{"title":"Music \u0026 Dance","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"music-everywhere","title":"Music Everywhere!","description":"\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR\/ILLUSTRATOR INFO BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy: \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/pages\/maya-ajmera\" title=\"Maya Ajmera bio\"\u003eMaya Ajmera\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/pages\/elise-hofer-derstine\" title=\"Elise Hofer Derstine\"\u003eElise Hofer Derstine\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/pages\/cynthia-pon\" title=\"Cynthia Pon bio\"\u003eCynthia Pon\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER HEADING BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eA joyous celebration of music!\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER DESCRIPTION BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePhotographs from around the world celebrate the universal joy that kids get from making music, whether they’re playing instruments, clapping their hands, stomping their feet, or singing. Music can help express one child’s feelings—or it can bring an entire community together.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBack matter includes a glossary, world map, instructions for making instruments, and other suggestions for bringing music into kids’ lives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePart of the proceeds from this book's sales will be donated to Global Fund for Children, a nonprofit organization committed to advancing the dignity of young people around the world. \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.globalfundforchildren.org\"\u003eVisit online\u003c\/a\u003e. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca title=\"Global Fund for Children\" href=\"http:\/\/charlesbridge.myshopify.com\/pages\/global-fund-for-children\"\u003eRead more\u003c\/a\u003e about Global Fund for Children.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER RECOMMENDATIONS BELOW - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"recommended-books\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you like this book, you’ll enjoy these:\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/products\/kenyas-song\" title=\"Kenya's Song\"\u003eKenya's Song\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/products\/little-pig-joins-the-band\" title=\"Little Pig Joins the Band\"\u003eLittle Pig Joins the Band\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/collections\/the-global-fund-for-children\" title=\"The Global Fund for Children\"\u003eOther books from The Global Fund for Children\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - START OF TABS - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e [TABS]\n\u003ch5\u003eLook Inside\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg class=\"cvr-border-gray\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/music-everywhere-spread.jpg?11821844872799453492\"\u003e\u003c!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --\u003e \u003cscript src=\"\/\/assets.pinterest.com\/js\/pinit.js\" data-pin-hover=\"true\" data-pin-height=\"32\" data-pin-shape=\"round\" defer async=\"\" type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003e\u003c\/script\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthors\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaya Ajmera, author\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaya Ajmera is the creator and spokesperson for \u003cem\u003eChildren from Australia to Zimbabwe: A Photographic Journey Around the World\u003c\/em\u003e and co-author of the global education guide, \u003cem\u003eRaising Children to Become Caring Contributors to the World\u003c\/em\u003e. Maya is the founder and executive director of SHAKTI for Children. In the January 1999 issue of The Chronicle of Philanthropy, Maya was named among \"A new guard of non-profit leaders...that will shape the charity world in the next century.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/pages\/maya-ajmera\" title=\"Maya Ajmera bio\"\u003eRead more\u003c\/a\u003e about Maya.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eElise Hofer Derstine, author\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eElise Hofer Derstine is a writer and farmer. She lives in Goshen, Indiana.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/pages\/elise-hofer-derstine\" title=\"Elise Hofer Derstine bio\"\u003eRead more\u003c\/a\u003e about Elise.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCynthia Pon, author\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCynthia Pon is the director of Global Fund for Children Books. She is the co-author of \u003cem\u003eChildren of the U.S.A.\u003c\/em\u003e She lives in Washington, D.C.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/pages\/cynthia-pon\" title=\"Cynthia Pon bio\"\u003eRead more\u003c\/a\u003e about Cynthia.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - ENTER AWARDS \u0026 HONORS BELOW - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAwards \u0026amp; Honors\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNCSS\/CBC Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDelaware Diamonds Reading List\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - ENTER REVIEWS BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEditorial Reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKirkus Reviews\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"We love music!\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the tradition of previous photo essays such as \u003cem\u003eFaith\u003c\/em\u003e (2009), \u003cem\u003eOur Grandparents\u003c\/em\u003e (2010) and \u003cem\u003eWhat We Wear\u003c\/em\u003e (2012), Ajmera and her co-authors have here assembled a collection of charming photographs showing children enjoying music in 35 countries around the world. Some play instruments, like the Venezuelan girl practicing her violin on the title page. Others clap, dance, sing along and listen. On the Cook Islands, a girl with a flower crown blows a conch shell for a festival. In Scotland, a very young bagpiper marches at the Highland Games. Novice Buddhists blow long horns in a temple in Bhutan, and young Indonesians play together in a gamelan orchestra. Some are proud performers, others rapt in concentration; their enjoyment is evident. The selection of images is wide-ranging, and the underlying message, inclusive. On each spread, well-chosen and crisply reproduced photographs that vary in size are set against solid, colored backgrounds with a single sentence of text and identifying captions. The variety of musical instruments, traditional and improvised, will gladden the hearts of teachers and those who want to encourage their children's appreciation for music. The backmatter includes a map, glossary and suggestions for readers' own music-making.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA medley perfectly tuned.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis latest offering from the Global Fund for Children (\u003cem\u003eWhat We Wear\u003c\/em\u003e, BCCB 3\/12) celebrates music from around the world through vivid color photographs, a simple narrative line, and detailed captions. Musical topics include ways to use your body, (\"We clap our hands and stomp our feet\"), techniques (\"We blow and whistle, pluck and strum\"), and possible venues (at home, at the beach, at school). Of note is the diverse interpretation of music, where classically trained Venezuelan violin students are pictured a page away from Togolese kids banging rhythmically on the back of a chair; just as all-encompassing is the geographic reach of the photoessay, which touches on six continents and a variety of locales, from a U.S. community center to a West Bank camp for Palestinian refugees. Far more factual information is delivered in the photo captions than in the story itself; each description identifies what is happening in the photo and where the photo is taken. This bifurcated text makes a somewhat fragmented readaloud, but this is likely to get far more use as a browsing book, and children will love poring over the photographs of international music-makers. A two-page map of the world identifies featured countries and reiterates the equitable distribution of the book's focus; additional supplemental materials include several pages of ideas on how to enjoy music and a glossary of terms from the text.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSchool Library Journal\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis lovely picture book from the Global Fund for Children shows children from around the world enjoying music. An interesting variety of instruments are on display, some of which are familiar, such as the violin, while others are indigenous to a country, such as the qeej from Laos. The children's faces are quite expressive and filled with joy, and younger readers will enjoy poring over these appealing images. Short captions printed on each photo include the country of origin. At the end, readers will find a world map, which highlights the countries mentioned. The title also contains a glossary and a section suggesting how readers can make their own musical instruments as well as additional ways to enjoy music. A suitable purchase for most children's libraries, this book would work well for a \"beginning facts\" section.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBooklist\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChildren around the world speak different languages and come from diverse backgrounds, but most of them share an understanding of the power of music. Three authors collaborate here to present joyful, colorful, photographs of children from various countries, dancing, singing, and playing instruments. From the breathless image of a young Jewish boy in Israel blowing the shofar, to a powerful choir of American children singing gospel, beginning readers will learn that music is a universal language that \"brings people together,\" and exists regardless of the cultural specifics. The subtext here is a strong one: the very placement of the photos upon the page (Chinese yuequin players alongside a tyke bagpiper from Scotland) paints a succinct picture of our world as a global family. And the music doesn't stop when the story ends; back matter includes a collection of music activities and ideas for the whole family to enjoy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ci\u003eThe Horn Book Guide\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe title conveys this book's straightforward message: music is a universal pleasure, everywhere from Canada to Timor-Leste. Proof is demonstrated by a simple yet energetic running text and large photos of children exuberantly making and enjoying music worldwide. Direct captions impart information uncondescendingly: \"Playing a traditional Andean zampona. PERU.\" A world map and suggestions for homemade musical instruments are included. Glos.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DOWNLOADABLES BELOW - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDownloadables\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/music-everywhere-cvr.jpg?11821844872799453492\" style=\"display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/music-everywhere-hires.zip?11821844872799453492\" class=\"product-btn\"\u003eDownload the Cover\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DETAILS BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDetails\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePaperback\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eISBN: 978-1-57091-937-4\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eE-book\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eISBN: 978-1-60734-731-6 EPUB\u003cbr\u003e ISBN: 978-1-60734-670-8 PDF\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAges: 4-7\u003cbr\u003ePage count: 32\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eCorrelated to Common Core State Standards:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eReading Informational. Grade 1. Standards 1-7 and 10.\u003cbr\u003eReading Informational. Grade 2. Standards 1, 4-7, and 10.\u003c\/p\u003e\n[\/TABS]","brand":"Charlesbridge","offers":[{"title":"Paperback","offer_id":3347192897,"sku":"19374","price":7.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/products\/music-everywhere-cover_09281076-e7b2-4db2-b175-53af68e601d3.jpg?v=1586798789"},{"product_id":"little-pig-joins-the-band","title":"Little Pig Joins the Band","description":"\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR\/ILLUSTRATOR INFO BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy: \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/charlesbridge.myshopify.com\/pages\/david-hyde-costello\" title=\"David Hyde Costello bio\"\u003eDavid Hyde Costello\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER HEADING BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eLittle Pig has a BIG idea to get everyone in line.\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER DESCRIPTION BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLittle Pig has trouble keeping up with his older — and bigger — brothers and sisters. When they get out Grandpa's old marching-band instruments, Little Pig is too little to play any of them. But when the disorganized band has a pig-pile mishap, Little Pig has a BIG idea: They could use a leader.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDavid Hyde Costello's sweet, playful illustrations are filled with humor and show that little brothers and little sisters can be a big help!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER RECOMMENDATIONS BELOW - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"recommended-books\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you like this book, you’ll enjoy these:\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/products\/pig-pig-returns\" title=\"Pig Pig Returns\"\u003ePig Pig Returns\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/products\/boo-cow\" title=\"Boo Cow\"\u003eBoo Cow\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/products\/aggie-the-brave\" title=\"Aggie the Brave\"\u003eAggie the Brave\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - START OF TABS - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e [TABS]\n\u003ch5\u003eLook Inside\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg class=\"cvr-border-gray\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/little-pig-joins-the-spread.jpg?785918278932000469\"\u003e\u003c!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --\u003e\u003cscript src=\"\/\/assets.pinterest.com\/js\/pinit.js\" data-pin-hover=\"true\" data-pin-height=\"32\" data-pin-shape=\"round\" defer async=\"\" type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003e\u003c\/script\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor \u0026amp; Illustrator\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDavid Hyde Costello, author\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDavid Hyde Costello has worked as a scenic artist for motion pictures and the stage. David has also painted and created puppets for theatrical productions. He is the author of \u003cem\u003eHere They Come!\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eI Can Help\u003c\/em\u003e. David lives in Amherst, Massachusetts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/charlesbridge.myshopify.com\/pages\/david-hyde-costello\" title=\"David Hyde Costello bio\"\u003eRead more\u003c\/a\u003e about David.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - ENTER AWARDS \u0026 HONORS BELOW - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAwards \u0026amp; Honors\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCCBC Choices 2012\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBank Street College of Education's Best Children's Books of the Year\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - ENTER REVIEWS BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEditorial Reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKirkus Reviews\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCostello’s winsome tale explores the travails of being the youngest and the littlest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen Little Pig, a.k.a. Jacob, and his brothers and sisters visit their grandpa, they break out his old marching-band instruments. Little Pig, to his dismay, discovers he’s just too little to play the drum or trumpet, let alone the trombone or tuba. When his siblings can’t get their playing or marching act together—hey presto!—a drum major is born, small of stature but packing a big whistle. Much of the book’s amiability derives from the artwork, sure-handed watercolors that are active but not busy, with (most of) the pigs having a merry old time trooping about, tooting and pounding away, collapsing in a heap. Yet the words add a considerable measure to the pleasure. Costello has built a story under the arching narrative, a body of asides that add color commentary: “Do we have any piccolos?” asks Little Pig. “There’s a jar in the fridge, behind the olives,” replies his distracted sister. “A kazoo?” “Gesundheit.” And when Little Pig does succeed—wielding his baton, he is now Jacob in his siblings’ eyes—he takes it with humility: “You can call me Little Pig.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHumor lifts the story from a simple tale of woe to transcendence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublishers Weekly\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"Sometimes Little Pig didn't like being little, or even being called Little Pig,\" writes Costello, as his diminutive hero, taking up what readers can assume is his usual position at the distant end of a family procession, vainly attempts to remind his oblivious relations: \"My name is Jacob!\" Things only get worse when the family puts together an impromptu band from Grandpa's collection of instruments: when Little Pig asks whether there's something smaller to play, like a piccolo, an elder cheerfully remarks, \"There's a jar in the fridge, behind the olives.\" But the ensemble gives Little Pig his opening when they prove utterly unable to coordinate their movements: seeing them colliding and collapsed in a pig pile on the floor, Little Pig \"knew what the problem was--the band needed a leader!\" Costello (I Can Help) isn't pioneering new ground with this story of how a family's littlest member asserts his competence, but the combination of lovely and understated text, sly watercolors, and a protagonist who knows in his heart that he's right make the premise feel fresh and funny.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBooklist\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat makes pigs so cute? There's been a spate of stories about adorable porkers lately, and this makes one more. Little Pig, aka Jacob, is excited when he comes home and finds his siblings are taking out Grandpa's old instruments. Jacob wants to play, but he is too small for the drums, the trombone, and the trumpet. After watching the others march around with their instruments, he realizes nothing in the music or the movements is coordinated. Jacob knows a band leader is what's required, and he is just the piggy to take up the job. A series of amusing scenes follow, in which Jacob tries to corral his relatives and turn them into a marching band. Sprightly watercolor-and-ink drawings are the draw here, as Jacob and family alternate being the stars of the scenes. Jacob's asides are as fun as the family band.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSchool Library Journal\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLittle Pig would like to be called by his given name, Jacob, as he doesn't appreciate the way his nickname is a constant reminder of his diminutive size. One day, while visiting their grandfather, he and his four older siblings come across a box filled with Grandpa's old marching-band paraphernalia. Finding the tuba, trombone, drum, and trumpet too large for him, Little Pig looks around for something smaller, such as a kazoo or harmonica. He can't find anything his size and feels left out of the fun. As he sits watching and listening to his brothers and sisters play the various instruments, he realizes that they don't know the first thing about being a marching band. He retrieves a whistle, baton, and red cap from the box and takes charge of the motley crew. Under his direction, the foursome, plus Grandpa, are soon marching in step and playing a tune together. Being at the head instead of the customary tail end makes him proud, and he realizes that even the littlest among us can make a big impact. The author's appealing ink and watercolor illustrations vary in size and will hold readers' attention as they adeptly convey the piglet's emotional journey.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe youngest child in the family often feels like a tag-a-long, and that the older brothers and sisters get to do the fun stuff. Jacob is the youngest of five children. Everyone calls him Little Pig. When Jacob and his siblings visit their Grandpa, they pull out an assortment of his old marching band instruments. \"Little Pig looked for something he could play,\" but he discovers that he is too small to hold the drum, so his big sister Margie takes possession of it. He is also too little to hold an elongated trombone, an enormous brass tuba or even a trumpet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCostello's clean line ink and watercolor illustrations express with quiet humor the youngest child's dismay at being \"too little to join the band.\" Little Pig's remarks appear in a different smaller typeface, indicating that no one else hears him. When he asks, \"Do we have any piccolos?,\" for instance, Margie answers, \"There's a jar in the fridge, behind the olives.\" Little Pig's big brothers and sisters play the instruments, but they do so in a disorganized, discordant manner, and topple over each other because they're not paying attention. Little Pig discovers he can contribute: he can lead the band. Music teachers may quibble that children would not instantly be competent music makers, but we can suspend disbelief for this quiet tale of the littlest pig finding his niche in a family venture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn uplifting tale with a gentle lesson about how even the smallest member of the band has something to contribute.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Horn Book Magazine\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen his older brothers and sisters get out Grandpa's marching band instruments, Little Pig, who isn't happy about his size or his nickname (\"My name is Jacob!\"), feels left out. He's not big enough to actually play anything, so he's stuck watching his siblings have all the fun. Costello's (I Can Help, rev. 5\/10) well-paced story features a small hero who doesn't let his physical stature stop him from thinking big. The sprightly ink and watercolor illustrations match the upbeat text's tempo and include comic asides to help advance the narrative. As the sidelined Little Pig watches the mayhem (\"Aren't you all supposed to be marching together?\" \"Shouldn't you all be playing the same thing?\"), a four-pig pile-up helps him see what the band is missing: a leader. Young readers will likely recognize Little Pig's predicament and give his take-charge solution a big hand.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DOWNLOADABLES BELOW - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDownloadables\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/little-pig-joins-the-cvr.jpg?9863267289855658395\" style=\"display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/little-pig-joins-the-hires.zip?9863267289855658395\" class=\"product-btn\"\u003eDownload the Cover\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DETAILS BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDetails\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHardcover\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003eISBN: 978-1-58089-264-3\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePaperback\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003eISBN: 978-1-58089-265-0\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eE-book\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eISBN: 978-1-60734-565-7 EPUB\u003cbr\u003e ISBN: 978-1-60734-307-3 PDF\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAges: 4-8\u003cbr\u003ePage count: 32\u003cbr\u003e8\u003csup\u003e1\u003c\/sup\u003e\/\u003csub\u003e2\u003c\/sub\u003e x 9\u003csup\u003e1\u003c\/sup\u003e\/\u003csub\u003e2\u003c\/sub\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n[\/TABS]","brand":"Charlesbridge","offers":[{"title":"Paperback","offer_id":3628590209,"sku":"92650","price":7.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/products\/little-pig-joins-the-band-cover.jpg?v=1586797674"},{"product_id":"wood-hoopoe-willie","title":"Wood-Hoopoe Willie","description":"\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR\/ILLUSTRATOR INFO BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy: \u003ca title=\"Author Virginia Kroll\" href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/pages\/virginia-kroll\"\u003eVirginia Kroll\u003c\/a\u003e \/ Illustrated by: \u003ca title=\"Illustrator Katherine Roundtree\" href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/pages\/katherine-roundtree\"\u003eKatherine Roundtree\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER HEADING BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\"You could always hear Willie coming. If his toes weren't tapping, his knuckles were rapping.\"\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER DESCRIPTION BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEvery chance he gets, Willie makes music. He will use anything to create the sounds of the rhythms he feels inside him - forks, pencils, even hot pepper shakers. Willie dreams of playing the African instruments of his ancestors that his Grandpa describes: guedras, ecasas, atumpan, and dundun drums.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Kwanzaa festival and the encouragement of his Grandpa provide the ingredients for Willie's triumphant search for his place in the sun.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER RECOMMENDATIONS BELOW - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"recommended-books\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you like this book, you’ll enjoy these:\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/products\/magic-trash\" title=\"Magic Trash\"\u003eMagic Trash\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/products\/kenyas-song\" title=\"Kenya's Song\"\u003eKenya's Song\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/products\/metal-man\" title=\"Metal Man\"\u003eMetal Man\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - START OF TABS - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e [TABS]\n\u003ch5\u003eLook Inside\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg class=\"cvr-border-gray\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/wood-hoopoe-willie-spread.jpg?14627260639813379154\"\u003e\u003c!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --\u003e\u003cscript type=\"text\/javascript\" async=\"\" defer data-pin-shape=\"round\" data-pin-height=\"32\" data-pin-hover=\"true\" src=\"\/\/assets.pinterest.com\/js\/pinit.js\"\u003e\u003c\/script\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor \u0026amp; Illustrator\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVirginia Kroll, author\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVirginia Kroll attended Canisius College and the State University of New York at Buffalo. She was formerly an elementary school teacher and has raised six children of her own. It was Virginia's love of children that led her to begin her career as a children's writer in 1984.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVirginia has a special talent for understanding and communicating with children. Her efforts to cross cultural lines and address multicultural issues have won her the praise of critics and readers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca title=\"Author Virginia Kroll\" href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/pages\/virginia-kroll\"\u003eRead more \u003c\/a\u003eabout Virginia.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - ENTER ILLUSTRATOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKatherine Roundtree, illustrator\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKatherine Roundtree graduated from the Columbus College of Art and Design Katherine is an elementary school art teacher. She lived for many years with her extended family on the banks of the Ohio river, but currently resides in Stone Mountain, Georgia.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca title=\"Illustrator Katherine Roundtree\" href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/pages\/katherine-roundtree\"\u003eRead more\u003c\/a\u003e about Katherine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - ENTER AWARDS \u0026 HONORS BELOW - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAwards \u0026amp; Honors\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAmerican Book Award for Excellence in Multicultural Literature\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - ENTER REVIEWS BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEditorial Reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChildren's Bookwatch\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWillie loves to make music: he uses forks, pencils and other ordinary items to create African beats and dreams of playing the native instruments of his ancestors. Willie's search for his identity introduces youngsters to African traditions, Kwanzaa, and one boy's coming of age.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMetro Parent\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWillie just loves to make music. Whether tapping his pencils or shaking hot pepper containers, Willie finds rhythm in everything, and longs to play the African instruments of his ancestors. With his grandfather's encouragement, Willie's dream becomes reality during a community Kwanzaa festival in Virginia Kroll's \u003ci\u003eWood-Hoopoe Willie\u003c\/i\u003e. Accompanied by bright and colorful illustrations, this tale of African heritage is sure to remain a holiday classic for years to come.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DOWNLOADABLES BELOW - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDownloadables\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/wood-hoopoe-willie-cvr.jpg?14627260639813379154\" style=\"display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/wood-hoopoe-willie-hires.zip?760\" class=\"product-btn\"\u003eDownload the Cover\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/wood-hoopoe-willie-activity-guide.pdf?14627260639813379154\" class=\"product-btn\"\u003eDownload the Activity Guide\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DETAILS BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDetails\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePaperback\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003eISBN: 978-0-88106-408-7\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAges: 4-7\u003cbr\u003ePage count: 32\u003cbr\u003e10 x 8\u003c\/p\u003e\n[\/TABS]","brand":"Charlesbridge","offers":[{"title":"Paperback","offer_id":3708837185,"sku":"64087","price":7.