. 

Teaching Opportunities:
Use this Guide for your activities and lesson plans.  It includes links, figurative language, vocabulary, and across the curriculum ideas.  Also, click on these resources Tall Tale Chart  and Figurative Language Worksheet. 

Christmas Picture Book: The Animal’s Christmas Carol by Helen Ward

Story Summary: 

The Animal’s Christmas Carol (ages 4-9) was inspired by the French Christmas carol “The Friendly Beasts.”   Using comforting rhyming stanzas, animals all declare the glory of the Lord and give unique gifts to the newborn king.  For instance, the cow and her calf give up their manger bed while camels carry the gifts from the wise men.  Other animals, also, see how they play a part in this glorious event.  The ram gives his wool for a warm blanket, the turtle dove sings a song to the baby, and the mongoose keeps poisonous snakes at bay.  All the beasts fill the stable, “warm and bright, with love and peace that Christmas night.”

Evaluation:

The illustrations of this oversized book are stunning!   The poetic verse is delightful.  The Bible states that even nature worships God, and God, Himself, takes care of them.  In this narrative, God uses the animals to take care of His son.  It made me think about all the ways the God works behind the scenes for us.  We do not see how that delay prevented us from a car crash or that small error prevented a bigger mistake.   We do not see how God protects us from wild animals or, even, wild people.  We tend to take his protection and blessings for granted. The Animal’s Christmas Carol reminds me of the importance of giving God the gift of our worship and our talents, each person in his/her own unique way. 

Other Illustrated Christmas Carol Books:

Away in a Manger by Thomas Kinkade

The First Noel by Janina Domanska

Silent Night by Susan Jeffers

Picture Books: Counting Down to Christmas

These Christmas tales use counting as a platform to tell about holiday traditions.  While they are useful for teaching or reinforcing counting skills, these books are entertaining and enduring in their own right.  Each book illustrates tradition, holiday spirit, and family memories. 

 Counting Christmas (ages 3-6) by Karen Katz  

Three children count down to Christmas Day.  In preparation, they wrap the tree with lights, put out the presents, make cookies for Santa, hang their stockings, and race upstairs.  Once the parents lovingly put them to bed, the children dream of Christmas goodies and gifts.   On Christmas morning they joyfully play with their toys and family.   Teaching Opportunities:  Counting, Numerals, Number Words, Ryhme, Alliteration, Traditions

Christmas for 10 (ages 3-8) by Cathryn Falwell  

A simple counting format frames the festivities of a loving family preparing for Christmas.  The family decorates their tree, plays music, listens to stories, wraps presents, bakes cookies, and strings popcorn.  In addition, they pack baskets for the needy and cheerfully welcome guests.  Christmas for 10 illustrates children, parents, and grandparents making holiday memories together.  Teaching Opportunities:  Counting (backward & forward), Numerals, Family, Traditions

The 12 Days of Christmas (ages 3-8) by Linnea Asplind Riley 

This cumulative picture book illustrates the popular Christmas song by the same name.  It is the story of a young man who gives his true love many unusual gifts, such as two turtle doves, three French hens, four colly birds, and five golden rings.  The vibrant paper cut-out illustrations are appealing.  Teaching Opportunities:  Counting, Numerals, Ordinal Numbers, Vocabulary Building, Music

Ten Little Christmas Presents (ages 4-8) by Jean Marzollo 

Ten presents are sitting in the snow, labeled with an animal's name.  Each two-page spread illustrates an animal with his Christmas present and the number of presents left along with rhyming text.  For instance, "Ten little Christmas presents, in the snow so fine...Mouse gets earmuffs!  Now there are nine."  The pattern continues as each new present is opened.  After all the presents have been revealed, they ask, "Who's our Secret Santa?"  Then, Santa Bear slides down the hill and wishes everyone a merry Christmas.  Teaching Opportunities:  Counting, Numerals, Forest Animals, Vocabulary, Rhyme, Generosity

Under the Star (ages 4-10) by Jane Yolen 

Each two page spread repeats the words, "Under the star, Under the star" on the left. Then, in ascending order (1-10) a countdown of people and animals who would have seen the Star of David on the night Jesus was born are called out.  The final picture is of all the people and animals gathered around Mary, Joseph, and Jesus in the manger.  Teaching Opportunities:  Counting, Number Words, Numerals, Christmas, Bible Story