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/products\/wood-hoopoe-willie-cover.jpg?v=1586807529"},{"product_id":"the-mysteries-of-beethovens-hair","title":"The Mysteries of Beethoven's Hair","description":"\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR\/ILLUSTRATOR INFO BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy: \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/pages\/russell-martin\" title=\"Russell Martin \u0026amp; Lydia Nibley\"\u003eRussell Martin \u0026amp; Lydia Nibley\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER HEADING BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eNational bestseller reworked for middle-graders\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER DESCRIPTION BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt the time of Ludwig van Beethoven’s death, it was a common practice to take a lock of hair from the deceased as a remembrance, a sacred remnant of the person who meant so much when alive. One such lock of Beethoven’s hair survived through the years and eventually became the joint property of two men who, in 1995, opened the sealed frame that encased the hair and began the process of unlocking the mysteries of Beethoven’s life, death, and possibly his genius.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFollow the trail of Beethoven’s hair as it was passed on from the boy who cut it to his son and down through the years, as it was safeguarded from Nazi Germany and eventually sold at auction in 1994. Through careful forensic testing, the hairs in the lock revealed the causes of Beethoven’s deafness and his many illnesses. This fascinating story is not only a study of the secrets that forensics can reveal, but a moving history of many people’s devotion to Beethoven’s music.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHusband and wife team Russell Martin and Lydia Nibley follow the success of Martin’s adult book, \u003ci\u003eBeethoven’s Hair\u003c\/i\u003e, with this retelling for younger readers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER RECOMMENDATIONS BELOW - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"recommended-books\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you like this book, you’ll enjoy these:\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/products\/the-legend-of-hong-kil-dong\" title=\"The Legend of Hong Kil Dong\"\u003eThe Legend of Hong Kil Dong\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/products\/secrets-of-the-cirque-medrano\" title=\"Secrets of the Cirque Medrano\"\u003eSecrets of the Cirque Medrano\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/products\/camel-rider\" title=\"Camel Rider\"\u003eCamel Rider\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/products\/at-home-in-her-tomb\" title=\"At Home in Her Tomb\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eAt Home in Her Tomb\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - START OF TABS - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e [TABS]\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor's Note\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eWriters have as many ways of connecting with interesting stories as there are stories to be told. The inspiration for this book came from a short newspaper article we saw about two Beethoven enthusiasts from Arizona who had purchased a lock of the composer's hair and were about to initiate a series of forensic tests to see what the hair might reveal about Beethoven's life and death.\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eClearly there was more to this story. If the testing was successful, what would it reveal? Why were these two men embarking on this unusual quest? What had happened to the hair in all the years between the time it was cut from Beethoven's head and the time they purchased the hair.\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eOur biggest challenge in writing this story was the extensive detective work necessary to track the hair through time. Some of the discoveries fell into place as one document led to another, and as one source of information led to a name of date that could be traced. Other breakthroughs took many months to evolve. There are remaining mysteries to be solved. We hope that the publication of this book will generate more discoveries.\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DOWNLOADABLES BELOW - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDownloadables\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/mysteries-of-beethovens-hair-cvr.jpg?7872392376830880694\" style=\"display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/mysteries-of-beethovens-hair-hires.zip?7872392376830880694\" class=\"product-btn\"\u003eDownload the Cover\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eMore information on Beethoven\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLife and Works\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.sjsu.edu\/beethoven\/\" title=\"Ira F. Brilliant Center for Beethoven Studies\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eIra F. Brilliant Center for Beethoven Studies\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.lvbeethoven.com\/\" title=\"Ludwig van Beethoven's Website\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eLudwig van Beethoven's Website\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.8notes.com\/biographies\/beethoven.asp\" title=\"Biography of Beethoven\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMusic\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.edepot.com\/beetsym.html\" title=\"Beethoven's 9 Symphonies\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eBeethoven's 9 Symphonies\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ci\u003eBeethoven's Hair\u003c\/i\u003e Adult Book and Movie\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.penguinrandomhouse.com\/books\/108525\/beethovens-hair-by-russell-martin\/\" title=\"Beethoven's Hair\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003ci\u003eBeethoven's Hair\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.bullfrogfilms.com\/catalog\/bh.html\" title=\"Beethoven's Hair movie\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eBullfrog Films: Beethoven's Hair\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor \u0026amp; Illustrator\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRussell Martin, author\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRussell Martin is the author of more than a dozen books, including \u003cem\u003ePicasso’s War\u003c\/em\u003e (Dutton) and \u003cem\u003eBeethoven’s Hair\u003c\/em\u003e (Broadway), a national bestseller for adults and Washington Post Book of the Year. He lives in Los Angeles, California.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLydia Nibley, author\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLydia Nibley is a writer and producer of books, films, and television projects. She’s also the creator of \u003cem\u003eZiNj\u003c\/em\u003e, an award-winning children’s science magazine and television series. She lives in Los Angeles, California.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/pages\/russell-martin\" title=\"Russell Martin \u0026amp; Lydia Nibley\"\u003eRead more\u003c\/a\u003e about Russell \u0026amp; Lydia.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - ENTER AWARDS \u0026 HONORS BELOW - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAwards \u0026amp; Honors\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNSTA\/CBC Outstanding Science Trade Book for Students K-12\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAJL Sydney Taylor Notable Books for Young Readers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCCBC Choices\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNYSRA Charlotte Award Suggested Reading List\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - ENTER REVIEWS BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEditorial Reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSchool Library Journal\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBased on Martin's adult book \u003ci\u003eBeethoven's Hair: An Extraordinary Historical Odyssey and Scientific Mystery Solved\u003c\/i\u003e (Broadway), this reworking for a young audience presents an intriguing interdisciplinary story. Martin and Nibley trace the labyrinthine journey of a lock of Beethoven's hair encased in a glass and wooden locket from the 18th century to the present. Using a balanced mix of verifiable research and some conjecture, they explain the lock's odyssey over time and how it was ultimately acquired by two American Beethoven aficionados in 1994. The perseverance and passion of these men provided the impetus for scientific analysis to seek a physiological explanation for Beethoven's lifelong struggle with myriad physical and emotional problems. The contemporary story of the lock's travels and examination is interspersed with the history of Beethoven's musical genius. Aspects of the Holocaust and the courageous defiance of the Nazis by the Danish resistance become a significant part of the mystery. This is a most unusual, thoroughly researched detective story written in a clearly accessible and lively tone. Black-and-white photos and reproductions appear throughout. Concluding notes offer young people advice about research and explain what narrative nonfiction is and how the authors used it in this book. Though obviously a selection suited for research projects, it is also an incredibly readable and absorbing selection that demonstrates the multidimensional nature of true scholarship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eForeword Reviews\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt's hard to believe that adult TV series like \"CSI\" and \"NCIS\" are overlooked in their all-hours re-runs by older children. And, although they may act as (an unrealistic) deterrent to a future in crime, they might also unwittingly be relating the message that discoveries can only be accomplished through the aid of expensive machines and databases. \u003ci\u003eBeethoven's Hair\u003c\/i\u003e, which was published in an adult version in 2001 and became a \u003ci\u003eWashington Post\u003c\/i\u003e Book of the Year, brings forensics back into the realm of amateurs. The two men responsible for tracing the origins and journey of a lock of Beethoven's hair are professionals in their own fields, but their discovery is based purely on the passion of layperson. They loved Beethoven's music first and foremost. The fact that one of them was real estate developer and the other a Mexican American physician named \"Che\" Guevara only adds to the charm.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe story itself - from Beethoven's deathbed to a small town in Denmark to a collector in Arizona is a fascinating history lesson. The fact that Beethoven himself seemed to be interested, even passionate that the world recognize and unravel his mystery adds tension and brings the story to a satisfying conclusion. \u003ci\u003eBeethoven's Hair\u003c\/i\u003e is a wonderfully grown-up addition to middle school libraries.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ci\u003eThe Horn Book\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 1827, while paying his last respects, composer-in-training Ferdinand Hiller snipped a lock of Ludwig van Beethoven's hair, a customary practice at the time. 1994, two American collectors paid 3,600 British pounds for that physical remnant of their idol. Mysteries dogging the memento are the focus of this absorbing and accessible book, adapted from Martin's work for adults, \u003ci\u003eBeethoven's Hair\u003c\/i\u003e. The text concurrently tells three stories: Beethoven's troubled life and times; the collectors' modern-day quest to prove the cause of his death; and the keepsake's journey through history, from Beethoven's deathbed in Austria to World War II Resistance Denmark to auction at Sotheby's. Along the way, many questions are raised. Did Beethoven die of natural causes? Were Hiller's descendents persecuted by the Nazis? Or were they Nazi sympathizers? And most important, what connections can readers themselves make among events from the past? The answers aren't clear-cut, and Martin and Nibley are careful not to present speculation as fact, instead teasing out different conclusions that could be drawn based on that which is known. The text is effectively echoed by the many well-captioned black-and-white art reproductions, showing Beethoven's progression from bright young performer to brooding composer to desperately ill man. Additionally, photographs of such artifacts as Beethoven's death mask and the curl of hair itself bring tangibility to this intriguing story. An index is included.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ci\u003eNSTA Recommends\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCan you help solve the 200-year-old mystery about what caused this great musician’s poor health? After an interesting passage through history, a lock of Beethoven’s hair was analyzed with modern forensics and problem solving to reach a definitive answer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith the appeal of CSI, the book begins with the story of Beethoven—a young man whose wild hair flew in all directions as he traveled through Vienna. Vivid descriptions and vintage photographs will lure even those without a disposition for science into the mystery, and the strange chain of evidence, as a lock cut from the composer's hair on his deathbed comes into the possession of modern Americans.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis NSTA\/CBC Outstanding Science Trade Book for 2010 is one that middle and secondary readers may find hard to put down. As they follow the investigation, they'll learn about Beethoven, forensics, and the scientific method.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChildren's Literature Database\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn Beethoven's death a gray-brown lock of his hair was snipped by a fifteen-year-old musician, Ferdinand Hiller, from the composer's corpse, and placed in a locket. Vignettes from the brilliant, troubled composer's life alternate with an account of the forensic detective work conducted on the lock of hair after it was acquired by collectors in 1994. The combination makes for a fascinating book, a young readers' version of Martin's national bestseller, \u003ci\u003eBeethoven's Hair\u003c\/i\u003e. Hiller became a composer and musician himself, and he took seriously Beethoven's injunction to him to devote his life to his art. Hiller also happened to be of Jewish heritage, from a family that may have protected itself by hiding that aspect of its identity. In a continent rapidly becoming engulfed with anti-Semitism it is unclear how the lock of hair got to Denmark as it obviously did. Martin and Nibley use those chapters to speculate on possibilities and to flesh out the events of the evacuation of Denmark for young readers. Here the missing elements of story offer an opportunity to contextualize and clarify, where such a panning out to the larger events of the time may be seen as a weakness in the adult book. Woven into the narrative as well are the lives of the two impassioned Beethoven collectors, Alfredo \"Che\" Guevara of Laredo, Texas, and Ira Brilliant of Arizona, who acquired the lock of hair at a Sotheby's auction. Finally, \u003ci\u003eThe Mysteries of Beethoven's Hair\u003c\/i\u003e details the meticulous process of testing and investigating historical artifacts, and cumulatively building our knowledge about the lives that touched them. An afterword provides the story behind both the adult book and this one. A note from the authors clarifies aspects of the art of narrative nonfiction.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DETAILS BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDetails\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHardcover\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003eISBN: 978-1-57091-714-1\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePaperback\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003eISBN: 978-1-57091-715-8\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eE-book\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eISBN: 978-1-60734-781-1 EPUB\u003cbr\u003e ISBN: 978-1-60734-135-2 PDF\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAges: 10 and up\u003cbr\u003ePage count: 128\u003cbr\u003e6 x 9\u003c\/p\u003e\n[\/TABS]","brand":"Charlesbridge","offers":[{"title":"Paperback","offer_id":4649007041,"sku":"17158","price":3.98,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/products\/mysteries-of-beethovens-hair-cover.jpg?v=1586805312"},{"product_id":"kenyas-song","title":"Kenya's Song","description":"\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR\/ILLUSTRATOR INFO BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy: \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/pages\/linda-trice\" title=\"Linda Trice bio\"\u003eLinda Trice\u003c\/a\u003e \/ Illustrated by: \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/pages\/pamela-johnson\" title=\"Pamela Johnson bio\"\u003ePamela Johnson\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER HEADING BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eA celebration of music and diversity.\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER DESCRIPTION BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKenya’s homework is to pick her favorite song and share it with her class. Sounds simple, but for Kenya, it’s anything but. With all that beautiful music in the world, how can she possibly choose? Her family and friends try to help by offering their favorite songs as choices, but it’s no help to Kenya. While those around her have made some great suggestions, Kenya has a hard time calling any one of them her favorite.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor inspiration, Kenya accompanies her father to the Caribbean Cultural Center where he plays music. Kenya hears music from Cuba and Trinidad, Haiti and Puerto Rico. She hears music in all different languages—French, English, Spanish. But still, Kenya can’t decide which song she likes best. Finally, Kenya makes her decision—one that will surprise readers while inspiring them to listen to the world around them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER RECOMMENDATIONS BELOW - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"recommended-books\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you like this book, you’ll enjoy these:\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/products\/kenyas-art\" title=\"Kenya's Art\"\u003eKenya's Art\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/products\/what-we-wear\" title=\"What We Wear\"\u003eWhat We Wear\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/products\/under-the-mambo-moon\" title=\"Under the Mambo Moon\"\u003eUnder the Mambo Moon\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - START OF TABS - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e [TABS]\n\u003ch5\u003eLook Inside\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg class=\"cvr-border-gray\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/kenyas-song-spread.jpg?10919261028285229686\"\u003e\u003c!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --\u003e\u003cscript src=\"\/\/assets.pinterest.com\/js\/pinit.js\" data-pin-hover=\"true\" data-pin-height=\"32\" data-pin-shape=\"round\" defer async=\"\" type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003e\u003c\/script\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor \u0026amp; Illustrator\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLinda Trice, author\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLinda Trice, Ph.D., a former elementary school teacher and Black Studies professor, is the author of many children’s works, including Charles Drew: Pioneer of Blood Plasma, a biography of the African-American surgeon who created blood banks during World War II.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/pages\/linda-trice\" title=\"Linda Trice bio\"\u003eRead more\u003c\/a\u003e about Linda.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - ENTER ILLUSTRATOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePamela Johnson, illustrator\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePamela Johnson is the illustrator of many children's books, including Living History Day (Harcourt), and If You Lived with the Indians of the Northwest Coast (Scholastic). She lives in Highland, California.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/pages\/pamela-johnson\" title=\"Pamela Johnson bio\"\u003eRead more\u003c\/a\u003e about Pamela.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - ENTER REVIEWS BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEditorial Reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSchool Library Journal\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThough Kenya comes from a musical family, she is having trouble with her homework assignment—choosing her favorite song. Her daddy, who plays jazz piano, takes her to the Caribbean Cultural Center, where she hears songs in several languages, dances the merengue, and makes maracas. Walking home through the park, their feet keep time, and they make up words to match the marching-band beat. She asks for her dad's help in writing an original song. The next Monday, the students in Mrs. Garcia's class share music and dances from their homelands. When her turn comes, with her daddy on the piano, her classmates sing along, and Kenya sings, \"English, French, Spanish, too-\/Music's how I speak to you!\/Doesn't matter where you're from-\/Just sing your song and play your drum!\" The illustrations, done in colored pencils and watercolor, show talented young people proud of their heritage and willing to share it with others. The final illustration is a chalkboard map of the Caribbean islands, showing how much diversity exists in places so close together. Teachers and librarians will want to share recordings of the various types of music, and some lucky listeners may have hands-on experiences with maracas, bongos, and other rhythm instruments. Kenya's appreciation for the music around her and her loving relationship with her father make this an appealing story for most libraries.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DOWNLOADABLES BELOW - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDownloadables\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/kenyas-song-cvr.jpg?18079895628948459396\" style=\"display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/kenyas-song-hires.zip?18079895628948459396\" class=\"product-btn\"\u003eDownload the Cover\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DETAILS BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDetails\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHardcover\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003eISBN: 978-1-57091-846-9\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePaperback\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eISBN: 978-1-57091-847-6\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eE-book PDF\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eISBN: 978-1-60734-589-3\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAges: 4-8\u003cbr\u003ePage count: 32\u003cbr\u003e11 x 8 \u003csup\u003e1\u003c\/sup\u003e\/\u003csub\u003e2\u003c\/sub\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n[\/TABS]","brand":"Charlesbridge","offers":[{"title":"Hardcover","offer_id":5676716417,"sku":"18469","price":8.98,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Paperback","offer_id":5677899329,"sku":"18476","price":7.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/products\/kenyas-song-cover.jpg?v=1586796799"},{"product_id":"haydns-farewell-symphony","title":"Haydn's Farewell Symphony","description":"\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR\/ILLUSTRATOR INFO BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy: \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/pages\/anna-harwell-celenza\" title=\"Author Anna Harwell Celenza\"\u003eAnna Harwell Celenza\u003c\/a\u003e \/ Illustrated by: \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/pages\/joann-e-kitchel\" title=\"Illustrator JoAnn E. Kitchel\"\u003eJoAnn E. Kitchell\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER HEADING BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAs the summer wears on, Haydn and his musicians long to go home.\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER DESCRIPTION BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnna Harwell Celenza's engaging fictionalized telling of the story behind Franz Joseph Haydn's famous symphony is a perfect introduction to classical music and its power. \u003cem\u003eHaydn's Farewell Symphony\u003c\/em\u003e brings to life a long summer spent at Esterháza, the summer palace of Prince Nicholas of Esterházy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe blustering, bellowing prince entertained hundreds of guests at his rural retreat and demanded music for every occasion. As the months passed, Haydn was kept very busy writing and performing music for parties, balls, dinners, and even walks in the gardens. His orchestra members became homesick and missed their families. The anger, frustration, and longing of the musicians is expressed beautifully in the symphony born of the clever mind of Joseph Haydn who used it to convince Prince Nicholas that it was time to go home.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWonderfully expressive illustrations by JoAnn E. Kitchel capture all the comedy and pathos of this unique symphony. Beautifully interpretive motifs and borders convey the setting and emotion of the story mirroring the structure of the symphony with the repetitive use of sets of four. Making classical music and history come alive with color and character, \u003cem\u003eHaydn's Farewell Symphony\u003c\/em\u003e ensures a place for the arts in the hearts and minds of children.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVisit \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/pages\/annas-music-spot\" title=\"Anna's Music Spot\"\u003eAnna's Music Spot\u003c\/a\u003e for links to recordings suggested by Anna Harwell Celenza.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER RECOMMENDATIONS BELOW - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"recommended-books\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you like this book, you’ll enjoy these:\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/collections\/once-upon-a-masterpiece\" title=\"Once Upon a Masterpiece\"\u003eThe Once Upon a Masterpiece series\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/products\/duke-ellingtons-nutcracker-suite\" title=\"Duke Ellington's Nutcracker Suite\"\u003eDuke Ellington's Nutcracker Suite\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/pages\/annas-music-spot\" title=\"Anna's Music Spot\"\u003eAnna's Music Spot\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - START OF TABS - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e [TABS]\n\u003ch5\u003eLook Inside\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg class=\"cvr-border-gray\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/haydns-farewell-symphony-spread.jpg?1222918125662851290\"\u003e\u003c!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --\u003e\u003cscript src=\"\/\/assets.pinterest.com\/js\/pinit.js\" data-pin-hover=\"true\" data-pin-height=\"32\" data-pin-shape=\"round\" defer async=\"\" type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003e\u003c\/script\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor \u0026amp; Illustrator\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAnna Harwell Celenza, author\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnna Harwell Celenza is a musicologist and the author of several books for adults and children regarding music history and the history of art. Her children’s books include \u003ci\u003eHaydn's Farewell Symphony\u003c\/i\u003e, \u003ci\u003eMussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition\u003c\/i\u003e, \u003ci\u003eGershwin's Rhapsody in Blue\u003c\/i\u003e, and \u003ci\u003eVivaldi's Four Seasons\u003c\/i\u003e. Anna lives in Baltimore, Maryland.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/pages\/anna-harwell-celenza\" title=\"Author Anna Harwell Celenza\"\u003eRead more\u003c\/a\u003e about Anna.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - ENTER ILLUSTRATOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJoAnn E. Kitchel, illustrator\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJoAnn E. Kitchel received her B.A. in art education from Central Michigan University. She has illustrated \u003ci\u003eHaydn's Farewell Symphony\u003c\/i\u003e, \u003ci\u003eMussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition\u003c\/i\u003e, \u003ci\u003eThe Heroic Symphony\u003c\/i\u003e, and \u003ci\u003eHanukkah Lights\u003c\/i\u003e (Chronicle Books). JoAnn lives in Mt. Vernon, New Hampshire.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/pages\/joann-e-kitchel\" title=\"Illustrator JoAnn E. Kitchel\"\u003eRead more \u003c\/a\u003eabout JoAnn.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - ENTER AWARDS \u0026 HONORS BELOW - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAwards \u0026amp; Honors\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIndependent Publisher Book Awards\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBank Street College of Education's Best Books of the Year\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - ENTER REVIEWS BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEditorial Reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eComing soon!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DOWNLOADABLES BELOW - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDownloadables\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/haydns-farewell-symphony-cvr.jpg?1222918125662851290\" style=\"display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/haydns-farewell-symphony-hires.zip?11100282619576769700\" class=\"product-btn\"\u003eDownload the Cover\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DETAILS BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDetails\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHardcover\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003eISBN: 978-1-58089-527-9\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eE-book\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eISBN: 978-1-63289-501-1 EPUB\u003cbr\u003e ISBN: 978-1-63289-502-8 PDF\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAges: 6-9\u003cbr\u003ePage count: 32\u003cbr\u003e9 x 9\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eCorrelated to Common Core State Standards:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEnglish Language Arts-Literacy. Reading Informational. Grade 2. Standards 1-4, 6, 8, 10\u003cbr\u003eEnglish Language Arts-Literacy. Reading Informational. Grade 3. Standards 1-4, 6-8, 10\u003c\/p\u003e\n[\/TABS]","brand":"Charlesbridge","offers":[{"title":"Hardcover","offer_id":7059268481,"sku":"95279","price":16.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/products\/haydns-farewell-symphony-cover.jpg?v=1586795773"},{"product_id":"the-harmonica","title":"The Harmonica","description":"\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR\/ILLUSTRATOR INFO BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy: \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/pages\/tony-johnston\" title=\"Author Tony Johnston\"\u003eTony Johnston\u003c\/a\u003e \/ Illustrated by: \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/pages\/ron-mazellan\" title=\"Ron Mazellan\"\u003eRon Mazellan\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER HEADING BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eA testament to the human spirit and the transcendent power of music.\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER DESCRIPTION BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen the Nazis invaded Poland, a Jewish family is split apart. The parents are sent to one concentration camp, their son to another. Only his father's gift, a harmonica, keeps the boy's hopes alive and, miraculously, ensures his survival.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTony Johnston's powerful story, inspired by the life of a Holocaust survivor, is enhanced by Ron Mazellan's luminous artwork.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER RECOMMENDATIONS BELOW - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"recommended-books\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you like this book, you’ll enjoy these:\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/products\/bachs-goldberg-variations\"\u003eBach's Goldberg Variations\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/products\/the-language-of-angels\"\u003eThe Language of Angels\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - START OF TABS - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e [TABS]\n\u003ch5\u003eLook Inside\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg class=\"cvr-border-gray\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/harmonica-spread.jpg?2525034260962356765\"\u003e\u003c!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --\u003e\u003cscript type=\"text\/javascript\" async=\"\" defer data-pin-shape=\"round\" data-pin-height=\"32\" data-pin-hover=\"true\" src=\"\/\/assets.pinterest.com\/js\/pinit.js\"\u003e\u003c\/script\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor \u0026amp; Illustrator\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTony Johnston, author\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTony Johnston is the author of many books for children, including \u003ci\u003eCat, What is That?\u003c\/i\u003e (David R. Godine), \u003ci\u003eBone by Bone\u003c\/i\u003e (Roaring Brook Press), and \u003ci\u003eThe Cat With Seven Names\u003c\/i\u003e. She lives in San Marino, California.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/pages\/tony-johnston\" title=\"Author Tony Johnston\"\u003eRead more\u003c\/a\u003e about Tony Johnston.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - ENTER ILLUSTRATOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRon Mazellan, illustrator\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRon Mazellan has been a graphic designer and commercial illustrator for more than 20 years. \u003ci\u003eThe Harmonica\u003c\/i\u003e is his first children's book. Ron teaches art at Indiana Wesleyan University and lives in Marion, Indiana with his family.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/pages\/ron-mazellan\" title=\"Ron Mazellan\"\u003eRead more\u003c\/a\u003e about Ron.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - ENTER AWARDS \u0026 HONORS BELOW - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAwards \u0026amp; Honors\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStorytelling World Award Honor Title\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNotable Children's Book of Jewish Content\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAssociation of Jewish Libraries Jewish Stars\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIRA\/CBC Children's Choices\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAJL Sydney Taylor Notable Books for Older Readers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - ENTER REVIEWS BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEditorial Reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKirkus Reviews\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis dark place is based on a Holocaust survivor's experience. A boy lives happily with his parents in Poland, singing and learning to play harmonica; however, the mixed-media illustrations already swirl with anguish and the barbed wire on the cover looms large. Sent to a concentration camp alone, he endures hunger, cold, and forced labor. In a painful twist, an officer discovers his musical gift: \"'Play, Jew!' The commandant spat, night after night.\" Tormented, the boy plays Schubert, wrestling with a the question of how the beautiful music can both invoke his loving parents and also bring rapture to a murderous Nazi officer. One night in the dark barracks, a voice whispers, \"Bless you\": the Schubert has reached the ears of the prisoners as well. So in his heart, he plays for them - and for his gone-forever parents. Frequent figurative language gives the narrative voice an adult tone. Visually effective and grim.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBooklist\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBased on a true survivor story, this powerful picture book is yet another astonishing Holocaust account for discussion. A Polish Jewish child, blissfully happy with his loving parents, gets a harmonica from his coal-miner father and learns to play Schubert while his parents dance. The realistic mixed-media, double-page illustrations contrast that glowing warmth of home with the darkness that comes when Nazi soldiers break down the door, separate the boy from his family, and send him to the camps. His harmonica becomes his solace. The commandant hears about the child's playing. He orders the boy to play Schubert and throws him bread. In the end, however, the music does nothing to humanize the brutal Nazis. In fact, one unforgettable picture shows the commandant blissfully listening to music, one hand over his heart and the other holding a whip. The home memories are idyllic, but there's absolutely no sentimentality about the child's survival. Johnston gives children and grown-ups lots to talk about here- for example, Can a person be both sensitive and cruel?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublishers Weekly\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSet in WWII Poland and inspired by a true story of a Jewish family, Johnston's (\u003ci\u003eUncle Rain Cloud\u003c\/i\u003e) stirring tale opens on a wistful note: \"I cannot remember\/ my father's face,\/ or my mother's,\/ but I remember their love,\/ warm and enfolding\/ as a song.\" Mazellan's lifelike, earth-toned mixed-media paintings reveal a boy and his parents, first huddled together over a book, then singing together, then listening to the music of Schubert coming from a neighbor's gramophone. When his father returns from his job in a coal mine with a harmonica and gives it to the boy, his son practices on it until he can play Schubert. Meanwhile, \"Somewhere outside, a war\/ was raging. But it was far away-\/ a bad dream- leaving us untouched.\" But not for long. The tenor of the narrative changes abruptly as Mazellan depicts Nazi soldier banging on the door; the family is separated and the boy is sent to a concentration camp. When the commandant insists the lad play his harmonica for him each night, the boy cannot imagine how someone so cruel could appreciate the beauty of Schubert's music and is disgusted to perform it for him. But he finds solace in the realization that his playing also reaches his fellow prisoners, \"who might hear the notes\/ and be lifted, like flights\/ of birds.\" The illustrator makes an affecting children's book debut, choosing images that communicate the story's pathos while sparing the audience many of the setting's horrors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAssociation of Jewish Libraries Newsletter\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a gem of a Holocaust story! This picture book for older readers does not explain its Holocaust setting, but the point of the story is not history, the point is celebration of love and life and hope. Based on a true story, this is the tale of how music helps a boy survive on many levels. The young narrator's harmonica-playing helps him survive, literally: a Schubert-loving Nazi officer throws him extra bread. It helps him keep alive the memory of his parents who used to dance to his playing. And when he learns that other prisoners need the beauty of his playing, it brings him hope and a reason to go on. Every word is carefully chosen, and the story reads like a prose poem. The illustrations are breathtaking. While the palette is necessarily dark, color is used consciously to cue the mood with warm or cold tones. Faces are individual and expressive, positioning is hyper-realistic, and the implied movements are graceful. While realistic, the illustrations are also symbolic and sometimes slightly surreal: the Nazi's dogs have devilish red eyes, and in one scene a death's-head can be discerned in the shadows behind the commandant. This well-constructed book is an inspiring tale of human resilience, with an appeal that will reach both Jewish and non-Jewish readers. A must for any Holocaust collection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSchool Library Journal\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInspired by the story of a Holocaust survivor, this exquisite picture book is poignant and powerful. Simple sentences charged with delicate word choices briefly recount the first-person narration of a poor but happy boy and his parents in Poland who were captured, split up, and taken to concentration camps. The youngster manages to take with him the harmonica his father gave him, on which he plays Schubert. The commandant of the camp learns of his talents and orders him to, \"Play, Jew!\" The boy complies - and finds out that the whole camp hears him and takes heart from the music. The mixed-media illustrations change from a warm to cold palette to underscore the move from home to camp. While the story is set in World War II, the theme is broader, and makes a case for the power of music\/art to support and sustain humanity. There is an appended note about the life of Henryk Rosmaryn.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNational Jewish Post \u0026amp; Opinion\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe time is World War II Poland, and the narrator, a young boy, remembers the singing and music that was part of his home and a harmonica his father gave to him.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThen the Nazis came.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book is based on the true story of a man who lived in Poland and played harmonica all his life until he died in the United States in 2001.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIndiana graphic artist Ron Mazellan, illustrating his first children's book, enhances the beautifully written Holocaust story with dark-toned, mixed media illustrations on illustration board.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGeared for older children eight and up, the book is definitely intense and grim, but it avoids scenes which would be disturbing to young readers, instead focusing on the boy and the harmonica.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DOWNLOADABLES BELOW - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDownloadables\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/harmonica-cvr.jpg?3198468650119555984\" style=\"display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/harmonica-hires.zip?3198468650119555984\" class=\"product-btn\"\u003eDownload the Cover\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DETAILS BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDetails\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePaperback\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003eISBN: 978-1-57091-489-8\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eE-book PDF\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eISBN: 978-1-60734-259-5\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAges: 7+\u003cbr\u003ePage count: 32\u003cbr\u003e8 \u003csup\u003e1\u003c\/sup\u003e\/\u003csub\u003e2\u003c\/sub\u003e x 11\u003c\/p\u003e\n[\/TABS]","brand":"Charlesbridge","offers":[{"title":"Paperback","offer_id":7279993537,"sku":"42595","price":7.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/products\/harmonica-cover.jpg?v=1586804644"},{"product_id":"mussorgskys-pictures-at-an-exhibition","title":"Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition","description":"\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR\/ILLUSTRATOR INFO BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy: \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/pages\/anna-harwell-celenza\" title=\"Author Anna Harwell Celenza\"\u003eAnna Harwell Celenza \u003c\/a\u003e\/ Illustrated by: \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/pages\/joann-e-kitchel\" title=\"Illustrator JoAnn E. Kitchel\"\u003eJoAnn E. Kitchel\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER HEADING BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eMussorgsky finds peace in music after his friend passes away.\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER DESCRIPTION BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen his friend Victor suddenly dies, composer Mussorgsky is deeply saddened. But, with the help of his friends, and through his own music, Modest finds a way to keep Victor's spirit alive.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReaders of all ages will enjoy the inspirational story behind the composition of \u003cem\u003ePictures at an Exhibition\u003c\/em\u003e. Bright, colorful illustrations incorporate elements of Russian folk art and traditional symbols. View pages from artist JoAnn Kitchel's notebook for explanations of the symbols and see her pencil-sketch research of the Russian culture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVisit \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/pages\/annas-music-spot\" title=\"Anna's Music Spot\"\u003eAnna's Music Spot\u003c\/a\u003e for links to recordings suggested by author Anna Harwell Celenza.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER RECOMMENDATIONS BELOW - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"recommended-books\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you like this book, you’ll enjoy these:\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/collections\/once-upon-a-masterpiece\" title=\"Once Upon a Masterpiece\"\u003eThe Once Upon a Masterpiece series\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/products\/duke-ellingtons-nutcracker-suite\" title=\"Duke Ellington's Nutcracker Suite\"\u003eDuke Ellington's Nutcracker Suite\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/pages\/annas-music-spot\" title=\"Anna's Music Spot\"\u003eAnna's Music Spot\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - START OF TABS - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e [TABS]\n\u003ch5\u003eLook Inside\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg class=\"cvr-border-gray\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/mussorgskys-pictures-at-an-exhibition-spread.jpg?10719852741281302486\"\u003e\u003c!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --\u003e\u003cscript src=\"\/\/assets.pinterest.com\/js\/pinit.js\" data-pin-hover=\"true\" data-pin-height=\"32\" data-pin-shape=\"round\" defer async=\"\" type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003e\u003c\/script\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR'S NOTE BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor's Note\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003ePictures at an Exhibition\u003c\/i\u003e is a true story. The characters—Modest Mussorgsky, Victor Hartmann, and Vladimir Stasov—really did exist, and the events in this book were inspired by documented evidence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eModest Mussorgsky (1839-1881) was the most strikingly individual Russian composer of the late 19th century. Largely self-taught, he belonged to a group of revolutionary composers nicknamed the ‘Moguchaya Kuchka’ (‘Mighty Handful’) by the art critic Vladimir Stasov (1824-1906). This group strove to create an unmistakably Russian music and, with the piano suite \u003cem\u003ePictures at an Exhibition\u003c\/em\u003e, Mussorgsky succeeded.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 1870 Mussorgsky befriended the architect Victor Hartmann (1834-1873). Both Mussorgsky and Stasov were drawn to Hartmann’s use of Russian designs and motifs, but their enthusiasm was not shared by later generations. If it were not for Modest’s music, Hartmann’s work would be completely forgotten. In fact, many of Hartmann’s artworks, including four of the pictures represented in \u003cem\u003ePictures at an Exhibition\u003c\/em\u003e, no longer exist.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUpon learning of Hartmann’s death, Mussorgsky expressed his despair in a letter to Stasov: “What a terrible blow! Why should a dog, a horse, a rat, live on and creatures like Hartmann must die!” The physical and psychological effects Hartmann’s death had on Mussorgsky are likewise described in a letter written by Stasov on June 18, 1873: “Mussorgsky has completely changed. He has begun to drink more and more, his face has swollen and turned dark red, his eyes have gone bad . . . So many efforts have been made to drag him out and join him with us again—nothing helps.” Mussorgsky’s respect for Hartmann’s work was recorded in the obituary he wrote for the Sankt Peterburgskiye Vedemosti. And his guilt over Hartmann’s sudden death was described in an autobiographical essay written in 1880. Letters written by Stasov (nicknamed “Généralissime” due to his bossy personality) and Mussorgsky tell much of thestory presented in this book. History rarely preserves the personal details that bring a story to life, consequently, I relied on my imagination to fill in some of the gaps.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo sketches exist for \u003ci\u003ePictures at an Exhibition\u003c\/i\u003e. In general, Mussorgsky composed at the piano and only wrote music down once it was relatively complete. A description of this process was recorded by Mussorgsky in a letter to Stasov written June 12, 1874: “Hartmann is boiling [inside me]. Sounds and ideas are hanging in the air; I am devouring them and stuffing myself—I barely have time to scribble them on paper.” The original autograph copy of \u003ci\u003ePictures at an Exhibition\u003c\/i\u003e is preserved in the Saltykov-Schedrin Public Library in St. Petersburg, Russia. It bears the dedication recorded in this book.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen Mussorgsky died in 1881, audiences outside Russia were not familiar with \u003ci\u003ePictures at an Exhibition\u003c\/i\u003e—he was best known for his opera Boris Gudonov. But in the years that followed many composers from around the world illuminated Mussorgsky’s music with the sounds of the orchestra. Although the orchestration created by the French composer Maurice Ravel is the most famous today, the one created by Vladimir Ashkenazy is more faithful to Mussorgsky’s original ideas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor \u0026amp; Illustrator\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAnna Harwell Celenza, author\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnna Harwell Celenza is a musicologist and the author of several books for adults and children regarding music history and the history of art. Her children’s books include \u003ci\u003eHaydn's Farewell Symphony\u003c\/i\u003e, \u003ci\u003eMussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition\u003c\/i\u003e, \u003ci\u003eGershwin's Rhapsody in Blue\u003c\/i\u003e, and \u003ci\u003eVivaldi's Four Seasons\u003c\/i\u003e. Anna lives in Baltimore, Maryland.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/pages\/anna-harwell-celenza\" title=\"Author Anna Harwell Celenza\"\u003eRead more\u003c\/a\u003e about Anna.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - ENTER ILLUSTRATOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJoAnn E. Kitchel, illustrator\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJoAnn E. Kitchel received her B.A. in art education from Central Michigan University. She has illustrated \u003ci\u003eHaydn's Farewell Symphony\u003c\/i\u003e, \u003ci\u003eMussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition\u003c\/i\u003e, \u003ci\u003eThe Heroic Symphony\u003c\/i\u003e, and \u003ci\u003eHanukkah Lights\u003c\/i\u003e (Chronicle Books). JoAnn lives in Mt. Vernon, New Hampshire.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/pages\/joann-e-kitchel\" title=\"Illustrator JoAnn E. Kitchel\"\u003eRead more \u003c\/a\u003eabout JoAnn.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DOWNLOADABLES BELOW - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDownloadables\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/mussorgskys-pictures-at-an-exhibition-cvr.jpg?10719852741281302486\" style=\"display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/mussorgskys-pictures-at-an-exhibition-hires.zip?918553998420196513\" class=\"product-btn\"\u003eDownload the Cover\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/illustrator-notes.pdf?11073769991674851813\" class=\"product-btn\"\u003eSee the Illustrator's Notes\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DETAILS BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDetails\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHardcover\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003eISBN: 978-1-58089-528-6\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eE-book\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eISBN: 978-1-63289-503-5 EPUB\u003cbr\u003e ISBN: 978-1-63289-504-2 PDF\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAges: 6-9\u003cbr\u003ePage count: 32\u003cbr\u003e9 x 9\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eCorrelated to Common Core State Standards:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEnglish Language Arts-Literacy. Reading Informational. Grade 2. Standards 1-4, 6, 8, 10\u003cbr\u003eEnglish Language Arts-Literacy. Reading Informational. Grade 3. Standards 1-4, 6-8, 10\u003c\/p\u003e\n[\/TABS]","brand":"Charlesbridge","offers":[{"title":"Hardcover","offer_id":7438886145,"sku":"95286","price":16.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/products\/mussorgskys-pictures-at-an-exhibition-cover.jpg?v=1586799040"},{"product_id":"music-was-it","title":"Music Was IT","description":"\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan size=\"4\" style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003eMusic Was IT\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan size=\"3\" style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003eYoung Leonard Bernstein\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR\/ILLUSTRATOR INFO BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy: \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/pages\/susan-goldman-rubin\" title=\"Susan Goldman Rubin bio\"\u003eSusan Goldman Rubin\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER HEADING BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e“Life without music is unthinkable.”—Leonard Bernstein, \u003ci\u003eFindings\u003c\/i\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER DESCRIPTION BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen Lenny was two years old, his mother found that the only way to soothe her crying son was to turn on the Victrola. When his aunt passed on her piano to Lenny’s parents, the boy demanded lessons. When Lenny went to school, he had the most fun during “singing hours.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut Lenny’s love of music was met with opposition from the start. Lenny’s father, a successful businessman, wanted Lenny to follow in his footsteps. Additionally, the classical music world of the 1930s and 1940s was dominated by Europeans—no American Jewish kid had a serious chance to make a name for himself in this field.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBeginning with Lenny’s childhood in Boston and ending with his triumphant conducting debut at Carnegie Hall with the New York Philharmonic when he was just twenty-five, \u003ci\u003eMusic Was IT\u003c\/i\u003e draws readers into the energetic, passionate, challenging, music-filled life of young Leonard Bernstein.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eArchival photographs, mostly from the Leonard Bernstein Collection at the Library of Congress, illustrate this fascinating biography, which also includes a foreword by Bernstein’s daughter Jamie. Extensive back matter includes biographies of important people in Bernstein’s life, as well as a discography of his music.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER RECOMMENDATIONS BELOW - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"recommended-books\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you like this book, you’ll enjoy these:\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/products\/candy-bomber\" title=\"Candy Bomber\"\u003eCandy Bomber: The Story of the Berlin Airlift's \"Chocolate Pilot\"\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/products\/the-mysteries-of-beethovens-hair\" title=\"The Mysteries of Beethoven's Hair\"\u003eThe Mysteries of Beethoven's Hair\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/products\/after-gandhi-one-hundred-years-of-nonviolent-resistance\" title=\"After Gandhi\"\u003eAfter Gandhi\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - START OF TABS - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e [TABS]\n\u003ch5\u003eLook Inside\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg class=\"cvr-border-gray\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/music-was-it-spread.jpg?4440655013826712170\"\u003e\u003c!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --\u003e \u003cscript src=\"\/\/assets.pinterest.com\/js\/pinit.js\" data-pin-hover=\"true\" data-pin-height=\"32\" data-pin-shape=\"round\" defer async=\"\" type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003e\u003c\/script\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor \u0026amp; Illustrator\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSusan Goldman Rubin, author\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSusan Goldman Rubin is the author of more than a dozen books for young readers, including \u003cem\u003eAndy Warhol: Pop Art Painter\u003c\/em\u003e (Abrams) and \u003cem\u003eThe Cat with the Yellow Star: Coming of Age in Terezin\u003c\/em\u003e (Holiday House), both ALA Notable Books. Susan lives in Malibu, California.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/pages\/susan-goldman-rubin\" title=\"Susan Goldman Rubin bio\"\u003eRead more\u003c\/a\u003e about Susan.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - ENTER AWARDS \u0026 HONORS BELOW - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAwards \u0026amp; Honors\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA Junior Library Guild Selection\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books Blue Ribbon\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSydney Taylor Book Award, Older Readers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNCSS\/CBC Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCarter G. Woodson Award, Middle Grade\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eALA Notable Children's Book\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePSLA Young Adult Top 40\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - ENTER REVIEWS BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEditorial Reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/star-fade.gif?18127980511287865543\"\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eKirkus Reviews\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e, starred review\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn impeccably researched and told biography of Leonard Bernstein’s musical apprenticeship, from toddlerhood to his conducting debut with the New York Philharmonic at age 25.\u003c\/p\u003e\nRubin traces Lenny’s education, musical influences and enduring friendships. Lenny reveled in mounting elaborate musical productions in Sharon, Mass., his family’s summer community. As a student, he augmented support from his family by giving lessons, accompanying singers, transcribing music and more; the narrative sparkles with details that match its subject’s energy and verve. Especially crystalline are the links drawn between father Sam’s decades-long dismissal of his son’s musical gifts and the consequential importance of mentors and supportive teachers in the young man’s life. In exploring Lenny’s devout Jewish roots and coming of age during the persecution of Jews in Europe, the author reveals how dramatically Bernstein altered the landscape for conductors on the American scene. In an epilogue sketching Bernstein’s later life, she briefly mentions his bisexuality, marriage and children. Drawn from interviews, family memoirs and other print resources, quotations are well-integrated and assiduously attributed. Photos, concert programs, early doodles and letters, excerpts from musical scores and other primary documentation enhance the text.\n\u003cp\u003eExcellent bookmaking—from type to trim size—complements a remarkable celebration of a uniquely American musical genius.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/star-fade.gif?18127980511287865543\"\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eBooklist\u003c\/strong\u003e, starred review\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat do you do when you have a dream and your father is firmly against it? That's the frame story for this highly readable and inspiring biography of Leonard Bernstein, whose father, Sam, was insistent that music should be a hobby and that Leonard should take over the family beauty-parlor-equipment buiness. But what Rubin's involving book makes so clear is that music was Leonard's life, and even a carping father couldn't change that. From the moment young Leonard started banging around on a relative's cast-off piano, the boy wanted more; as the years went on, that meant working to pay for his own lessons, worrying about what avenue his talents should take, and enduring prejudice for his American Jewish heritage, which made conducting seem an unlikely career. The book ends with Bernstein's unexpected conducting debut at Carnegie Hall, his father in the audience. The determination, charm, and talent of Bernstein overcome the fact that few readers will know him or his music (except perhaps \u003ci\u003eWest Side Story\u003c\/i\u003e). The wonderfully chosen photographs sometimes suffer from muddy reproduction, but the cover--showing a young Bernstein in a T-shirt conducting his heart out--is a sure draw. More about Bernstein comes in an expanded discography that includes videos and a bibliography of adult and youth books. Quotations are sourced, and thumbnail sketches of friends and colleagues mentioned in the book add dimension.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSchool Library Journal\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRubin's sparkling biography looks at one of the most influential and acclaimed composers\/conductors in recent history and brings his story to vibrant, colorful life. Starting at age two and ending with his exalted New York Philharmonic conducting debut at age 25, the fascinating events of Bernstein's life are neatly organized into well-paced chapters. Rubin provides an unbiased, thoughtful, and well-researched account of how the virtuoso grew to become a musical icon, discussing his family life, musical education, and the trials and triumphs he encountered along the way. Photographs and primary documents such as sheet music, concert programs, and telegrams punctuate the presentation and enhance the lively narrative. Rubin's writing is clear and accessible enough for readers unfamiliar with Bernstein, but has enough information and anecdotes to satisfy the curiosities of even his most dedicated fans. There are few comparable biographies currently available for children or young adults. Jim Whiting's \u003ci\u003eThe Life and Times of Leonard Bernstein\u003c\/i\u003e (Mitchell Lane, 2005) offers concise content, while Rubin's depiction has more heart and scope. \u003ci\u003eMusic Was It\u003c\/i\u003e is an engrossing, warm, and comprehensive read, and should be considered an essential purchase for most libraries. All readers will appreciate Bernstein's story of proficiency, perseverance, and passion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFraming the story of famed conductor Leonard Bernstein (1918-1990) in the context of the frustrated struggles between a loving father and son, Rubin spins his biography into a tale that reads as smoothly and compellingly as a novel. The focus is on Bernstein's musical development - not only his formal studies, but also the amateur theatrical productions he staged just for the fun of it, the friends he regularly jammed with, and the high-profile mentors and sheer lucky breaks that put him on track for his acclaimed debut with the New York Philharmonic at the age of twenty-five in 1943.