Snowbear’s Christmas Countdown (ages 5-10) by Theresa Smythe  

On the first day of December, Snowbear starts to prepare for Christmas.  Each day he fulfills one of his holiday traditions.  Snowbear writes out his Christmas cards, makes ornaments, picks out a tree, goes shopping, and wraps his presents.  In addition, he enjoys the winter weather by sledding and ice skating.  On Christmas Eve, Snowbear bakes cookies for Santa and his reindeer.  Readers will enjoy this countdown to Christmas (1-25).  Teaching Opportunities:  Counting, Ordinal Numbers, Weather, Traditions, Bears

Counting to Christmas (ages 4-8) by Nancy Tafuri  

Similar to Snowbear’s Christmas Countdown, a young girl counts down day by day.  Every couple of days she participates in a different activity, such as sending cards, making a gingerbread house, baking cookies, wrapping presents, and stringing popcorn.  Part of her holiday tradition is to prepare a Christmas treat for the animals outside.  Teaching Opportunities:  Counting, Traditions, Numerals  

Activities & Ideas: Five Nice Mice by Chisato Tashiro

In a brief search on author/illustrator Chisato Tashiro, I could not find anything more than what the book cover divulges.  I am thrilled to share this one with you because I feel fairly certain the author’s work will not be familiar to most people. 

Five Nice Mice (ages 4-9) is the first book I have come across by her.  The reader is instantly pulled into the narrative as five mice follow a mysterious melodious sound.  They find themselves at a frog concert but for frogs only.  Nevertheless, the mice are so enamored with the music that they sneak in.  They are caught and thrown out though.  Inspired by what they heard, they use items they find around the house to create their own instruments.  Together, the mice work at learning how to make beautiful music together.  The mice advertise their debut concert.  At a packed house of mostly mice, they notice some incognito frogs.   The mice warmly welcome the frogs.  On the final song, the frogs join in along with the rest of the audience.  Everyone is able to share in and enjoy the music.  From then on, anyone who wants to play or to participate is invited to join the assembly at each full moon. 

The illustrations in Five Nice Mice have a great texture and color which are appealing to all ages.  The unadorned language keeps the focus on the selfless characters and meaningful plot.  Many reading students will be able to read it independently.  The motifs that could be covered are cooperation, determination, compassion, ingenuity, and the sharing of music.  

Lesson Plan Activities and Extension Ideas for Five Nice Mice

• Use a graphic organizer to outline how the mice felt at the beginning, middle, and end. Discuss the parts of the story, such as setting, problem, and resolution. 
• Construct a pictorial time line that highlights the main parts in the story. 
• Listen to a concert or symphony.  Discuss how the different instruments and/or voices work together to create something enjoyable.  Also, explain how it takes lots of hard work and practice to be able to play so well.  Check the public library for CD’s.
• Give examples of times in history, the community, or in personal lives that one group or person was left out.  This book could easily be worked into a unit on the civil rights movement or any other group of disenfranchised.
• Rewrite the story so the setting and characters are realistic.
• Write journal entries on one or more of the following situations:  after the mice are kicked out the concert, while they are making the instruments, during the long days of practice, after the concert (mice perspective), and after the concert  (frog perspective).
• Create lyrics (could be based on a tune already familiar to the students) that one of the main characters might have written based on any of the situations listed in the journal entry suggestions or described in the book.
• Participate in unit activities on mice and frogs, such as crafts, recipes, songs, games, and so forth.  

Lesson Plan Activities and Extension Ideas for Mice

Recipe, Activities, and Songs

Mouse Foam Visor

Mouse Craft Cup

Mouse Ear Headband

Mouse Finger Puppet

Mouse Art Activities

Mouse Pad Craft

Mouse Coloring Pages & Crafts
Also Check out this Mouse Thematic Unit

Lesson Plan Activities and Extension Ideas for Frogs

Frog Coloring Pages 

Frog Activities, Worksheets, Facts, & Photos

Frog Crafts & Activities

Frog Activities

Frog Educational Activities & Games 

Frog Life Cycle Craft

Frogs Games, Activities, Recipes, and More

Also Check out this Frog Thematic Unit