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReport writers will find a treasure trove of back matter, from meticulous source notes, bibliography, and index, to a timeline, discography, and biographical portraits of persons influential in Bernstein's musical education. Most spreads include a photograph or document, although the black-and-white reproductions unfortunately appear dull and muddy against the matte, cream-colored stock. Young classical music fans who appreciate the passion and exuberance of Lang Lang or Gustavo Dudamel will be particularly delighted with this portrait of a star of yore on the rise.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Horn Book Magazine\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eClassical music during the early twentieth century was dominated by Europeans, but at a young age the Jewish-American Leonard Bernstein discovered a talent for piano that would, with the encouragement of various mentors, lead to a brilliant career as a conductor and composer. He pursued this career against the wishes of his father, who thought his son would always struggle as a musician (\u003ci\u003eklezmers\u003c\/i\u003e in his native Russia were little more than beggars); he wanted Lenny to take up the family business. Most orchestras were conducted by men in their forties, at least, but through a lot of perseverance and a little bit of luck, Bernstein made his triumphant conducting debut at Carnegie Hall with the New York Philharmonic at the age of twenty-five--with his father sitting proudly in the audience. A biography that focuses on the youth and early adulthood of its subject risks missing the point of a biography altogether (i.e., the fame and accomplishments are what drive our interest in the person), but Rubin, with her engaging style and infectious passion, succeeds here. A timeline, biographical sketches, bibliography and discography, source notes, and index are appended; numerous black-and-white photographs appear throughout.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBayViews\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom early childhood through his college and early adulthood, this engaging biography chronicles the life of Leonard Bernstein up to his triumphant debut at age twenty-five as conductor of the New York Philharmonic at Carnegie Hall. Sifting through a multitude of sources including personal interviews, author Rubin presents a well-balanced view of the young Leonard Bernstein who pursued music despite persistent opposition from his father. The chronicle introduces key figures and influences in both Bernstein’s personal and musical worlds, making generous use of quotations and occasionally citing more than one version of the same incident. The emphasis on people and personalities make this an engaging biography for a broad audience not limited to music students. Well-organized, with plentiful b\u0026amp;w photographs and ample back matter, this is an exemplary biography.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLibrary Media Connection\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRubin thoroughly documents critical events in Leonard Bernstein's life, from early childhood to his first of many triumphs as an accomplished pianist and as conductor with the New York Philharmonic Orchestra. Although Bernstein demonstrated a sincere love of music even as a toddler, his father never accepted a child who did not intend to follow in his footsteps. This conflict continued until, at the age of twenty-five, Leonard achieved recognition. This touching tribute to Bernstein is supported with musical scores, letters, and photographs, depicting his relationships with other artists who mentored and\/or collaborated with him and who bolstered his resolve. The biography concludes with brief sketches of Bernstein's peers and associates, a timeline of pertinent events in his life, a discography, bibliography, list of quotation sources, and photo credits. \u003ci\u003eMusic Was IT\u003c\/i\u003e is a valuable resource for students looking for a well-written biography, especially those interested in music.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DOWNLOADABLES BELOW - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDownloadables\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/music-was-it-cvr.jpg?11073769991674851813\" style=\"display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/music-was-it-hires.zip?11073769991674851813\" class=\"product-btn\"\u003eDownload the Cover\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/music-was-it-discussion-guide.pdf?11073769991674851813\" class=\"product-btn\"\u003eDownload the Discussion Guide\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DETAILS BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDetails\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePaperback\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003eISBN: 978-1-58089-345-9\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eE-book PDF\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eISBN: 978-1-60734-276-2\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAges: 9-12\u003cbr\u003ePage count: 192\u003cbr\u003e7 \u003csup\u003e3\u003c\/sup\u003e\/\u003csub\u003e8\u003c\/sub\u003e x 9\u003c\/p\u003e\n[\/TABS]","brand":"Charlesbridge","offers":[{"title":"Paperback","offer_id":7866526465,"sku":"93459","price":12.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/products\/music-was-it-cover.jpg?v=1586799026"},{"product_id":"duke-ellingtons-nutcracker-suite","title":"Duke Ellington's Nutcracker Suite","description":"\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR\/ILLUSTRATOR INFO BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy: \u003ca title=\"link to Anna Harwell Celenza's bio\" href=\"\/pages\/anna-harwell-celenza\"\u003eAnna Harwell Celenza\u003c\/a\u003e \/ Illustrated by: \u003ca title=\"link to Don Tate's bio\" href=\"\/pages\/don-tate\"\u003eDon Tate\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER HEADING BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHop-a-tooty and slim-slam-a-booty.\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER DESCRIPTION BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe hippest cats of jazz-a-tooty were Duke Ellington and his friend Billy Strayhorn. Together they composed some of the swingingest sounds in jazz and big band music, and people loved to dance to the music of the Duke Ellington Orchestra. When a music producer offered Duke a recording contract and said he could do anything he wanted, Billy, a classically trained musician, suggested Duke tackle Tchaikovsky’s \u003cem\u003eNutcracker Suite\u003c\/em\u003e, but with a twist.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Sugar Plum Fairy became the sultry Sugar Rum Cherry, the \u003cem\u003eDance of the Reed Pipes\u003c\/em\u003e became \u003cem\u003eToot Toot Tootie Toot\u003c\/em\u003e, like a calliope at Coney Island, and the \u003cem\u003eWaltz of the Flowers\u003c\/em\u003e became the \u003cem\u003eDance of the Floreadores\u003c\/em\u003e—like the flashy big spenders in Vegas. The rest of Tchaikovsy’s masterpiece was introduced to the musical influences of the great American cities of 1960: Las Vegas, Harlem, Los Angeles, New Orleans, and more.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDon Tate’s vibrant, exciting illustrations swirl across the page like the sounds of Duke and Billy’s modern Nutcracker dreams. A CD recording of the Ellington\/Strayhorn composition is also included when you purchase the \"Hardcover with CD option.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER RECOMMENDATIONS BELOW - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"recommended-books\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you like this book, you’ll enjoy these:\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/products\/the-night-before-christmas\" title=\"The Night Before Christmas\"\u003eThe Night Before Christmas\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/products\/haydns-farewell-symphony\" title=\"Haydn's Farewell Symphony\"\u003eHaydn's Farewell Symphony\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/products\/bachs-goldberg-variations\" title=\"Bach's Goldberg Variations\"\u003eBach's Goldberg Variations\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - START OF TABS - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e [TABS]\n\u003ch5\u003eLook Inside\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg class=\"cvr-border-gray\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/duke-ellingtons-nutcracker-suite-spread.jpg?7430257309323740583\"\u003e\u003c!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --\u003e\n\u003cscript type=\"text\/javascript\" async=\"\" defer data-pin-shape=\"round\" data-pin-height=\"32\" data-pin-hover=\"true\" src=\"\/\/assets.pinterest.com\/js\/pinit.js\"\u003e\u003c\/script\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor \u0026amp; Illustrator\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAnna Harwell Celenza, author\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnna Harwell Celenza is a musicologist and the author of several books for adults and children regarding music history and the history of art. Her children’s books include \u003ci\u003eThe Farewell Symphony\u003c\/i\u003e, \u003ci\u003ePictures at an Exhibition\u003c\/i\u003e, \u003ci\u003eGershwin's Rhapsody in Blue\u003c\/i\u003e, and \u003ci\u003eVivaldi's Four Seasons\u003c\/i\u003e. Anna lives in Baltimore, Maryland.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca title=\"link to Anna Harwell Celenza's bio page\" href=\"\/pages\/anna-harwell-celenza\"\u003eRead more\u003c\/a\u003e about Anna.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - ENTER ILLUSTRATOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDon Tate, illustrator\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDon Tate is the award-winning illustrator\/author of more than 25 books for children. He illustrated \u003cem\u003eShe Loved Baseball\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eRon’s Big Mission\u003c\/em\u003e, and \u003cem\u003eSummer Sun Risin’\u003c\/em\u003e. Don lives in Austin, Texas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca title=\"link to Don Tate's bio page\" href=\"\/pages\/don-tate\"\u003eRead more\u003c\/a\u003e about Don.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - ENTER AWARDS \u0026 HONORS BELOW - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAwards \u0026amp; Honors\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBank Street College of Education's Best Children's Books of the Year\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCCBC Choices 2012\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal Book Award\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - ENTER REVIEWS BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEditorial Reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBooklist\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn a night in 1960, legendary musician and band leader Duke Ellington, along with his collaborator Billy Strayhorn, decided to jazz up Tchaikovsky’s Christmastime staple, \u003cem\u003eNutcracker Suite\u003c\/em\u003e. Ellington’s new record producer was skeptical; audiences wanted jazz, not ballet. “My listeners want me, and I won’t let them down,” Ellington responds in this fictionalized re-creation of the three-day recording session of his singular interpretation. Drawing from liner notes and titles of musical movements, Celenza fills in facts and imagines Ellington’s eclectic inspirations as he transforms, for example, Tchaikovsky’s Sugar Plum Fairy into Sugar Rum Cherry, a West Indian film star. The author, a musicologist, also picks up on musical points of reference throughout the narrative, identifying influences from New Orleans jazz to the sounds of the Harlem Renaissance. Tate’s mixed-media illustrations celebrate the sensuous pleasure of Ellington’s creation with warm colors and loose lines. To deepen their sense of Celenza’s exuberant descriptions and Tate’s jazz-era–inspired art, readers will want to listen to the accompanying CD. \u003cem\u003e— Courtney Jones\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKirkus Reviews\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDrawing from letters, memoirs, photos, film and recordings, Celenza presents a spry account of the 1960 composition and recording of a decidedly swinging \u003cem\u003eNutcracker Suite\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLaced with invented dialogue and crisply delineating the close collaboration between Ellington and his brilliant, classically trained friend, Billy Strayhorn, the narrative traces the piece from radical idea to work in progress to exuberant recording session. Such a bold departure—classical ballet into jazz suite—required convincing: Both the recording exec \u003cem\u003eand\u003c\/em\u003e the band were initially dubious. Text and art sync around the premise that the musical traditions and global influences of the cities in which Duke and “Strays” worked—L.A., New York, New Orleans, Vegas—infused the evolving composition with distinct rhythms and cultural metaphors. The brilliant music cues Tate’s full-bleed mixed-media pictures. Bold ink strokes outline and define figures—Duke’s quizzical forehead and Strays’ distinctive cheekbones are expressive squiggles—and create movement across paint-spattered spreads studded with stars, snowflakes and musical notes. The palette marries rich violet-blues with hot, harmonious yellows, sepia and crimson. The delightful accompanying full-length CD is a \u003cem\u003emust\u003c\/em\u003e-listen, since text and art mesh with it in genuine symbiosis, song by song. Indeed, the absence of a track list—ideally, integrated within the relevant page spreads—is a missed opportunity for deepening context.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStill, real cool.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe New York Times Book Review\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 1960, Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn reinvented Tchaikovsky's holiday ballet classic as a jazzy, brassy \"melting pot of musical styles past and present.\" Celenza, a musicologist, loosely reimagines the recording sessions; spread by spread, each movement takes off. Tate, (\"Black All Around!,\" \"She Loved Baseball\") mixes lively images of the musicians playing with scenes that evoke, alternatively, the \"Russian Dance,\" (now \"The Volga Vouty\") and \"Waltz of the Flowers\" (\"Dance of the Floreadores\"). The book includes a CD recording of the song.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLos Angeles Times\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuke Ellington's band transforms the classical ballet into a cool-cat jazz number with Vegas glitz and Hollywood glamour. A CD recording of the Ellington\/Billy Strayhorn composition is included.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublishers Weekly\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePutting a jazzy spin on the holiday, Celenza tells the true story of how Duke Ellington recorded his rendition of Tchaikovsky’s \u003cem\u003eNutcracker Suite\u003c\/em\u003e. Tate’s mixed-media artwork keeps tempo with Celenza’s vibrant writing (“A little Vegas glitz appeared here and there.... Hollywood glamour mixed with the Harlem Renaissance as each dance tune fell into place”), incorporating piano keys, musical notation, swirling colors, and Nutcracker motifs spiced up with a big-band flavor. An upbeat Christmas book about breaking boundaries and experimenting with new ideas. Includes a recording of Ellington’s suite.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSchool Library Journal\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen Ellington signs a record contract in 1960, he teams up with fellow musician Billy Strayhorn, and the two composers create a new spin on Tchaikovsky's \u003cem\u003eNutcracker Suite\u003c\/em\u003e. The classical masterpiece is a holiday favorite and tinkering with something so well known is a bit risky. Ellington's band is not keen on tackling it, but he is not dissuaded. Even the record executive is skeptical until he hears the band recording in the studio. This fictionalization of Ellington and Strayhorn's daring collaboration is well told, and the illustrations convey the hip, cool feeling of the time. An author's note provides more information, and a CD of the piece is included. Anyone who pops the CD in for a listen is sure to see Ellington as the jazz giant he was. Music teachers will love this package to compare and contrast versions of the \u003cem\u003eNutcracker\u003c\/em\u003e, thereby helping children understand what the classical and jazz genres are. Pair it with Jack Prelutsky's\u003cem\u003e The Carnival of the Animals by Camille Saint-Saëns\u003c\/em\u003e (Knopf, 2010) for more insight into interpreting another artist's work. \u003cem\u003e—Joan Kindig, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DOWNLOADABLES BELOW - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDownloadables\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/duke-ellington-updated-cvr.jpg?11119260595472921009\" style=\"display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/duke-ellington-updated-hires.zip?11119260595472921009\" class=\"product-btn\"\u003eDownload the Cover\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DETAILS BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDetails\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHardcover without CD \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eISBN: 978-1-57091-701-1\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAges: 6-9\u003cbr\u003ePage count: 32\u003cbr\u003e11 x 8 \u003csup\u003e1\u003c\/sup\u003e\/\u003csub\u003e2\u003c\/sub\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n[\/TABS]","brand":"Charlesbridge","offers":[{"title":"Hardcover","offer_id":12423392985167,"sku":"17011","price":16.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/products\/duke-ellington-updated-cover.jpg?v=1586791481"},{"product_id":"bachs-goldberg-variations","title":"Bach's Goldberg Variations","description":"\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR\/ILLUSTRATOR INFO BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy: \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/pages\/anna-harwell-celenza\" title=\"Author Anna Harwell Celenza\"\u003eAnna Harwell Celenza\u003c\/a\u003e \/ Illustrated by: \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/pages\/joann-e-kitchel\" title=\"Illustrator JoAnn E. Kitchel\"\u003eJoAnn E. Kitchell\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER HEADING BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eClear storytelling and engaging artwork reveal the story behind Johann Sebastian Bach's masterpiece, \u003ci\u003eGoldberg Variations\u003c\/i\u003e.\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER DESCRIPTION BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJohann Gottlieb Goldberg is a young servant in the employ of Count Keyserlingk. A talented musician, the boy secretly practices playing the harpsichord at night. When the count discovers Goldberg one evening, he challenges Goldberg to combine all the harpsichord music he's learned--and to throw in a riddle. In a panic, Goldberg turns to Johann Sebastian Bach for the perfect piece of music to appease the count. Stylized illustrations include elements from the baroque period. For families, teachers, and curious music lovers of all ages.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVisit \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/pages\/annas-music-spot\" title=\"Anna's Music Spot\"\u003eAnna's Music Spot\u003c\/a\u003e for links to recordings suggested by Anna Harwell Celenza.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER RECOMMENDATIONS BELOW - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"recommended-books\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you like this book, you’ll enjoy these:\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/collections\/once-upon-a-masterpiece\" title=\"Once Upon a Masterpiece\"\u003eThe Once Upon a Masterpiece series\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/products\/duke-ellingtons-nutcracker-suite\" title=\"Duke Ellington's Nutcracker Suite\"\u003eDuke Ellington's Nutcracker Suite\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/pages\/annas-music-spot\" title=\"Anna's Music Spot\"\u003eAnna's Music Spot\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - START OF TABS - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e [TABS]\n\u003ch5\u003eLook Inside\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg class=\"cvr-border-gray\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/bachs-goldberg-variations-spread.jpg?v=1584032219\"\u003e\u003c!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --\u003e\u003cscript type=\"text\/javascript\" async=\"\" defer data-pin-shape=\"round\" data-pin-height=\"32\" data-pin-hover=\"true\" src=\"\/\/assets.pinterest.com\/js\/pinit.js\"\u003e\u003c\/script\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor \u0026amp; Illustrator\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAnna Harwell Celenza, author\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnna Harwell Celenza is a musicologist and the author of several books for adults and children regarding music history and the history of art. Her children’s books include the Once Upon a Masterpiece series. Anna lives in Baltimore, Maryland.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/pages\/anna-harwell-celenza\" title=\"Author Anna Harwell Celenza\"\u003eRead more\u003c\/a\u003e about Anna.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - ENTER ILLUSTRATOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJoAnn E. Kitchel, illustrator\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJoAnn E. Kitchel received her B.A. in art education from Central Michigan University. She has illustrated the Once Upon a Masterpiece series, and \u003ci\u003eHanukkah Lights\u003c\/i\u003e (Chronicle Books). JoAnn lives in Mt. Vernon, New Hampshire.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/pages\/joann-e-kitchel\" title=\"Illustrator JoAnn E. Kitchel\"\u003eRead more \u003c\/a\u003eabout JoAnn.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DOWNLOADABLES BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDownloadables\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Bach's Goldberg Variations book cover\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/bachs-goldberg-variations-cvr.jpg?4574503236469318835\" style=\"display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/bachs-goldberg-variations-hires.zip?4088\" class=\"product-btn\"\u003eDownload the Cover\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DETAILS BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDetails\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHardcover\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003eISBN: 978-1-58089-529-3\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eE-book\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eISBN: 978-1-63289-505-9 EPUB\u003cbr\u003e ISBN: 978-1-63289-506-6 PDF\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAges: 6-9\u003cbr\u003ePage count: 32\u003cbr\u003e9 x 9\u003c\/p\u003e\n[\/TABS]","brand":"Charlesbridge","offers":[{"title":"Hardcover","offer_id":14552643975,"sku":"95293","price":16.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/products\/bachs-goldberg-variations-cover.jpg?v=1586785310"},{"product_id":"beethovens-heroic-symphony","title":"Beethoven's Heroic Symphony","description":"\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR\/ILLUSTRATOR INFO BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy: \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/pages\/anna-harwell-celenza\" title=\"Author Anna Harwell Celenza\"\u003eAnna Harwell Celenza\u003c\/a\u003e \/ Illustrated by: \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/pages\/joann-e-kitchel\" title=\"Illustrator JoAnn E. Kitchel\"\u003eJoAnn E. Kitchell\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER HEADING BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eThe story behind Ludwig van Beethoven's composition \u003ci\u003eThe Heroic Symphony\u003c\/i\u003e.\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER DESCRIPTION BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBeethoven's \u003cem\u003eThird Symphony\u003c\/em\u003e was written as the classical composer was struggling with his advancing deafness. Meant as a celebration of Napoleon's victories, the four movements reflected Bonaparte's courage and heroism. But soon after Beethoven completed the work, he discovered Napoleon's treachery in declaring himself Emperor of France, and the composer considered destroying the composition. Instead, \u003cem\u003eThe Bonaparte Symphony\u003c\/em\u003e was later renamed the \u003cem\u003eEroica\u003c\/em\u003e, or \u003cem\u003eHeroic Symphony\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVisit \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/pages\/annas-music-spot\" title=\"Anna's Music Spot\"\u003eAnna's Music Spot\u003c\/a\u003e for links to recordings suggested by Anna Harwell Celenza.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER RECOMMENDATIONS BELOW - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"recommended-books\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you like this book, you’ll enjoy these:\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/collections\/once-upon-a-masterpiece\" title=\"Once Upon a Masterpiece\"\u003eThe Once Upon a Masterpiece series\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/products\/duke-ellingtons-nutcracker-suite\" title=\"Duke Ellington's Nutcracker Suite\"\u003eDuke Ellington's Nutcracker Suite\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/pages\/annas-music-spot\" title=\"Anna's Music Spot\"\u003eAnna's Music Spot\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - START OF TABS - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e [TABS]\n\u003ch5\u003eLook Inside\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg class=\"cvr-border-gray\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/beethovens-heroic-symphony-spread.jpg?11251855187821125164\"\u003e\u003c!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --\u003e\u003cscript type=\"text\/javascript\" async=\"\" defer data-pin-shape=\"round\" data-pin-height=\"32\" data-pin-hover=\"true\" src=\"\/\/assets.pinterest.com\/js\/pinit.js\"\u003e\u003c\/script\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAnna Harwell Celenza, author\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnna Harwell Celenza is a musicologist and the author of several books for adults and children regarding music history and the history of art. Her children’s books include the Once Upon a Masterpiece series. Anna lives in Baltimore, Maryland.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/pages\/anna-harwell-celenza\" title=\"Author Anna Harwell Celenza\"\u003eRead more\u003c\/a\u003e about Anna.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - ENTER ILLUSTRATOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJoAnn E. Kitchel, illustrator\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJoAnn E. Kitchel received her B.A. in art education from Central Michigan University. She has illustrated the Once Upon a Masterpiece series, and \u003ci\u003eHanukkah Lights\u003c\/i\u003e (Chronicle Books). JoAnn lives in Mt. Vernon, New Hampshire.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/pages\/joann-e-kitchel\" title=\"Illustrator JoAnn E. Kitchel\"\u003eRead more \u003c\/a\u003eabout JoAnn.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - ENTER AWARDS \u0026 HONORS BELOW - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAwards \u0026amp; Honors\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eComing Soon!\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DOWNLOADABLES BELOW - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDownloadables\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Beethoven's Heroic Symphony book cover\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/beethovens-heroic-symphony-cvr.jpg?12238244239951355849\" style=\"display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/beethovens-heroic-symphony-hires.zip?12238244239951355849\" class=\"product-btn\"\u003eDownload the Cover\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DETAILS BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDetails\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHardcover\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003eISBN: 978-1-58089-530-9\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eE-book\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eISBN: 978-1-63289-507-3 EPUB\u003cbr\u003e ISBN: 978-1-63289-508-0 PDF\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAges: 6-9\u003cbr\u003ePage count: 32\u003cbr\u003e9 x 9\u003c\/p\u003e\n[\/TABS]","brand":"Charlesbridge","offers":[{"title":"Hardcover","offer_id":14555591367,"sku":"95309","price":16.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/products\/beethovens-heroic-symphony-cover.jpg?v=1586785586"},{"product_id":"esquivel-space-age-sound-artist","title":"Esquivel! Space-Age Sound Artist","description":"\u003ch6\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h6\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR\/ILLUSTRATOR INFO BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy: \u003ca title=\"Susan Wood bio\" href=\"https:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/pages\/susan-wood\"\u003eSusan Wood\u003c\/a\u003e \/ Illustrated by: \u003ca title=\"Duncan Tonatiuh bio\" href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/pages\/duncan-tonatiuh\"\u003eDuncan Tonatiuh\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER HEADING BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eA playful picture-book biography of the father of space-age bachelor-pad lounge music.\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER DESCRIPTION BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA self-taught Mexican composer, arranger, bandleader, and pianist, Juan García Esquivel was a pioneer in the use of stereo sound in the 1950s and 1960s. Juan's music is quirky, fun, and truly out of this world, with unusual instrumentation, unorthodox vocal textures and effects. Juan was a true musical innovator, using sound and stereo as his musical palette.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/esquivelbook.com\/educators-resources.html\" title=\"Esquivel! Educator's Guide\" target=\"new\"\u003eClick here\u003c\/a\u003e for access to an Educator's Guide for the book aligned with Common Core state standards for English Language Arts. Available in both English and Spanish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER RECOMMENDATIONS BELOW - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"recommended-books\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you like this book, you’ll enjoy these:\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca title=\"Duke Ellington's Nutcracker Suite\" href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/products\/duke-ellingtons-nutcracker-suite\"\u003eDuke Ellington's Nutcracker Suite\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca title=\"Yes! We Are Latinos\" href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/products\/yes-we-are-latinos\"\u003eYes! We Are Latinos: Poems and Prose About the Latino Experience\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca title=\"Under the Mambo Moon\" href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/products\/under-the-mambo-moon\"\u003eUnder the Mambo Moon\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - START OF TABS - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e\n[TABS]\n\u003ch5\u003eEsquivel on YouTube\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/2NglD0H-cps?list=PL5A293B30C9DF1E88\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eLook Inside\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/esquivel-spread.jpg?15598320408162785321\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" class=\"cvr-border-gray\"\u003e\u003c!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --\u003e \u003cscript type=\"text\/javascript\" async=\"\" defer data-pin-shape=\"round\" data-pin-height=\"32\" data-pin-hover=\"true\" src=\"\/\/assets.pinterest.com\/js\/pinit.js\"\u003e\u003c\/script\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor \u0026amp; Illustrator\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSusan Wood, author\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSusan Wood, writing formerly as Susan VanHecke, is the author of \u003cem\u003eRaggin’ Jazzin’ Rockin’: A History of American Musical Instrument\u003c\/em\u003e Makers (Boyds Mills), an ALA Notable Children’s Book; and \u003cem\u003eAn Apple Pie for Dinner\u003c\/em\u003e (Marshall Cavendish), and \u003cem\u003eUnder the Freedom Tree\u003c\/em\u003e, as well as several books for adults. She lives in Norfolk, Virginia.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca title=\"Susan Wood bio\" href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/pages\/susan-wood\"\u003eRead more\u003c\/a\u003e about Susan.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - ENTER ILLUSTRATOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDuncan Tonatiuh, illustrator\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePura Belpré winner Duncan Tonatiuh is a Mexican American illustrator and an author in his own right. His books include \u003cem\u003eSeparate is Never Equal\u003c\/em\u003e (Abrams) and \u003cem\u003eDear Primo\u003c\/em\u003e (Abrams). He graduated from Parsons The New School of Design and his style is inspired by Ancient Mexican art, especially the Mixtec codex.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca title=\"Duncan Tonatiuh bio\" href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/pages\/duncan-tonatiuh\"\u003eRead more\u003c\/a\u003e about Duncan.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - ENTER AWARDS \u0026 HONORS BELOW - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAwards \u0026amp; Honors\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ci\u003eSchool Library Journal's Top Ten Latinx Books\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - ENTER REVIEWS BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEditorial Reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/star-fade.gif?18127980511287865543\"\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eSchool Library Journal\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e, starred review\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMuch as Juan García Esquivel (1918–2002) made a great contribution to music history, this title is an important addition to music biography collections. Beginning with Tampico, Mexico, the text and illustrations work together to showcase how a world filled with sound influenced and inspired a young Esquivel and continued to do so throughout his life. Esquivel is shown listening to “whirling” mariachi bands, modifying a player piano to suit his own compositions, experimenting with unusual instruments like the theremin, and conducting musicians in unique and unprecedented ways. The text explores how Esquivel’s love of sound led to new ways of making music, most notably in his pioneering of stereo sound and lounge music. Tonatiuh’s illustrations are lively and colorful—-a perfect match for Esquivel’s personality and work. Occasional blocks of text make this title best suited for upper elementary students. Back matter includes an author’s note expanding on Esquivel’s influence and an illustrator’s note on how the art was created. VERDICT A beautiful addition to music biography collections for upper elementary students.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ci\u003eKirkus Reviews\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWood and Tonatiuh combine to tell the story of a musician and composer kids have likely never heard of.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt 6, Juan García Esquivel figured out how to disable the paper roll in his family's player piano, leaving him free to experiment and learn how to play the instrument himself. This spirit of experimentation never left Juan, who went on to become a pioneer in a quirky, innovative style of lounge music popular in the 1950s and '60s. Esquivel!, as he became known, combined Latin rhythms, jazz, human voices, and unusual instruments in order to create unique musical textures and effects. During his career, Juan became popular in both Mexico and the United States, and he wrote many songs for TV shows and movies. The narrative presents the biographical facts of Juan's life in an engaging and accessible manner. Young readers who have never before heard of this musician may find their curiosity piqued. However, it is Tonatiuh's illustrations that truly spark the imagination. Tonatiuh employs his signature style of Mixtec codex-influenced design, combines it with playful tributes to the fashion and style of the 1960s, sprinkles in text blocks of onomatopoeia that seem to vibrate on the page, and fills in the empty areas with a watery mix of purples and blues that perfectly complements the spacey style expressed in the music.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA lively introduction to a somewhat obscure and profoundly innovative musical figure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ci\u003eBooklist\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJuan Garcia Esquivel created out-of-this-world sounds, and Wood (formerly VanHecke) and Tonatiuh capture the fascinating story of Esquivel's musical talent in this picture-book biography. Esquivel was a young boy in Tampico, Mexico, when he discovered his love for music. He taught himself to play the piano, and before he knew it he was conducting orchestras and composing music. Esquivel is revered for his innovative sounds that were said to transport listeners to other worlds. His music was so popular that his fans donned him Esquivel!--with an exclamation point! Wood's story provides insight to the making of a magnificent musician and incorporates enough sound effects (\u003ci\u003ewheedy-whee!\u003c\/i\u003e, \u003ci\u003eblap!\u003c\/i\u003e, \u003ci\u003ebowm-bowm!\u003c\/i\u003e) to make Esquivel proud. Energetic collage illustrations complement the text by allowing readers to see Esquivel's sounds and his love for music. Sibert Award winner Tonatiuh (\u003ci\u003eFunny Bones\u003c\/i\u003e, 2015) draws in his well-known style inspired by the Mixtec codex, where characters are represented in profile. Back matter includes an author's note with supplementary information on Esquivel's life, an illustrator's note on the artwork, and additional resources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ci\u003ePublishers Weekly\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWood (\u003ci\u003eUnder the Freedom Tree\u003c\/i\u003e) and Tonatiuh (\u003ci\u003eFunny Bones\u003c\/i\u003e) team up to recount the life of Juan Garcia Esquivel (1918-2002), who grew up with music in Mexico, \"where whirling mariachi bands let out joyful yells as they stamped and strummed,\" and made it his life's work as a bandleader and composer. Tonatiuh's Mexican-art-inspired collages translate smoothly to the 1950s and '60s, when Esquivel was at the height of his creative output, creating lounge music using newly developed stereo recording technology. Wood's straightforward narration moves readers briskly through the musician's life, and her descriptions of the sounds he developed (\"like a crazy rocket ride zigzagging through outer space\") should lead many of them to seek out recordings of his work. It's a welcome tribute to an underrated figure in 20th century music. A Spanish-language edition is available simultaneously.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ci\u003eBulletin of the Center for Children's Books\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA kid’s got to be careful in admitting a taste for grandparents’ music. Mick Jagger is acceptable, and Aretha Franklin’s not too embarrassing—and as Wood and Tonatiuh demonstrate in this picture-book biography, being part of Juan Garcia Esquivel fandom could be insanely cool. An autodidact at the piano, Esquivel had landed a modest piano gig on a Mexico City radio station by age fourteen and led a radio orchestra by age seventeen. With a keen ear attuned to urban soundscapes, he played fast and loose with popular Mexican tunes, lacing them with a kind of instrumental take on vocal scat that made him a recording star in both Mexico and the United States. Wood describes not only the quirkiness of his instrumentation but also how Esquivel arrived on the scene just in time to take advantage of new recording techniques and stereophonic sound separation, and how he was able to make a home in a range of sonic media, from Las Vegas stage shows, to television and movies, and of course, vinyl. That’s all well and good, but for kids who haven’t heard Esquivel, they’ll need more incentive, and Wood brings it. Her closing note focuses on the 1990s resurgence of interest in Esquivel’s recordings, which segues happily into the current rediscovery of the pleasures of vinyl. Tonatiuh reprises the Maya-influenced style audiences may recognize from \u003ci\u003eFunny Bones: Posada and His Day of the Dead Calaveras\u003c\/i\u003e (BCCB 10\/15), but he infuses its formality with some freewheeling text and swirling motif design suggestive of Sean Qualls. The Resources page tosses in a couple of quotation credits and adult print references but concentrates on websites of Esquivel interviews and YouTube performances virtually guaranteed to secure the late orchestra leader a fresh following. Let the downloads begin.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ci\u003eThe Horn Book Magazine\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGrowing up in Mexico, Juan Garcia Esquivel got an earful of mariachi, but he wanted to create his own sound. Self-taught and persistent, he was playing piano at a radio station at fourteen and leading an orchestra for a radio comedy show at seventeen. His sound was so infectious that word traveled to the United States; a record company invited him to New York, which led to international success. Esquivel's rewardingly strange instrumentals and his innovations in stereo sound would come to define mid-twentieth-century lounge music. There's not much personal information here--one must turn to the author's note to learn that Esquivel died in 2002--but the story of his professional rise is told with pep and a keen awareness of how to best explain Esquivel's skills to young readers (\"When the radio comedian needed music for a skit about, say, a stout man walking his tiny poodle down a busy city street, Juan had to imagine what that might sound like\"). Illustrator Tonatiuh (\u003ci\u003eThe Princess and the Warrior\u003c\/i\u003e, rev. 9\/16), once again working within the tradition of the fourteenth-and fifteenth-century Mixtec codex, takes a fittingly offbeat approach to portraying the very modern Esquivel, whose music, as Wood puts it, \"sounded like a crazy rocket ride zigzagging through outer space.\" Appended with source notes and lists of assorted resources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DOWNLOADABLES BELOW - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDownloadables\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg style=\"display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/esquivel-cvr.jpg?2195007725441846035\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca class=\"product-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/esquivel-hires.zip?2195007725441846035\"\u003eDownload the Cover\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DETAILS BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDetails\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEnglish Hardcover\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003eISBN: 978-1-58089-673-3\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEnglish Paperback\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eISBN: 978-1-58089-674-0\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpanish Hardcover\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eISBN: 978-1-58089-733-4\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpanish Paperback\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eISBN: 978-1-62354-575-8\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAges: 6-9\u003cbr\u003ePage count: 32\u003cbr\u003e10 x 10\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEnglish publication date: September 6, 2016\u003cbr\u003eSpanish publication date: September 10, 2024\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e[\/TABS]\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Charlesbridge","offers":[{"title":"Hardcover","offer_id":14711647303,"sku":"96733","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Spanish language hardcover","offer_id":14713939591,"sku":"97334","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Paperback","offer_id":31901198090319,"sku":"96740","price":8.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Spanish language paperback","offer_id":45359409463533,"sku":"45758","price":8.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/products\/esquivel-cover.jpg?v=1586792881"},{"product_id":"esquivel-un-artista-del-sonido-de-la-era-espacial","title":"¡Esquivel! Un artista del sonido de la era espacial","description":"\u003ch6\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h6\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR\/ILLUSTRATOR INFO BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy: \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/pages\/susan-vanhecke\" title=\"Susan Wood bio\"\u003eSusan Wood\u003c\/a\u003e \/ Illustrated by: \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/pages\/duncan-tonatiuh\" title=\"Duncan Tonatiuh bio\"\u003eDuncan Tonatiuh\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER HEADING BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eA playful picture-book biography of the father of space-age bachelor-pad lounge music.\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER DESCRIPTION BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA self-taught Mexican composer, arranger, bandleader, and pianist, Juan García Esquivel was a pioneer in the use of stereo sound in the 1950s and 1960s. Juan's music is quirky, fun, and truly out of this world, with unusual instrumentation, unorthodox vocal textures and effects. Juan was a true musical innovator, using sound and stereo as his musical palette.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca title=\"Esquivel! Educator's Guide\" href=\"http:\/\/esquivelbook.com\/educators-resources.html\" target=\"new\"\u003eClick here\u003c\/a\u003e for access to an Educator's Guide for the book aligned with Common Core state standards for English Language Arts. Available in both English and Spanish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER RECOMMENDATIONS BELOW - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"recommended-books\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you like this book, you’ll enjoy these:\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/products\/duke-ellingtons-nutcracker-suite\" title=\"Duke Ellington's Nutcracker Suite\"\u003eDuke Ellington's Nutcracker Suite\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/products\/yes-we-are-latinos\" title=\"Yes! We Are Latinos\"\u003eYes! We Are Latinos: Poems and Prose About the Latino Experience\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/products\/under-the-mambo-moon\" title=\"Under the Mambo Moon\"\u003eUnder the Mambo Moon\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - START OF TABS - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e\n[TABS]\n\u003ch5\u003eLook Inside\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg class=\"cvr-border-gray\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/esquivel-un-artista-del-sonido-de-la-era-espacial-spread.jpg?3002394859570979859\"\u003e\u003c!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --\u003e\u003cscript src=\"\/\/assets.pinterest.com\/js\/pinit.js\" data-pin-hover=\"true\" data-pin-height=\"32\" data-pin-shape=\"round\" defer async=\"\" type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003e\u003c\/script\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor \u0026amp; Illustrator\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSusan Wood, author\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSusan Wood, writing formerly as Susan VanHecke, is the author of \u003cem\u003eRaggin’ Jazzin’ Rockin’: A History of American Musical Instrument Makers\u003c\/em\u003e (Boyds Mills), an ALA Notable Children’s Book; and \u003cem\u003eAn Apple Pie for Dinner\u003c\/em\u003e (Marshall Cavendish), as well as several books for adults. She lives in Norfolk, Virginia.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/pages\/susan-wood\" title=\"Susan Wood bio\"\u003eRead more\u003c\/a\u003e about Susan.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - ENTER ILLUSTRATOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDuncan Tonatiuh, illustrator\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePura Belpré winner Duncan Tonatiuh is a Mexican American illustrator and an author in his own right. He graduated from Parsons The New School of Design and his style is inspired by Ancient Mexican art, especially the Mixtec codex.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/pages\/duncan-tonatiuh\" title=\"Duncan Tonatiuh bio\"\u003eRead more\u003c\/a\u003e about Duncan.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - ENTER AWARDS \u0026 HONORS BELOW - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAwards \u0026amp; Honors\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSchool Library Journal's Top Ten Latinx Books\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis features musician, composer, and bandleader Juan Garcia Esquivel (1918-2002), who removed the paper roll in his family's player piano when he was a child so that he could make his own music. At 14, he worked as a paid pianist for radio shows, and at 17, he was an orchestra leader in Mexico City. Later, he created music from his New York City Studio, experimenting with tempos, dynamics, and chords. Tonatiuh's distinctive drawings, with collage textures and photographic elements, aptly capture Esquivel's jazzy style, as do an appended author's note, resource listing, and photograph.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA 2025 Bank Street College’s Best Children's Books of the Year in Spanish title\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - ENTER REVIEWS BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEditorial Reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/star-fade.gif?18127980511287865543\"\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eSchool Library Journal\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e, starred review\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMuch as Juan García Esquivel (1918–2002) made a great contribution to music history, this title is an important addition to music biography collections. Beginning with Tampico, Mexico, the text and illustrations work together to showcase how a world filled with sound influenced and inspired a young Esquivel and continued to do so throughout his life. Esquivel is shown listening to “whirling” mariachi bands, modifying a player piano to suit his own compositions, experimenting with unusual instruments like the theremin, and conducting musicians in unique and unprecedented ways. The text explores how Esquivel’s love of sound led to new ways of making music, most notably in his pioneering of stereo sound and lounge music. Tonatiuh’s illustrations are lively and colorful—-a perfect match for Esquivel’s personality and work. Occasional blocks of text make this title best suited for upper elementary students. Back matter includes an author’s note expanding on Esquivel’s influence and an illustrator’s note on how the art was created. A beautiful addition to music biography collections for upper elementary students.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ci\u003eKirkus Reviews\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWood and Tonatiuh combine to tell the story of a musician and composer kids have likely never heard of. At 6, Juan García Esquivel figured out how to disable the paper roll in his family's player piano, leaving him free to experiment and learn how to play the instrument himself. This spirit of experimentation never left Juan, who went on to become a pioneer in a quirky, innovative style of lounge music popular in the 1950s and '60s. Esquivel!, as he became known, combined Latin rhythms, jazz, human voices, and unusual instruments in order to create unique musical textures and effects. During his career, Juan became popular in both Mexico and the United States, and he wrote many songs for TV shows and movies. The narrative presents the biographical facts of Juan's life in an engaging and accessible manner. Young readers who have never before heard of this musician may find their curiosity piqued. However, it is Tonatiuh's illustrations that truly spark the imagination. Tonatiuh employs his signature style of Mixtec codex-influenced design, combines it with playful tributes to the fashion and style of the 1960s, sprinkles in text blocks of onomatopoeia that seem to vibrate on the page, and fills in the empty areas with a watery mix of purples and blues that perfectly complements the spacey style expressed in the music. A lively introduction to a somewhat obscure and profoundly innovative musical figure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ci\u003eBooklist\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJuan Garcia Esquivel created out-of-this-world sounds, and Wood (formerly VanHecke) and Tonatiuh capture the fascinating story of Esquivel's musical talent in this picture-book biography. Esquivel was a young boy in Tampico, Mexico, when he discovered his love for music. He taught himself to play the piano, and before he knew it he was conducting orchestras and composing music. Esquivel is revered for his innovative sounds that were said to transport listeners to other worlds. His music was so popular that his fans donned him Esquivel!--with an exclamation point! Wood's story provides insight to the making of a magnificent musician and incorporates enough sound effects (\u003ci\u003ewheedy-whee!\u003c\/i\u003e, \u003ci\u003eblap!\u003c\/i\u003e, \u003ci\u003ebowm-bowm!\u003c\/i\u003e) to make Esquivel proud. Energetic collage illustrations complement the text by allowing readers to see Esquivel's sounds and his love for music. Sibert Award winner Tonatiuh (\u003ci\u003eFunny Bones\u003c\/i\u003e, 2015) draws in his well-known style inspired by the Mixtec codex, where characters are represented in profile. Back matter includes an author's note with supplementary information on Esquivel's life, an illustrator's note on the artwork, and additional resources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ci\u003ePublishers Weekly\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWood (\u003ci\u003eUnder the Freedom Tree\u003c\/i\u003e) and Tonatiuh (\u003ci\u003eFunny Bones\u003c\/i\u003e) team up to recount the life of Juan Garcia Esquivel (1918-2002), who grew up with music in Mexico, \"where whirling mariachi bands let out joyful yells as they stamped and strummed,\" and made it his life's work as a bandleader and composer. Tonatiuh's Mexican-art-inspired collages translate smoothly to the 1950s and '60s, when Esquivel was at the height of his creative output, creating lounge music using newly developed stereo recording technology. Wood's straightforward narration moves readers briskly through the musician's life, and her descriptions of the sounds he developed (\"like a crazy rocket ride zigzagging through outer space\") should lead many of them to seek out recordings of his work. It's a welcome tribute to an underrated figure in 20th century music. A Spanish-language edition is available simultaneously.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ci\u003eBulletin of the Center for Children's Books\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA kid’s got to be careful in admitting a taste for grandparents’ music. Mick Jagger is acceptable, and Aretha Franklin’s not too embarrassing—and as Wood and Tonatiuh demonstrate in this picture-book biography, being part of Juan Garcia Esquivel fandom could be insanely cool. An autodidact at the piano, Esquivel had landed a modest piano gig on a Mexico City radio station by age fourteen and led a radio orchestra by age seventeen. With a keen ear attuned to urban soundscapes, he played fast and loose with popular Mexican tunes, lacing them with a kind of instrumental take on vocal scat that made him a recording star in both Mexico and the United States. Wood describes not only the quirkiness of his instrumentation but also how Esquivel arrived on the scene just in time to take advantage of new recording techniques and stereophonic sound separation, and how he was able to make a home in a range of sonic media, from Las Vegas stage shows, to television and movies, and of course, vinyl. That’s all well and good, but for kids who haven’t heard Esquivel, they’ll need more incentive, and Wood brings it. Her closing note focuses on the 1990s resurgence of interest in Esquivel’s recordings, which segues happily into the current rediscovery of the pleasures of vinyl. Tonatiuh reprises the Maya-influenced style audiences may recognize from \u003ci\u003eFunny Bones: Posada and His Day of the Dead Calaveras\u003c\/i\u003e (BCCB 10\/15), but he infuses its formality with some freewheeling text and swirling motif design suggestive of Sean Qualls. The Resources page tosses in a couple of quotation credits and adult print references but concentrates on websites of Esquivel interviews and YouTube performances virtually guaranteed to secure the late orchestra leader a fresh following. Let the downloads begin.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ci\u003eThe Horn Book Magazine\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGrowing up in Mexico, Juan Garcia Esquivel got an earful of mariachi, but he wanted to create his own sound. Self-taught and persistent, he was playing piano at a radio station at fourteen and leading an orchestra for a radio comedy show at seventeen. His sound was so infectious that word traveled to the United States; a record company invited him to New York, which led to international success. Esquivel's rewardingly strange instrumentals and his innovations in stereo sound would come to define mid-twentieth-century lounge music. There's not much personal information here--one must turn to the author's note to learn that Esquivel died in 2002--but the story of his professional rise is told with pep and a keen awareness of how to best explain Esquivel's skills to young readers (\"When the radio comedian needed music for a skit about, say, a stout man walking his tiny poodle down a busy city street, Juan had to imagine what that might sound like\"). Illustrator Tonatiuh (\u003ci\u003eThe Princess and the Warrior\u003c\/i\u003e, rev. 9\/16), once again working within the tradition of the fourteenth-and fifteenth-century Mixtec codex, takes a fittingly offbeat approach to portraying the very modern Esquivel, whose music, as Wood puts it, \"sounded like a crazy rocket ride zigzagging through outer space.\" Appended with source notes and lists of assorted resources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DOWNLOADABLES BELOW - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDownloadables\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/esquivel-SPAN-cover.jpg?v=1674060735\" style=\"display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/esquivel-SPAN-cover-hires.jpg.zip?v=1674060735\" class=\"product-btn\"\u003eDownload the Cover\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DETAILS BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDetails\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpanish Hardcover\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eISBN: 978-1-58089-733-4\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpanish Paperback\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eISBN: 978-1-62354-575-8\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEnglish Hardcover\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003eISBN: 978-1-58089-673-3\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEnglish Paperback\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eISBN: 978-1-58089-674-0\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAges: 6-9\u003cbr\u003ePage count: 32\u003cbr\u003e10 x 10\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEnglish publication date: September 6, 2016\u003cbr\u003eSpanish publication date: September 10, 2024\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e[\/TABS]\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Charlesbridge","offers":[{"title":"Hardcover","offer_id":14713956231,"sku":"97334","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"English language edition","offer_id":17018002439,"sku":"96733","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Paperback","offer_id":45359399305453,"sku":"45758","price":8.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/products\/esquivel-SPAN-cover.jpg?v=1674060772"},{"product_id":"nina","title":"Nina","description":"\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan size=\"4\" style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003eNina\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan size=\"3\" style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003eJazz Legend and Civil-Rights Activist Nina Simone\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR\/ILLUSTRATOR INFO BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/pages\/alice-briere-haquet\"\u003e Alice Brière-Haquet\u003c\/a\u003e \/ Illustrated by: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/pages\/bruno-liance\"\u003e Bruno Liance\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER HEADING BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003ci\u003e\"To be young, gifted, and black.\"\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER DESCRIPTION BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA stunning picture-book biography of the High Priestess of Soul and one of the greatest voices of the 20th century. \u003cbr\u003e With evocative black-and-white illustrations and moving prose, readers are introduced to Nina Simone, jazz-music legend and civil-rights activist. Shared as a lullaby to her daughter, a soulful song recounts Simone's career, the trials she faced as an African American woman, and the stand she took during the Civil Rights Movement. This poignant picture book offers a melodic tale that is both a historic account of an iconic figure and an extraordinary look at how far we've come and how far we still need to go for social justice and equality. A timeless and timely message aptly appropriate for today's social and political climates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER RECOMMENDATIONS BELOW - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"recommended-books\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you like this book, you’ll enjoy these:\u003cbr\u003e \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/products\/malala\"\u003eMalala: Activist for Girls' Education\u003c\/a\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/products\/amelia-to-zora-twenty-six-women-who-changed-the-world\"\u003eAmelia to Zora: Twenty-six Women Who Changed the World\u003c\/a\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/products\/little-pig-joins-the-band\"\u003eLittle Pig Joins the Band\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/rise-up-the-art-of-protest\"\u003eRise Up! The Art of Protest\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - START OF TABS - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e [TABS]\n\u003ch5\u003eLook Inside\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg class=\"cvr-border-gray\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/nina-spread.jpg?17737070091671855771\"\u003e\u003c!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --\u003e \u003cscript src=\"\/\/assets.pinterest.com\/js\/pinit.js\" data-pin-hover=\"true\" data-pin-height=\"32\" data-pin-shape=\"round\" defer async=\"\" type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003e\u003c\/script\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor \u0026amp; Illustrator\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAlice Brière-Haquet, author\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlice Brière-Haquet teaches high school literature and has published several books for children, including \u003ci\u003eONE Very Big Bear\u003c\/i\u003e (Abrams) and \u003ci\u003eZebedee's Balloon \u003c\/i\u003e(Auzou). She lives in France.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - ENTER ILLUSTRATOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBruno Liance, illustrator\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBruno Liance is an illustrator, dad, and music lover. He has been making art full-time for fifteen years after studying decorative arts in Paris. He lives in France.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - ENTER AWARDS \u0026 HONORS BELOW - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAwards \u0026amp; Honors\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eComing soon!\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - ENTER REVIEWS BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEditorial Reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/star-fade.gif?18127980511287865543\"\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eBooklist\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e, starred review\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNina Simone probably won’t be a familiar name to primary graders, but that doesn’t matter much in this captivating book focusing on the young Nina and how early events in her life shaped her adult passions. This begins with Nina singing a lullaby she’s written to her daughter. At bedtime, she tells the child stories of her own youth. When she first saw a piano, she noticed the black keys were smaller than the white ones—and that could have become a metaphor for the world. “Black people were nothing but half notes on a huge ivory keyboard. But no. I did not agree with this.” Another incident, after she’s become an accomplished musician: at a concert, her mother is seated up-front until white audience members arrive. But Nina won’t play if her mother must move, so her mother stays put. Later, Martin Luther King becomes “her symphony.” But his dream must be nurtured, she murmurs as her daughter sleeps. This French import is strikingly illustrated in black-and-white. A two-page spread in which white people sit, while black people stand behind them, arms raised, conveys a historical drama made even more powerful by the medium. Perhaps because of its French origin, there’s no author’s note, nothing that further details Simone’s career. But this stands on its own.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/star-fade.gif?18127980511287865543\"\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eKirkus Reviews\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e, starred review\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA biography about the legendary singer told as a lullaby from Simone to her daughter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith black-and-white illustrations that evoke a dreamy, old-time feel, Simone (appropriately portrayed with an afro) sings her daughter a lullaby interspersed with the story of her life. At 3, Simone starts piano lessons, connecting the appearance of the piano keys to the oppression of black people in the US. Music offers Simone an escape (“Music has no color”), though the fact that the “important men in powered wings from past centuries” whose music she plays are all white is addressed only in the illustration. (Here young Simone is also depicted with white hair which will probably require some assistance from caregivers to unpack). When 12-year-old Simone gives a church performance, she refuses to play until her mother, who had given up her front-row seat for a white attendee, is reseated in the front row setting a precedent for her activist future. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is cited as an inspiration (though without the honorific), and a spread with protest signs adds humor with Simone happily pointing to her own sign, which reads, “Young, Gifted, and Black,” a nod to her future song. Though the softly textured illustrations in this French import are sometimes obscure, they are always beautiful. A good introduction to Simone’s life, from her early love of music to her rise to the status of legend.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/star-fade.gif?18127980511287865543\"\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eForeword Reviews\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e, starred review\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA soft lullaby sung to comfort a sleepy little girl turns into the inspiring story of remarkable musical talent blossoming in the face of racial inequalities in Nina: Jazz Legend and Civil-Rights Activist Nina Simone, by Alice Brière-Haquet. Hauntingly beautiful illustrations from Bruno Liance are in shades of black and white, light and shadow, to cast a dreamlike resonance over young Nina’s piano playing as she notices, reflects, and rises above the prejudice around her.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Bulletin for the Center of Children's Books\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith a framing story that has Nina Simone telling her life as a bedtime story to her daughter, this imported French picture book chronicles the experiences that led her to become a classically trained jazz legend and civil rights activist. An early brush with racism occurred at her church, when Nina’s mother sat proudly in the front row awaiting her young daughter’s piano debut performance, until the arrival of white parishioners meant she had to move. Even piano lessons reminded her of racial inequalities because, as her teacher explained, the “white keys are whole notes and the black keys are flats, or half notes . . . that’s just the way it is.” Eventually, the young lyricist was moved to voice her resistance to social inequalities, and her musical gifts would score her journey to impact society. The story moves in quick, impressionistic beats that focus on feelings rather than biographical detail, but it’s fluidly told, and it may whet listeners’ appetites for more. Liance evokes a dream- like state in the appropriately monochromatic illustrations as soft grainy charcoal allows black and white to merge in shades from dark to pale; creative, symbolic interpretations are dramatic, as in the minimalist image of white people seated as on a bus while black people stand behind them with fists upraised in what could be a grab onto the unseen strap—or a black power salute. Librarians in search of a way to inspire today’s youth with exceptional children of generations past will want to make room in their collections for Nina.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DOWNLOADABLES BELOW - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDownloadables\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/nina-cvr.jpg?17737070091671855771\" style=\"display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/nina-hires.zip?17737070091671855771\" class=\"product-btn\"\u003eDownload the Cover\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DETAILS BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDetails\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHardcover\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003eISBN: 978-1-58089-827-0\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eE-book\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eISBN: 978-1-63289-691-9 EPUB\u003cbr\u003e ISBN: 978-1-63289-692-6 PDF\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAges: 4-8\u003cbr\u003ePage count: 32\u003cbr\u003e8 \u003csup\u003e1\u003c\/sup\u003e\/\u003csub\u003e2\u003c\/sub\u003e x 11\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eCorrelated to Common Core State Standards:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEnglish Language Arts-Literacy. Reading Literature. Grade 1. Standards 1-8, 10\u003cbr\u003eEnglish Language Arts-Literacy. Reading Literature. Grade 2. Standards 1, 3-8, 10\u003c\/p\u003e\n[\/TABS]","brand":"Charlesbridge","offers":[{"title":"Hardcover","offer_id":42231687946,"sku":"98270","price":8.49,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/products\/nina-cover.jpg?v=1586799329"},{"product_id":"struttin-with-some-barbecue","title":"Struttin' with Some Barbecue","description":"\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: large;\" size=\"4\"\u003eStruttin' with Some Barbecue\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\" size=\"3\"\u003eLil Hardin Armstrong Becomes the First Lady of Jazz\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR\/ILLUSTRATOR INFO BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/pages\/patricia-hruby-powell\"\u003ePatricia Hruby Powell\u003c\/a\u003e \u003cspan\u003e\/ Illustrated by: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/pages\/rachel-himes\"\u003eRachel Himes\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER HEADING BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\"Lil Hardin and her man, Louis Armstrong, were musical royalty--inventing a new kind of sound--makin' jazz. Believe it, baby!\"\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER DESCRIPTION BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is the true story of Lil Hardin Armstrong: pianist, composer, and bandleader in the early days of jazz. Ahead of her time, Lil made a career for herself--and for Louis Armstrong, her modest, unassuming husband. Louis might never have become the groundbreaking jazz player he was, if it hadn't been for Lil. Scat-inspired verse celebrates how Lil overcame race and gender barriers to become the first lady of the Chicago jazz scene.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/charlesbridge.blogspot.com\/2018\/12\/charlesbridge-unplugged-17-patricia.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eListen\u003c\/a\u003e to author Patricia Hruby Powell talk about \u003cem\u003eStruttin' With Some Barbecue.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER RECOMMENDATIONS BELOW - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"recommended-books\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you like this book, you’ll enjoy these:\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/products\/the-cazuela-that-the-farm-maiden-stirred\" title=\"The Cazuela That the Farm Maiden Stirred\"\u003eThe Cazuela That the Farm Maiden Stirred\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/products\/princess-and-the-peas\"\u003ePrincess and the Peas\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/products\/whoosh-lonnie-johnsons-super-soaking-stream-of-inventions\"\u003eWhoosh: Lonnie Johnson's Super-Soaking Stream of Inventions\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - START OF TABS - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e [TABS]\n\u003ch5\u003eLook Inside\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/struttin-spread.jpg?6132369600788519699\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" class=\"cvr-border-gray\"\u003e\u003c!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --\u003e \u003cscript type=\"text\/javascript\" async=\"\" defer data-pin-shape=\"round\" data-pin-height=\"32\" data-pin-hover=\"true\" src=\"\/\/assets.pinterest.com\/js\/pinit.js\"\u003e\u003c\/script\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor \u0026amp; Illustrator\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePatricia Hruby Powell, author\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAcclaimed author Patricia Hruby Powell grew up in a musical family, became a concert dancer and choreographer, and married a jazz musician. When she hears Lil's music, she can't help but dance. Patricia's debut book, \u003ci\u003eJosephine\u003c\/i\u003e, received a Sibert Honor and a Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor. Her equally moving and powerful second book, \u003ci\u003eLoving vs. Virginia\u003c\/i\u003e, established Patricia as a commanding voice in children's literature.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - ENTER ILLUSTRATOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRachel Himes, illustrator\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRachel Himes is a museum educator, author, and illustrator. Her debut picture book, \u003ci\u003ePrincess and the Peas\u003c\/i\u003e, puts a modern African American spin on the classic fairy tale. In \u003ci\u003eStruttin' with Some Barbecue\u003c\/i\u003e, Rachel conveys Lil's energy and verve through acrylic and collage illustrations inspired by period art and music.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - ENTER AWARDS \u0026 HONORS BELOW - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAwards \u0026amp; Honors\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eKirkus Reviews \u003c\/em\u003eBest Books of 2018\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e2019 Paterson Prize for Books for Young People Honor Book\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSociety of Midland Authors 2019 Children's Nonfiction Award Winner\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - ENTER REVIEWS BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEditorial Reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cimg src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/star-fade.gif?4673889858015672850\"\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eKirkus Reviews\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e, starred review\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLil Hardin, dubbed \"the first lady of jazz,\" gets a loving ode in this biography in free verse. Raised by \"Mama and Grandma \/ in Memphis, Tennessee, \/ two blocks from \/ wild, wailin' Beale Street,\" Lil was a precocious musician from childhood. But the night life of Beale Street with its \"devil's music\" pulled her away from the proper, ladylike college life her mother wanted for her. She got a job at a music store and then won a place in an all-male band, an exceptional feat at the time. She met Louis Armstrong, a shy trumpet player, when they played in the same band. She told him he couldn't stay playing second trumpet and was behind much of his success. \"Dang, they were musical royalty— \/ inventing \/ a new kind of sound— \/ makin' \/ jazz.\" As she earlier demonstrated in Josephine (illustrated by Christian Robinson, 2014), Powell is a die-hard fan of jazz, and it shows in the hum of her lines. She writes in her introduction that she hopes this biography inspires readers \"to explore early jazz—and makes you want to get up and dance.\" On both counts, her writing succeeds. Himes' ink-and-graphite illustrations are inspired by the time period and add to the immersive feel of the work. Brimming with a contagious love of jazz and its first lady, this work brings down the house. (notes, timeline, glossary, resources, sources, index).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBCCB\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePowell introduces readers to the young Black woman who broke barriers as a pianist with King Oliver’s jazz band and established a solid career years before her name became associated with her husband, trumpeter Louis Armstrong. Four chapters in verse chronicle Lil’s life, detailing her childhood in Memphis and the tension between Lil and her very godly mother over playing “the devil’s music,” her career move out of a music store and into the spotlight of the Creole Jazz Band, and her management of Louis Armstrong’s nascent career—and heartstrings—even as her own career advanced and evolved. Kids who were charmed by Powell’s \u003ci\u003eJosephine\u003c\/i\u003e may be a bit disappointed with the stodgier graphite pencil illustrations in this title, but Lil Hardin Armstrong’s story is both inspirational and great fun, and it’s hard to resist the tale of teeny-tiny Lil ordering her famous husband back to Chicago: “‘Come now or don’t come at all.’\/ That did it.\/ Louis chose Lil.” This could be an easy step up from Mara Rockliff’s picture book bio \u003ci\u003eBorn to Swing\u003c\/i\u003e; a glossary, quotation sources, index, and resources for further investigation are also included.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSchool Library Journal\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis biography in verse tells the story of Lil Hardin Armstrong, the first lady of jazz and Louis Armstrong’s first wife. While the book starts with Hardin Armstrong’s birth, most of the text focuses on her time as a jazz pianist in the 1920s and her influential role in Louis Armstrong’s success. The poetry is free form and peppered with bits of scat as an ode to early jazz, and it works well as a vehicle to tell the story of such a strong figure in this movement. Hardin Armstrong’s life is compelling, and readers will be inspired by her perseverance and rise to success in a male-dominated field and in the face of segregation. However, details about her life are less realized than in a typical biography partly because of the book’s lyrical format. Thankfully Powell includes a variety of back matter including more information on Hardin Armstrong, jazz music, and the rise of jazz clubs in the 1920s. The charming illustrations nicely enhance the text. VERDICT Recommended for most libraries, especially where biographies circulate well.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DOWNLOADABLES BELOW - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDownloadables\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg style=\"display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/struttin-cvr.jpg?141053762550561801\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca class=\"product-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/struttin-hi-res.zip?18388460924093597140\"\u003eDownload the Cover\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DETAILS BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDetails\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHardcover\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003eISBN: \u003cspan\u003e978-1-58089-740-2\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eE-book\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eISBN: \u003cspan\u003e978-1-63289-581-3\u003c\/span\u003e EPUB\u003cbr\u003e ISBN: \u003cspan\u003e978-1-63289-582-0\u003c\/span\u003e PDF\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAges: 9-12\u003cbr\u003ePage count: 112\u003cbr\u003e6 x 9\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eCorrelated to Common Core State Standards:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEnglish Language Arts-Literacy. Reading Literature. Grade 2. Standards 1-8, 10\u003cbr\u003eEnglish Language Arts-Literacy. Reading Literature. Grade 3. Standards 1-4, 6-8, 10\u003c\/p\u003e\n[\/TABS]","brand":"Charlesbridge","offers":[{"title":"Hardcover","offer_id":12330305126479,"sku":"97402","price":18.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/products\/struttin-cover.jpg?v=1586803333"},{"product_id":"the-great-nijinsky","title":"The Great Nijinsky","description":"\u003cp\u003e\"Absolutely a must for all ballet companies and students of the dance.\" \u003cbr\u003e — \u003ci\u003eKenneth Von Heideke, founder and artistic director of Von Heidecke's Chicago Festival Ballet\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan size=\"4\" style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003eThe Great Nijinsky\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan size=\"3\" style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003eGod of Dance\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR\/ILLUSTRATOR INFO BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy: Lynn Curlee\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER HEADING BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDance prodigy, sex symbol, gay pioneer, cultural icon.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER DESCRIPTION BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith one grand leap off the stage at the 1909 premiere of the Ballets Russes's inaugural season, Vaslav Nijinsky became the century's first superstar. He captivated audiences with his sheer charisma and incredible skill. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThough his dedication and artistry built a name that is still a byword for excellence in ballet, his tumultuous personal life and worsening mental health destroyed his career and the last thirty years of his life. This compelling biography chronicles a life of obsessive artistry, celebrity, and notoriety.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAsides highlight the ballets Nijinsky popularized: classic masterworks such as \u003cem\u003eAfternoon of a Faun, The Firebird,\u003c\/em\u003e and of course, the shockingly original \u003cem\u003eRite of Spring,\u003c\/em\u003e which incited the audience to riot at its premiere. Illustrated with elegant, intimate portraits as well as archival art and photographs. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER RECOMMENDATIONS BELOW - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"recommended-books\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you like this book, you’ll enjoy these:\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/collections\/middle-grade\/products\/the-mysteries-of-beethovens-hair\"\u003eThe Mysteries of Beethoven's Hair\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/collections\/middle-grade\/products\/music-was-it\"\u003eMusic Was It: Young Leonard Bernstein\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - START OF TABS - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e [TABS]\n\u003ch5\u003eLook Inside\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/nijinsky-spread.jpg?18031038447102956763\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" class=\"cvr-border-gray\"\u003e\u003c!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --\u003e \u003cscript type=\"text\/javascript\" async=\"\" defer data-pin-shape=\"round\" data-pin-height=\"32\" data-pin-hover=\"true\" src=\"\/\/assets.pinterest.com\/js\/pinit.js\"\u003e\u003c\/script\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor \u0026amp; Illustrator\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLynn Curlee, author and illustrator\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLynn Curlee has a master's degree in art history and has both written and illustrated more than a dozen books for children, including \u003cem\u003eTrains, Skyscraper, Ballpark: The Story of America's Baseball Fields\u003c\/em\u003e, and \u003cem\u003eCapital\u003c\/em\u003e with Atheneum. His work has been exhibited in Los Angeles, New York City, and Long Island.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teachingbooks.net\/pronounce.cgi?aid=5302\" target=\"new\"\u003eListen\u003c\/a\u003e to Lynn Curlee at TeachingBooks\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.teachingbooks.net\/qlgtj4k\" target=\"new\"\u003eMeet Lynn Curlee\u003c\/a\u003e at TeachingBooks\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - ENTER AWARDS \u0026 HONORS BELOW - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAwards \u0026amp; Honors\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adult (Finalist)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - ENTER REVIEWS BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEditorial Reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/star-fade.gif?18127980511287865543\"\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eKirkus Reviews\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e, starred review\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe story of Vaslav Nijinsky's life—onstage and off, in all its glamour and tragedy—unfolds. Originally drawn to Nijinsky by photos of the ballet dancer in costume, Curlee (\u003cem\u003eTrains\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003e2009\u003c\/em\u003e, etc.) engaged in extensive research and details major events in Nijinsky's life, beginning with his birth to traveling Polish performers and continuing through to his eventual confinement in various asylums and death in 1950. While much of the content focuses on Nijinsky's art, both his dancing and choreography, time is also spent on his personal life. The text includes short biographical sketches of important artists, such as Diaghilev and Stravinsky, with whom Nijinsky crossed paths as well as explorations of Nijinsky's romantic relationships and mental health. These discussions are frank, and though they never devolve into titillation, they do occasionally include questionable descriptions (\"He was…what some would term stark raving mad\") and label Nijinsky's sexual orientation using modern terms. Interspersed between chapters are stylized programs detailing various ballets that Nijinsky performed or choreographed, including descriptions of the ballet's history and plot and paintings by the author. Quotations from contemporaries and occasionally the dancer himself breathe further life into the narrative. The photographs and illustrations add interest and points of engagement in what is an otherwise tragic tale of a brooding artist. A glossy introduction to the highs and lows of Nijinsky's life and work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cb\u003eSchool Library Journal\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBorn to Polish parents who worked as traveling performers, Vaslav Nijinsky was raised to be onstage. After training at the Imperial Ballet School in Russia, Nijinsky began performing and his undeniable skills amazed audiences. He also began choreographing, bringing new and sensational pieces such as The Rite of Spring to the stage. In this biography, Nijinsky’s accomplishments on the stage are detailed, accompanied by paintings by the author and archival photographs. “Programs” for Nijinsky’s performances, including facts and summaries of the ballets, separate the chapters. The biography focuses on more than just Nijinksy’s art, delving into his personal life, including his relationships, sexuality, and his mental health. Curlee provides context for Nijinsky’s life and introduces readers to the art scene of the time, including brief biographical sketches of other figures such as Fokine and Stravinsky. Appropriate for preliminary research, and simply for those interested in learning more about Nijinsky, the included back matter provides readers looking to delve deeper with avenues to continue exploring. VERDICT While contemporary conceptions of sexual identity and mental illness cannot easily be superimposed over historical biographies, readers nevertheless are presented with a full picture of Nijinsky’s life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublishers Weekly\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRiveting, richly saturated acrylic-on-canvas paintings highlight the latest from Curlee (Mythological Creatures: A Classical Bestiary), about the celebrated early-20th-century dancer Vaslav Nijinsky and his times. More than just a biography, this homage to the “god of dance” often strays from Nijinsky’s life story to introduce other great artists of the era—composer Igor Stravinsky, dancer\/choreographer Mikhaile Fokine, designer Léon Bakst, and, especially, impresario Sergei Diaghilev—whose combined talents made the Ballets Russes company, where Nijinsky made his name, a sensation. Curlee follows the dancer’s life from his birth in Kiev to itinerant Polish entertainer parents, through his early years at the Russian Imperial Ballet School, to his discovery by Diaghilev and spectacular 1909 Parisian debut, tracing his remarkable, brief career as well as his descent into mental illness. In frank accounts, Curlee discusses Nijinsky’s bisexuality, including his open affair with Diaghilev, seen as scandalous at the time, and his impetuous marriage to a Hungarian socialite. The book’s spacious pages—heavily illustrated with original paintings, vintage photos, and simulated programs—elevate the moving story, making for a memorable volume that captures the dancer’s singular talent, fame, and notoriety.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cb\u003eThe Horn Book\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVaslav Nijinsky (1890–1950) was the brightest star of the Ballets Russes, a virtuoso dancer and choreographer the likes of whom no one had ever before seen. This heartfelt biography traces Nijinsky’s trajectory from a lonesome childhood through his 1909 Paris debut, ensuing mega-stardom, and notoriety as a boundary-breaking choreographer to his diagnosis of schizophrenia and, at age thirty, his institutionalization. In his five short years with the Ballet Russes, “Vatsa” originated several of ballet’s most iconic roles and created the landmark modernist works The Afternoon of a Faun and The Rite of Spring (the latter considered so scandalous its premiere incited a riot). Curlee sensitively explores Nijinsky’s contradictions as a magnetic, expressive dancer with little social grace; a provocative performer and sex symbol tormented by his own sexual desires and behaviors; a bisexual man who has retroactively become a celebrated “gay icon” but who passively “followed in [the] wake” of his out-and-proud partner, impresario Sergei Diaghilev; and a visionary artist intent on documenting his descent into mental illness. Beautifully designed, the book is punctuated with theater program–like spreads with brief descriptions of ballets accompanied by Curlee’s striking jewel-toned portraits and archival photographs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cb\u003eBooklist\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAttendees of the May 18, 1909, performance of Sergei Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes were in for a surprise. Accustomed to a more staid, conservative ballet, they were shocked to their feet by the electrifying leaps and jumps of Vaslav Nijinsky, making his solo debut. Flamboyant, creative, and single-mindedly dedicated to dance, Nijinsky established himself as one of the greatest dancers in history, paving the way for dancers such as Rudolf Nureyev and Mikhail Baryshnikov. Curlee’s biography incorporates his own lush paintings into a luxurious volume with creamy thick paper and crisp, clear type. Interspersed through the text are program-style pages, which describe the ballets performed and include quotes and commentary on the performances. Photographs of Nijinsky and the people in his life punctuate and amplify the text. Curlee’s narrative is lucid and smooth, and source notes, a bibliography, and an index round out the book. This elegant volume has a place in any collection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DOWNLOADABLES BELOW - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDownloadables\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg style=\"display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/nijinsky-cvr.jpg?3135636908491869369\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca class=\"product-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/nijinsky-hires.zip?3135636908491869369\"\u003eDownload the Cover\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DETAILS BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDetails\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHardcover\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eISBN: 978-1-58089-800-3\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAges: 10+\u003cbr\u003ePage count: 128\u003cbr\u003e7 \u003csup\u003e1\u003c\/sup\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\/\u003c\/span\u003e\u003csub\u003e2\u003c\/sub\u003e x 10 \u003c\/p\u003e\n[\/TABS]","brand":"Charlesbridge","offers":[{"title":"Hardcover","offer_id":12388212375631,"sku":"98003","price":19.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/products\/nijinsky-cvr.jpg?v=1586804633"},{"product_id":"sonnys-bridge","title":"Sonny's Bridge","description":"\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan size=\"4\" style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003eSonny's Bridge\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan size=\"3\" style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003eJazz Legend Sonny Rollins Finds His Groove\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR\/ILLUSTRATOR INFO BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/pages\/barry-wittenstein\"\u003eBarry Wittenstein\u003c\/a\u003e \/ Illustrated by: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/pages\/keith-mallett\"\u003eKeith Mallett\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER HEADING BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eA groovy bebop bio of legendary jazz saxophonist Sonny Rollins.\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER DESCRIPTION BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSonny Rollins is one of the most prolific sax players in the history of jazz, but in 1959, at the height of his career, he vanished from the scene. His return to music was an interesting journey - with a long detour on the Williamsburg Bridge. Too loud to practice in his apartment, Rollins played on the New York City landmark for two years among the cacophony of the traffic and the stares of bystanders. Then in 1962, Rollins went back to the studio and recorded arguably his best album to date: \u003cem\u003eThe Bridge\u003c\/em\u003e. Told with a jazz edge to the rhyming text, young readers will be inspired by the genius of this jazz legend. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER RECOMMENDATIONS BELOW - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"recommended-books\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you like this book, you’ll enjoy these:\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/charlesbridge.com\/collections\/ages-6-10\/products\/duke-ellingtons-nutcracker-suite\"\u003eDuke Ellington's Nutcracker Suite\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/charlesbridge.com\/products\/nina\"\u003eNina: Jazz Legend and Civil Rights Activist Nina Simone\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/charlesbridge.com\/products\/struttin-with-some-barbecue-br-font-size-2-lil-harden-armstrong-becomes-the-first-lady-of-jazz-font\"\u003eStruttin' With Some Barbecue: Lil Hardin Armstrong Becomes the First Lady of Jazz\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - START OF TABS - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e [TABS]\n\u003ch5\u003eLook Inside\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg class=\"cvr-border-gray\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/sonnys-bridge-spread.jpg?17341024664459022180\"\u003e\u003c!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --\u003e \u003cscript src=\"\/\/assets.pinterest.com\/js\/pinit.js\" data-pin-hover=\"true\" data-pin-height=\"32\" data-pin-shape=\"round\" defer async=\"\" type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003e\u003c\/script\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - AUTHOR VIDEO BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMeet the Author\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003eBarry Wittenstein on KidLit TV\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/v_yqU7oSR9E\" height=\"315\" width=\"560\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen=\"\" frameborder=\"0\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor \u0026amp; Illustrator\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBarry Wittenstein, author\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBarry Wittenstein has worked at CBS Records, CBS News, and was a web editor and writer for Major League Baseball. He is now a New York City elementary-school substitute teacher and children's author. He is the author of \u003cem\u003eThe Boo-Boos That Changed the World: The True Story About an Accidental Invention (Really!)\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eWaiting for Pumpsie\u003c\/em\u003e. Barry lives in the Bronx. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/barry-wittenstein\"\u003eRead more \u003c\/a\u003eabout Barry Wittenstein.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - ENTER ILLUSTRATOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKeith Mallett, illustrator\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKeith Mallett studied art at Hunter College in New York City. Keith's work was commissioned to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Jackie Robinson's historic breakthrough into major league baseball, has graced the cover of \u003cem\u003eChicken Soup for the African American Soul,\u003c\/em\u003e and has been featured in many movies and TV shows. He is the illustrator of \u003cem\u003eTake a Picture of Me, James VanDerZee\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eHow Jelly Roll Morton Invented Jazz.\u003c\/em\u003e Keith lives in San Diego, California. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/keith-mallett\"\u003eRead more\u003c\/a\u003e about Keith Mallett.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - ENTER AWARDS \u0026 HONORS BELOW - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAwards \u0026amp; Honors\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eComing soon!\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - ENTER REVIEWS BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEditorial Reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/star-fade.gif?18127980511287865543\"\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eKirkus Reviews\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e, starred review\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn appropriately jazzy picture-book biography of African-American musician Sonny Rollins. It impresses from the endpapers, which mirror a vinyl LP in its paper sleeve and then playing on a turntable, to the liner notes about Rollins' seminal album \"The Bridge\" in the back. Born and raised in Harlem, Rollins grew up at the perfect time for a jazz musician. Written in free verse that flirts with rhyme, the text moves through measures and beats like the up-and-down swings of jazz. The vibrant, digitally created illustrations set the mood as they go from deep blue and purple nighttime hues to bright daytime tones and back again. The birth of Rollins' career is explored as he acquires and falls in love with his first horn and learns the nuances of jazz by sneaking into some of the greatest clubs in Harlem. By the time he's 19 people have started to notice how great he truly is. He spends most of the 1950s playing two shows a day, every day. Ten years later he needs a sabbatical: \"Sonny knows if he don't jump, \/ He. Won't. Last.\" He practices on the Williamsburg Bridge, and the first album after his return is called \"The Bridge.\" Child readers may not have thought much about Rollins, but Wittenstein's admiration for his subject establishes his importance. All the characters present as African-American. Opens the door for further exploration of both man and music.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/star-fade.gif?18127980511287865543\"\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eSchool Library Journal\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e, starred review\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe life of jazz legend Sonny Rollins pulses with the rousing spontaneity of his music in Wittenstein’s free verse biography. Readers witness Rollins’s career as an acclaimed musician followed by his explosive success and the subsequent reincarnations of his art. When Rollins feels like his career is one out-of-control improvisation, he ducks out of the limelight, devoting days and nights to playing his sax on the Williamsburg Bridge. On that bridge, he does some soul-searching; after two years, he returns to the spotlight as a more confident, grounded musician. Wittenstein’s verse replicates the swift tempo of bebop, interspersing rhyme and combining informal vernacular with a sense of extemporization in the rhythm. Some words, such as “per-co-lat-ing,” are punctuated at every syllable, each striking like a staccato note. Others are emphasized in all caps and are onomatopoeic (“BOOM BOP BEBOP!”). Mallett’s smooth, bold illustrations are rendered in dusky purples, moody blues, and earth tones: colors suggesting notes of jazz swirling through a thick night sky. An ­author’s note, liner notes to Rollins’s seminal album, \u003ci\u003eThe Bridge\u003c\/i\u003e, a time line, and additional content provide an opportunity for further exploration. ­VERDICT Pair with Rollins’s music to introduce children to this legendary musician and to the rhythmic exuberance of jazz.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublishers Weekly\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\nThis insightful biography of Sonny Rollins opens with two New Yorkers hearing the sound of saxophone: “What the heck is Sonny Rollins doing on the Williamsburg Bridge?” Wittenstein turns back the clock as Mallett depicts formative moments from Rollins’s life alongside concurrent historical events: Rollins is born at the time of the Harlem Renaissance, and discovers a love for saxophone as WWII soldiers march and eventually give way to civil rights demonstrators. After Rollins’s music career launches and he “rockets to the top of the jazz universe,” the book fast forwards to Rollins’s mid-career moment of crisis: “Looks in the mirror,\/ doesn’t like what he sees.\/ Name bigger than talent.” Seeking a private place to play (Rollins leans dejectedly on his fire escape, his saxophone resting against the railing, the sun setting over the Manhattan skyline), he finds solace in practicing on the bridge, which connects “the old to the new,” and leads to a new recording. Wittenstein fluidly provides historical context while exploring the ebbs and flows of the artistic process. Back matter discusses Rollins’s \u003ci\u003eThe Bridge\u003c\/i\u003e album.\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cb\u003eBooklist\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\nWalter Theodore \"Sonny\" Rollins was born during the Jazz Age in the cradle of the Harlem Renaissance. After WWII, jazz slowly morphed into bebop, and Sonny was in the middle of it. Overwhelmed by early fame, the young saxophonist decided to take a break from the limelight —until the siren song called again, and he began practicing on the Williamsburg Bridge, away from complaining neighbors. The text is divided into \"sets,\" framing the narrative within the larger historical moments, and Wittenstein presents the story in jaunty, lyrical phrasings. He also works in the titles of famous standards like \"Stompin' at the Savoy\" and \"Take the 'A' train.\" Mallett's palette alternates between royal purples and sandy browns, with the digital art seeming to glow during Sonny's highs and dim during his lows. The back matter details some of his heavier moments, including issues with substance abuse, and it mentions a current-day project to rename the Williamsburg Bridge after Rollins. A good choice for collections in need of biographies focused on music or lesser-known African American musicians.\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cb\u003eShelf Awareness\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA story about an adult's sabbatical from his professional life is an unusual concept for a children's book, but Barry Wittenstein's jazzy-rhythmed \u003ci\u003eSonny's Bridge\u003c\/i\u003e makes perfect sense once it's in readers' hands.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the 1940s, a young saxophonist named Sonny Rollins began sneaking into Harlem's Apollo Theater and Cotton Club to hear jazz musicians like John \"Dizzy\" Gillespie and Charlie \"Bird\" Parker. He began playing \"two-bit joints,\" writing his own music and turning standards like Billie Holliday's \"God Bless the Child\" into his own. By his 20s, he had rocketed \"to the top of the jazz universe.\" But when he was \"twenty-nine in '59, in his prime,\/ Sonny shatter[ed] the jazz world\" by taking a break from performing and recording--the pressure had become too intense. Courageously, Sonny took an intermission: \"No gigs, no deadlines, no pressure.... Sixteen hours every day, plays to his heart's de-light\" in the small Lower East Side apartment he shared with his wife. When neighbors complained about the noise, Sonny looked for a private place where he could \"make notes cry and squeak, beg and plead,\/ bend 'em up, bend 'em sideways.\" He found that place on the Williamsburg Bridge, connecting Manhattan and Brooklyn.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor more than two years, Sonny found \"refuge and sol-i-tude\" on the pedestrian walkway of the bridge, playing only for himself and the trains and tugboats. When he emerged from his self-imposed exile, rumors swirled about what he'd been doing: Had he found a new sound? Was he afraid of the \"younger cats on the prowl?\" Was he even playing sax anymore? Sonny didn't care. He went back into the recording studio and entered \"a new dimension:\/ his subconscious\/ 'cause 'you can't think and play at the same time.' \" In ear-ly 1962, he released to acclaim a new album called The Bridge. He had become \"more confident in himself as a musician and as a person,\" Wittenstein (\u003ci\u003eWaiting for Pumpsie\u003c\/i\u003e) writes in the \"Liner Notes\" of the book's back matter (which also include an author's note, a timeline of Rollins's life and additional notes and quotes).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWittenstein's energetic text mimics the syncopated rhythms of jazz, incorporating the lingo and locales of the time. Keith Mallett's (\u003ci\u003eHow Jelly Roll Morton Invented Jazz\u003c\/i\u003e; \u003ci\u003eTake a Picture of Me, James VanDerZee\u003c\/i\u003e) digital illustrations also capture the electric mood of the end of the bebop era. Using warm, vibrant colors, his depictions of Sonny and his cohort are expressive and full of life. Flashes of gold--a backlit Sonny, glowing streetlights and, always, Henrietta, his trusty sax--glitter through the pages. Readers accustomed to YouTube superstars will be intrigued by this story of one musician--who was already successful and famous--truly \"find[ing] his groove\" after stepping away from the limelight for an unimaginably long period (in today's terms) of more than two years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eShelf Talker:\u003c\/b\u003e This dynamic picture book tells how legendary jazz sax player Sonny Rollins, at the height of his career, stepped out of public view to find his groove again.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DOWNLOADABLES BELOW - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDownloadables\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/sonnys-bridge-cvr.jpg?435\" style=\"display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/sonnys-bridge-hires.zip?436\" class=\"product-btn\"\u003eDownload the Cover\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/sonny-activity-guide.pdf?206\" class=\"product-btn\"\u003eDownload the Activity Guide\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/sonnys-bridge-curriculum-guide.pdf?200\" class=\"product-btn\"\u003eDownload the Curriculum Guide\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DETAILS BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDetails\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHardcover\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eISBN: 978-1-58089-881-2\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eE-book\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eISBN: \u003cspan\u003e978-1-63289-738-1\u003c\/span\u003e EPUB\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eISBN: \u003cspan\u003e978-1-63289-739-8\u003c\/span\u003e PDF\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAges: 6-9\u003cbr\u003ePage count: 40\u003cbr\u003e10 x 10 \u003c\/p\u003e\n[\/TABS]","brand":"Charlesbridge","offers":[{"title":"Hardcover","offer_id":15385989316687,"sku":"98812","price":17.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/products\/sonnys-bridge-cover.jpg?v=1586803160"},{"product_id":"becoming-beatriz","title":"Becoming Beatriz","description":"\u003ch6\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h6\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR\/ILLUSTRATOR INFO BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy: \u003ca title=\"Author Tami Charles\" href=\"https:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/pages\/tami-charles\"\u003eTami Charles\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER HEADING BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\"Forgiveness is a gift.\"\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER DESCRIPTION BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReaders of Tami Charles’s debut novel, \u003ci\u003eLike Vanessa\u003c\/i\u003e, will remember neighborhood bad girl Beatriz Mendez. Beatriz bullied and betrayed Vanessa as they competed for Miss King Middle School, but is Beatriz really bad? Every story is deeper than you think.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen the day of her quinceañera goes horribly wrong, Beatriz must put aside her dreams of dancing – and getting famous enough to change her life – in order to care for her grieving mami and run her deceased brother's gang.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThen, handsome brainiac new-kid Nasser invites her to compete with him in an ACT-SO dance tournament that could land her a chance to appear on TV and meet her idol, Debbie Allen. Beatriz's dreams are coming back to life. But will the Diablos let her go?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSet in 1980s Newark, New Jersey, this rhythmic and vital story follows an Afro-Latina high-schooler as she learns to define herself, make peace with her past, and take charge of her own destiny.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/2zTQzvb\"\u003eListen\u003c\/a\u003e to Tami discuss writing, Miss America, and \u003ci\u003eLike Vanessa\u003c\/i\u003e on Publishers Weekly's KidsCast.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/charlesbridge.blogspot.com\/2018\/03\/charlesbridge-unplugged-3-tami-charles.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eListen\u003c\/a\u003e to Tami talk about \u003cem\u003eLike Vanessa\u003c\/em\u003e on Charlesbridge Unplugged.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER RECOMMENDATIONS BELOW - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"recommended-books\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you like this book, you’ll enjoy these:\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/products\/like-vanessa\"\u003eLike Vanessa\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/products\/flying-the-dragon\" title=\"Flying the Dragon\"\u003eFlying the Dragon\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - START OF TABS - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e [TABS]\n\u003ch5\u003eWatch the Trailer\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe title=\"YouTube video player\" class=\"youtube-player\" type=\"text\/html\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/_wKcqhBNE4g\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" width=\"420\" height=\"315\" allowfullscreen=\"\" frameborder=\"0\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DOWNLOADABLES BELOW - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDownloadables\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Becoming Beatriz book cover\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/becoming-beatriz-cvr.jpg?2327248224598137924\" style=\"display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/becoming-beatriz-hires.zip?463\" class=\"product-btn\"\u003eDownload the Cover\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/becoming-beatriz-excerpt.pdf?v=1614776971\" class=\"product-btn\"\u003eDownload the Excerpt\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/becoming-beatriz-discussion-guide.pdf?v=1614766684\" class=\"product-btn\"\u003eDownload the Discussion Guide\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor \u0026amp; Illustrator\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTami Charles, author\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTami Charles is a former elementary school teacher who now writes full-time. She lives in Central New Jersey.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca title=\"Author Tami Charles\" href=\"https:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/pages\/tami-charles\"\u003eRead more\u003c\/a\u003e about Tami here.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/charlesbridge.blogspot.com\/2018\/03\/charlesbridge-unplugged-3-tami-charles.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eListen to our podcast interview\u003c\/a\u003e with Tami here.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - ENTER AWARDS \u0026 HONORS BELOW - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAwards \u0026amp; Honors\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e2019 Junior Library Guild Selection\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e2019 \u003ci\u003eKirkus Reviews\u003c\/i\u003e Best Young Adult Books Selection\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNCSS\/CBC Notable Social Studies Book\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - ENTER REVIEWS BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEditorial Reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/star-fade.gif?18127980511287865543\"\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eShelf Awareness, \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e, starred review\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt's 1984, and 15-year-old Beatriz Mendez knows there is a rule she cannot break: \"blood in, blood out.\" Members of the Diablos, a Puerto Rican gang in her neighborhood of Newark, N.J., get jumped as initiation--and leaving the gang usually means being killed in the streets. Beatriz's older brother, Juan \"Junito,\" is the leader of the Diablos; when he and Beatriz are attacked by the Haitian Macoutes, a rival gang, Junito is gunned down and Beatriz is beaten. Having watched her brother die, Beatriz's priorities shift drastically. Her dream of becoming a dancer like Debbie Allen is put on hold as the pressure to return to the gang builds--\"time to start thinking 'bout getting back in the game, princesa\"--forcing her to think about the street violence in which she has taken part.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e With Junito gone, the Diablos' new leader, DQ, has big plans to up the ante in the fight against the Macoutes. As Beatriz tries to break ties with the Diablos, and begins a friendship with a new boy at school named Nasser, someone starts leaving her photographs with mysterious messages written in Creole. Slowly losing the trust of the Diablos, with the danger of being jumped by the Macoutes at every turn, Beatriz is torn between finding a form of safety in her old life and escaping violence by embracing her love of dance.\u003c\/p\u003e\nTami Charles's beautifully written follow-up to \u003ci\u003eLike Vanessa\u003c\/i\u003e creates a believable character in Beatriz, one with an intensity of spirit likely to draw in fans of Elizabeth Acevedo and Tiffany D. Jackson. With its realistic portrayal of life in Newark in the 1980s, Charles's author's note reveals the parts of her own life that inspired Beatriz's story. —Clarissa Hadge, bookstore manager, Trident Booksellers \u0026amp; Cafe, Boston, Mass.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Discover: In this rhythmic teen read, after witnessing her brother's death, 15-year-old Beatriz must choose between her life as a gang member or moving forward to a life without violence as a dancer.\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/star-fade.gif?18127980511287865543\"\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eKirkus Reviews, \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e, starred review\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn a city where \"cocaine is king,\" can a teenage gang leader dare to dream of another life? Newark, New Jersey. 1984. Beatriz Mendez and her older brother, Junito, lead the powerful Latin Diablos gang. Everything changes on Beatriz's 15th birthday when a Haitian gang leaves Junito for dead and Beatriz badly injured. A \u003ci\u003eLike Vanessa\u003c\/i\u003e (2018) spinoff, this page-turner opens dramatically with a visceral fight scene that introduces a fierce protagonist. Beatriz is a Spanglish-speaking Puerto Rican badass with \"a blade tucked inside [her] cheek…to use on anybody who tries to step.\" In the aftermath of Junito's death, Beatriz struggles to maintain her standing as a Diabla, raise her grades (mostly D's and F's), and support her grief-stricken zombie of a mother. Though \"dancing ain't gonna pay the bills,\" she allows her childhood dream of becoming a dancer to glimmer through her tough exterior each week when watching her favorite TV show, \u003ci\u003eFame\u003c\/i\u003e. Told in the first person, this narrative is full of passion and humor, with flashbacks rooted in Beatriz's beloved salsa music. Realistic newsprint clips effectively add context. A friendship\/romance with a new boy contributes depth while avoiding predictability. As Beatriz transcends her trauma and self-doubt—\"No such thing as a gangbanger turned famous dancer\"—readers experience a necessary portrayal of a young Afro Latina woman who makes her own path, one that isn't straightforward, told in an extremely realistic voice. Inspiring and fresh.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBooklist\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBeatriz, first introduced in Charles’ \u003ci\u003eLike Vanessa\u003c\/i\u003e (2018), wanted to dance and become famous for it, until the day of her fifteenth birthday, when a rival gang drove by her family’s bodega and murdered her brother, Junito. He’d been the head of the Diablos, and Beatriz a blossoming Diabla, though she still harbored her dreams of meeting Debbie Allen and making her Fame dreams come true. After her brother was taken from her, though, she stopped dancing. It takes her a year of floating along with the Diablos and trying to do what she thinks Junito would have wanted before she goes back to dreaming and, ultimately, becoming whom she was meant to be. Though the situations and story line are heavy, and the average modern reader might not easily relate to a gang in the ’80s, Beatriz’s often funny, descriptive first-person narrative is a welcoming avenue into her story. Readers with diverse backgrounds will feel at home with Beatriz’s identities as Latina, Black, and American, and everyone will be cheering her on, right up until the satisfying, heartwarming end.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cb\u003eForeword Reviews\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFifteen-year-old Beatriz Mendez lives a split life between school and gang life, caring for her mother and enforcing gang rules, dancing with an attractive Haitian boy, and carrying a razor blade tucked in her cheek. Set in the 1980s, Tami Charles’s gritty \u003ci\u003eBecoming Beatriz\u003c\/i\u003e shows Beatriz’s limited choices and the strength she finds to create new ones.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Beatriz, her brother Junito, and her mother leave Puerto Rico for New York City to escape her father’s abuse. Junito turns to dealing to augment the scarce income from their bodega. He forms and heads a gang, the Diablos, which leads to his death in the book’s opening pages. His mother’s grief renders her a vague, emotionally absent character.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The dancing that once defined Beatriz now feels worlds away. Beatriz is also in New York at a time when Fame was at its height and Debbie Allen served as the toughest taskmaster every dancer ever wanted. The only remaining bond between Beatriz and her mother is the television show, and the power of hope that is defined within it is evoked by the plot. Tryouts come to the city, and Beatriz is lured back to dance. But gang life—blood in, blood out, the trap set for Beatriz with her gang initiation at twelve—still looms.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Beatriz is an intense lead, fully aware of the fact that the people and things that she loves could destroy her. Her narration is sympathetic, even through difficult events. She wriggles through narrower and narrower choices, always striving to find another way.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e In the tough and hopeful \u003ci\u003eBecoming Beatriz\u003c\/i\u003e, gangs and hatred can destroy families from the inside out, but talent and grit help people to heal and rise.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cb\u003eSchool Library Journal\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is the mid-1980s and Beatriz worships the TV show Fame. Her mom brought Beatriz and her brother, Junito, to New Jersey from Puerto Rico to escape their abusive father who particularly targeted Junito for not being masculine enough. Beatriz dreams of dancing professionally like her inspiration, Debbie Allen, but when Junito is murdered by Haitian gang leaders, she steps up her involvement with the Diablos, their Newark gang. A Shakespearean twist brings the beautiful and nerdy Haitian Nasser into Beatriz’s life. Nasser’s multifaceted brilliance inevitably wins Beatriz’s heart and leads her back to her passion and commitment to music. Family and school dynamics are spot-on as authority figures range from completely clueless to vitally aware. The language is improbably tame at times for a girl who conceals a razor blade in her cheek every day, but the accurate and immersive ‘80s music, fashion, and historical references outweigh these scattered lapses. Some of the Spanish dialogue is defined by context, but English monolingual readers may need to translate a few phrases or miss out on details. Similar to \u003ci\u003eThe Hate U Give\u003c\/i\u003e, this book offers readers painful and intimate experiences with injustice through an intensely effective first-person narrative. VERDICT Compelling romance with insightful commentary on racial, cultural, and LGBTQ discrimination alongside the realistic depiction of gang dependency and its impact.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cb\u003eThe Horn Book\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCharles (\u003ci\u003eLike Vanessa\u003c\/i\u003e) presents the story of an Afro-Puerto Rican teen, Beatriz Mendez, who is torn between her own desire to be a dancer and the expectations of her blood and chosen families in mid-1980s New Jersey. After the gang-related murder of her brother, Junito, Beatriz feels responsible for taking on his role as leader of the Diablos gang. Failing in school and dealing with her mom's sadness, Beatriz sets aside her love for dance. however, when her favorite TV show, \u003ci\u003eFame\u003c\/i\u003e, announces a casting call for extras, Beatriz must try to balance her \"gang life\" with her \"dance life.\" Can she navigate between the two, or will she finally be honest with herself and choose to follow her dreams? Through Beatriz's voice, Charles presents a strong, smart, and sometimes snarky teenager who is trying to gain control of her choices, to finally become her true self; and whose family has encountered abuse and injustice and developed mechanisms of survival. Integral to the story are explorations of drugs and addiction and their impact on Black and Latinx communities; machismo and homophobia in Puerto Rican communities; and media and dreams as ways to escape one's realities or to find new ones. An author's note and information about gangs and the 1980s drug epidemic, Debbie Allen (dancer, choreographer, and star of \u003ci\u003eFame\u003c\/i\u003e), and ACT-SO (Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological, and Scientific Olympics) are appended.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublishers Weekly\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt 15, Puerto Rican Beatriz Mendez has been a Diabla for three years, but the death of her older brother, Junito, at the hands of a Haitian rival gang and the increased pressure to prove her loyalty lead her to question the criminal, often violent path she's accepted as inevitable. Charles creates a vivid sense of time and place in her second novel, set in Newark, N.J., in the 1980s. Beatriz's talent for dance leads to the chance to audition for her favorite television show, \u003ci\u003eFame\u003c\/i\u003e. This opportunity, along with the consequences of her brothers untimely death, challenge her to make difficult choices about her present in order to become who she's meant to be, regardless of expectations from her fellow Diablos, her tight-knit family, and larger society. Her growing friendship and attraction to Nasser, a new classmate of Haitian descent, and her kinship with \u003ci\u003eFame's\u003c\/i\u003e Debbie Allen are meaningful additions, providing outside perspectives into what Beatriz considers an inescapable, normal lifestyle. A memorable portrayal of an ambitious young woman whose growing belief in her won skill and worth allow her to reach beyond her current circumstances.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DETAILS BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDetails\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHardcover\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003eISBN: 978-1-58089-778-5\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eE-book\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eISBN: 978-1-63289-611-7 EPUB\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAges: 12 and up\u003cbr\u003ePage count: 272\u003cbr\u003e5 \u003csup\u003e1\u003c\/sup\u003e\/\u003csub\u003e2\u003c\/sub\u003e x 8 \u003csup\u003e1\u003c\/sup\u003e\/\u003csub\u003e4\u003c\/sub\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n[\/TABS]","brand":"Charlesbridge","offers":[{"title":"Paperback","offer_id":39509914157135,"sku":"41828","price":12.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/products\/becoming-beatriz-cover.jpg?v=1586785574"},{"product_id":"balletball","title":"Balletball","description":"\u003ch6\u003e\u003c\/h6\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR\/ILLUSTRATOR INFO BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/pages\/erin-dionne\"\u003eErin Dionne\u003c\/a\u003e \/ Illustrated by: \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/gillian-flint\"\u003eGillian Flint\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER HEADING BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBaseball is nothing like ballet. Or is it?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER DESCRIPTION BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNini hates baseball. She hates that baseball is not ballet. She especially hates that Mom signed her up to play and now she's stuck with the sport. Nini just can't bring herself to participate. Not even her teammates' disappointment will change her feelings. A pep talk from her coach and some sparkly shoelaces help – a little. When Nini makes a game-winning catch using her ballet moves, she realizes that change might not be so bad after all, and ballet and baseball have more in common than she thought.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER RECOMMENDATIONS BELOW - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"recommended-books\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you like this book, you’ll enjoy these: \u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/products\/imanis-moon\"\u003eImani's Moon\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - START OF TABS - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e [TABS]\n\u003ch5\u003eLook Inside\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg class=\"cvr-border-gray\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/balletball-spread.jpg?720\"\u003e\u003c!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --\u003e \u003cscript type=\"text\/javascript\" async=\"\" defer data-pin-shape=\"round\" data-pin-height=\"32\" data-pin-hover=\"true\" src=\"\/\/assets.pinterest.com\/js\/pinit.js\"\u003e\u003c\/script\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor \u0026amp; Illustrator\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eErin Dionne, author\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eErin Dionne is the author of the picture book \u003ci\u003eCaptain's Log: Snowbound\u003c\/i\u003e and several middle-grade novels, including \u003ci\u003eLights, Camera, Disaster\u003c\/i\u003e and \u003ci\u003eMoxie and the Art of Rule Breaking\u003c\/i\u003e, an Edgar Award nominee. Erin is an associate professor of liberal arts at Montserrat College of Art in Massachusetts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/pages\/erin-dionne\"\u003eRead more\u003c\/a\u003e about Erin.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - ENTER ILLUSTRATOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGillian Flint, illustrator\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGillian Flint has worked as a professional illustrator since graduating with an animation and illustration degree in 2003. She illustrated \u003ci\u003eLove You Always, Button and Bundle\u003c\/i\u003e, and \u003ci\u003eHugga Bugga Love\u003c\/i\u003e. In her spare time Gillian enjoys reading and spending time with her family.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/gillian-flint\"\u003eRead more\u003c\/a\u003e about Gillian.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - ENTER AWARDS \u0026 HONORS BELOW - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAwards \u0026amp; Honors\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eComing soon!\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - ENTER REVIEWS BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEditorial Reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eBooklist\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNini loves ballet—the leaps, the twirls, and the sparkly tutu. A week after her recital, she’s unhappy to hear that she will begin a new activity: baseball. From the uniform (no sparkles) to the equipment (“a lumpy brown glove”) to her position (outfield), she’s less than thrilled, and her attitude is unpopular with her teammates. After their patient coach explains that some professional athletes take ballet, Nini decides to try harder. And sure enough, the next time the opposing team hits a ball her way, she leaps, twirls, pliés, and makes the catch for the last out. Her team wins, and Nini renames the sport balletball. Flint offers a series of appealing watercolor-and-brush-pen scenes with fluid lines and pleasing use of color. The illustrations include a racially diverse cast of characters with different abilities (one uses a hearing aid, another wears glasses). While the story is a mix of reality and wish-fulfillment fantasy, young children are experts at combining the two. An optimistic, sports-themed picture book for aspiring ballet dancers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DOWNLOADABLES BELOW - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDownloadables\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Balletball book cover\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/balletball-cvr.jpg?720\" style=\"display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/balletball-hires.zip?720\" class=\"product-btn\"\u003eDownload the Cover\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DETAILS BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDetails\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHardcover\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003eISBN: 978-1-58089-939-0\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eE-book\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eISBN: 978-1-63289-797-8 EPUB\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAges: 4-8\u003cbr\u003ePage count: 32\u003cbr\u003e10 x 8\u003c\/p\u003e\n[\/TABS]","brand":"Charlesbridge","offers":[{"title":"Hardcover","offer_id":22226620547151,"sku":"99390","price":16.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/products\/balletball-cover.jpg?v=1586785426"},{"product_id":"dance-or-die","title":"Dance or Die","description":"\u003ch1\u003eDance or Die\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrom Stateless Refugee to International Ballet Star: A Memoir\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR\/ILLUSTRATOR INFO BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy: \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/ahmad-joudeh\"\u003eAhmad Joudeh\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER HEADING BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eArt is my identity. Dance is my passport. \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eYoung refugee Ahmad Joudeh grows up in Syria with dreams of becoming a dancer. Neither bombs nor family opposition keep him from taking classes, practicing hard, and ultimately finding success on a Lebanese reality show. But then extremist's threaten him  if he continues dancing, his father kicks him out of the house, and the war around him intensifies. Recruited by one of Syria's top dance companies, Ahmad persists in his dream, and gets a tattoo on his neck, right where the executioner's blade would fall, that says \"Dance or Die.\" \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA powerful look at refugee life in Syria, \u003cem\u003eDance or Die \u003c\/em\u003efollows Ahmad from Damascus to Beirut to Amsterdam, where he finds a home with one of Europe's top ballet troupes, and where he continues to fight for the human rights of refugees everywhere through his art, his activism, and his commitment to justice.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER RECOMMENDATIONS BELOW - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"recommended-books\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you like this book, you’ll enjoy these: \u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/we-are-not-refugees\"\u003eWe Are Not Refugees\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/gotham-girl-interrupted\"\u003eGotham Girl Interrupted\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - START OF TABS - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e [TABS]\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAhmad Joudeh, author\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDancer and choreographer Ahmad Joudeh was born in Syria in 1990 and grew up as a stateless refugee in the Al-Yarmouk camp on the outskirts of Damascus. Amid the violence of the Syrian civil war, he pursued his dream as a dancer and appeared on the Middle Eastern version of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003eSo You Think You Can Dance\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan\u003e before moving to Europe in 2016 to dance with the Dutch National Ballet. He lives in Amsterdam and performs throughout the world.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/ahmad-joudeh\"\u003eRead more\u003c\/a\u003e about Ahmad.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DOWNLOADABLES BELOW - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDownloadables\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"10-Minute Brain Games cover image\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/dance-or-die-cover.jpg?v=1620064974\" style=\"display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/dance-or-die-cover-hires.jpg.zip?v=1620064974\" class=\"product-btn\"\u003eDownload the Cover\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/dance-or-die-discussion-guide.pdf?v=1645110875\" class=\"product-btn\"\u003eDownload the Discussion Guide\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DETAILS BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDetails\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHardcover\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003eISBN: 978-1-62354-513-0\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePage count: 240\u003cbr\u003e5\u003csup\u003e1\u003c\/sup\u003e\/\u003csub\u003e2\u003c\/sub\u003e x 8\u003csup\u003e1\u003c\/sup\u003e\/\u003csub\u003e4\u003c\/sub\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n[\/TABS]","brand":"Imagine Publishing","offers":[{"title":"Hardcover","offer_id":39381238284367,"sku":"45130","price":24.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/products\/dance-or-die-cover.jpg?v=1621539142"},{"product_id":"powwow-day","title":"Powwow Day","description":"\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/star-fade.gif?4673889858015672850\"\u003e \"A heartwarming picture book about the roles of courage, culture, and community in the journey of personal healing.\" \u003ci\u003e—Kirkus Reviews\u003c\/i\u003e, starred review\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/star-fade.gif?4673889858015672850\"\u003e \"A resonant, hopeful tale about the healing power of community and tradition.\" \u003ci\u003e—Publishers Weekly\u003c\/i\u003e, starred review\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/star-fade.gif?4673889858015672850\"\u003e \"A tender and inspiring view of Indigenous traditions and how ­celebrating them can lead to healing and redemption.\" \u003ci\u003e—School Library Journal\u003c\/i\u003e, starred review\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR\/ILLUSTRATOR INFO BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy: \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/traci-sorell\"\u003eTraci Sorell\u003c\/a\u003e \/ Illustrated by: \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/madelyn-goodnight\"\u003eMadelyn Goodnight\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER HEADING BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eMy feet stay still. I can't feel the drum's heartbeat.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER DESCRIPTION BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt's powwow day—but eight-year-old River can't dance this year. She's been very sick for a very long time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis uplifting contemporary picture book by award-winning author and Cherokee citizen Traci Sorell follows River as she struggles with the isolation of a serious illness and the frustration of her physical limits—and as she finds solace in the healing power of community. Back matter explains the history and functions of powwows, which are held across the United States and Canada and are open to both Native Americans and non-Native visitors.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER RECOMMENDATIONS BELOW - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"recommended-books\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you like this book, you’ll enjoy these: \u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/we-are-grateful-otsaliheliga\"\u003eWe Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/we-are-still-here\"\u003eWe Are Still Here! Native American Truths Everyone Should Know\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/look-grandma-ni-elisi\"\u003eLook, Grandma! Ni, Elisi!\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - START OF TABS - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e\n[TABS]\n\u003ch5\u003eLook Inside\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg class=\"cvr-border-gray\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/powwow-day-spread.jpg?v=1627409149\" data-mce-style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --\u003e \u003cscript type=\"text\/javascript\" async=\"\" defer data-pin-shape=\"round\" data-pin-height=\"32\" data-pin-hover=\"true\" src=\"\/\/assets.pinterest.com\/js\/pinit.js\"\u003e\u003c\/script\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DOWNLOADABLES BELOW - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDownloadables\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"medium-cover\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/powwow-day-cover.jpg?v=1627409149\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/powwow-day-cover-hires.jpg.zip?v=1627409149\" class=\"product-btn\"\u003eDownload the Cover\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/powwow-day-activity-guide.pdf?v=1646931623\" class=\"product-btn\"\u003eDownload the Activity Kit\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor \u0026amp; Illustrator\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTraci Sorell, author\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBest-selling author and Cherokee Nation citizen Traci Sorell writes inclusive, award-winning fiction and nonfiction in a variety of formats for young people. She is a two-time Sibert Medal and Orbis Pictus honoree for her nonfiction work. Her first five books have received awards from the American Indian Library Association. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/traci-sorell\"\u003eRead more \u003c\/a\u003eabout Traci.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - ENTER ILLUSTRATOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMadelyn Goodnight, illustrator\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMadelyn Goodnight is a member of the Chickasaw Nation. Her work reflects her love of childhood. She holds a degree from Rhode Island School of Design and lives in Brooklyn. She is the illustrator of \u003cem\u003eThe Pear Tree \u003c\/em\u003eand\u003cem\u003e Look, Grandma!\/Ni, Elisi!\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/madelyn-goodnight\"\u003eRead more\u003c\/a\u003e about Madelyn. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - ENTER AWARDS \u0026 HONORS BELOW - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAwards \u0026amp; Honors\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA \u003cem\u003eKirkus Reviews \u003c\/em\u003eBest Book of 2022\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA \u003cem\u003eSchool Library Journal\u003c\/em\u003e Best Book of 2022\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA \u003cem\u003eShelf Awareness\u003c\/em\u003e Best Book of 2022\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA Center for the Study of Multicultural Children's Literature Best Multicultural Children's Book of 2022\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA Bookstagang Picture Book Guild Best Bookshelf Building Picture Book of 2022\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA Chicago Public Library Best Book of 2022\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA 2023 Charlotte Zolotow Highly Commended Book\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA 2023 ILA Notable Book for a Global Society\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA 2023 Texas Library Association 2x2 Reading List selection\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - ENTER REVIEWS BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEditorial Reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/star-fade.gif?4673889858015672850\"\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eKirkus Reviews\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e, starred review\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this contemporary story, an Indigenous tradition inspires hope in a young girl. Powwow Day, a traditional Native American ceremony, arrives, but River is still recovering from an unnamed illness and feels too weak to dance. Dressed in her jingle dress and matching moccasins, she longs to join her family and friends in the Grand Entry procession. She hears the drums—“BAM. BAM. BAM. BAM”—and watches the elders enter the circle with flags and feathers. The fancy dancers “twirl and ribbons whirl,” while the “grass dancers sway and weave themselves around the circle,” but River can’t “feel the drum’s heartbeat,” and her “feet stay still.” The emcee calls for the jingle dress dancers to enter the arena. Although River needs the ceremonial healing dance, she can’t do it. Thankfully, River’s friend says she will dance for her. The rows of shiny cones on the dresses make music as the jingle dancers move: “clink, clink, clink.” The girls “dance for the Creator, the ancestors, their families, and everyone’s health.” Watching her sister, cousins, and friend dance, River’s heart begins to open and conviction enters her soul. She finally feels the drumbeat fully, but is it her time to dance? Goodnight’s vibrant, energetic digital illustrations capture the beauty and intricacy of powwow regalia as well as the unique atmosphere of a powwow gathering. Together, the artwork and text sensitively portray and celebrate a powerful ritual that upholds the culture, healing traditions, and creative spirit of Native American communities. No specific tribe is mentioned in the story, though the backmatter mentions the Ponca and Omaha tribes. A heartwarming picture book about the roles of courage, culture, and community in the journey of personal healing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/star-fade.gif?4673889858015672850\"\u003e \u003cstrong\u003ePublishers Weekly\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e, starred review\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen River first wakes up on tribal powwow day, she feels a surge of excitement before remembering that there will be “no dancing.\/ No jingle dress competition for me.\/... I can’t dance like I could before I got sick.” Attending the powwow with family, River, portrayed with light brown skin and short hair in a marigold jingle dress, hopes to dance Grand Entry and the intertribal dance, but is fatigued, unfocused, and “can’t feel the drum’s heartbeat.” Yet, watching from a nearby seat as the dancers connect to “the drum,\/ Mother Earth,\/ and one another,” and witnessing family and friends participating in the girls’ jingle dance, she realizes: “They dance for\/ the Creator,\/ the ancestors,\/ their families,\/ and everyone’s health...\/ including mine.” In sensory-focused lines, Sorell (We Are Still Here!), who is Cherokee, creates a resonant, hopeful tale about the healing power of community and tradition, deftly capturing the powwow’s essence. Textural digital illustrations by Goodnight (Look, Grandma! Ni, Elisi!), who is Chickasaw, focus on the event’s sights and its participants’ fluid movements, effectively conveying River’s sideline perspective and desire to dance with her community once again. Back matter offers more information about powwows.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/star-fade.gif?4673889858015672850\"\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eSchool Library Journal\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e, starred review\u003c\/p\u003e\nPowwow Day has arrived but ­River is recovering from an illness and unable to participate in the pageantry and tradition of the day. Little River is aching to join her family and community in the dances but is unable to “feel” the drums and becomes discouraged at having to remain on the sidelines. Her family and friends help River reach the realization that they are dancing for their community, traditions, healing, and most importantly, for her. The author develops the plot by creating text that is rooted in feeling and emotional connection. As a Cherokee Nation member, Sorell infuses the story with information about various traditions and experiences. Chickasaw Nation member Goodnight provides exquisitely detailed illustrations that exemplify the meaning and importance of Powwow Day. VERDICT A tender and inspiring view of Indigenous traditions and how celebrating them can lead to healing and redemption.\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eForeword Reviews\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA girl recovering from illness longs to participate in her tribal powwow in this vibrant picture book about acceptance and hope. Delicate feathers and fringe adorn brilliant gold, pink, and turquoise ensembles as River’s friends and family take part in various dances and competitions, but River is still not well enough to don her jingle dress and join them. As she watches, though, she is reminded that the music still lives in her heart, and that she will dance again someday.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cb\u003eShelf Awareness\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the lyrical Powwow Day, readers are welcomed into an uplifting \"celebration of dance, song, culture, and community.\" River wakes on powwow day full of excitement--until she remembers that, because she's been ill, there will be no dancing and no jingle dress competition for her today. Still, she hopes at least to join in for Grand Entry at the start of the ceremony. She waits with the other girls as warriors enter the arena carrying flags, followed by elders heading up the long line of dancers. But her own feet are still. River watches \"through wet eyes\" as the dancers move \"around the circle, all connected to the drum, Mother Earth, and one another.\" It seems that River is the only one who \"can't feel the drum's heartbeat.\" An elder prays to the Creator that their \"culture and language will stay strong, and that healing will come to those who need it\"--like River. She tries to dance again but isn't able to take part in the intertribal dance, either. The competitions begin and \"fancy dancers twirl and ribbons whirl.\/ Graceful grass dancers sway and weave.\" Finally, River feels the drum beat inside her. She watches as her sister, cousin and friends step and turn with feathery fans and clinking cones. She sits tall as they \"dance for the Creator, the ancestors, their families, and everyone's health... including mine.\" River, who can \"feel the drum fully now,\" stands and opens her heart--she knows she will dance again at the next powwow. Traci Sorrell (At the Mountain's Base; We Are Still Here), member of the Cherokee Nation, enhances her graceful text with back matter about powwows. Through River, the author neatly conveys the magic and allure of the dances themselves, along with the all-important sense of community and healing fostered by the celebratory event. Madelyn Goodnight (illustrator of Look Grandma! Ni, Elisi!), member of the Chickasaw Nation, uses dynamic layouts and a variety of viewpoints in her colorful digital illustrations to portray the vibrancy of the powwow. Expressive characters in their detailed dancing dresses are full of life and movement. Readers will likely find it easy to empathize with River's sorrow as well as her hope for strength, for healing and to dance again. --Lynn Becker, reviewer, blogger and children's book author Shelf Talker: Though River won't be dancing in the powwow, she recognizes the healing power of her community in this lyrical and uplifting story.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DETAILS BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDetails\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHardcover\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eISBN: \u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-sheets-value='{\"1\":3,\"3\":9781580899482}' data-sheets-userformat='{\"2\":1,\"3\":{\"1\":0}}'\u003e978-1-58089-948-2\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-sheets-value='{\"1\":3,\"3\":9781580899482}' data-sheets-userformat='{\"2\":1,\"3\":{\"1\":0}}'\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cstrong\u003ePaperback\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eISBN: 978-1-62354-610-6\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-sheets-value='{\"1\":3,\"3\":9781580899482}' data-sheets-userformat='{\"2\":1,\"3\":{\"1\":0}}'\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBoard Book\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eISBN: 978-1-62354-576-5\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eE-book\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eISBN: \u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e978-1-63289-815-9\u003c\/span\u003e EPUB\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAges: 4-8\u003cbr\u003ePage count: 32\u003cbr\u003e9 x 9\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e[\/TABS]\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Charlesbridge","offers":[{"title":"Hardcover","offer_id":39509979234383,"sku":"99482","price":17.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"On Powwow Day Board Book","offer_id":45426531500269,"sku":"45765","price":8.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Paperback","offer_id":47323227226349,"sku":"46106","price":8.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/products\/powwow-day-cover.jpg?v=1627421305"},{"product_id":"captain-skidmark-dances-with-destiny","title":"Captain Skidmark Dances with Destiny","description":"\u003ch6\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h6\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR\/ILLUSTRATOR INFO BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy: \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/jennifer-a-irwin\"\u003eJennifer A. Irwin\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER HEADING BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFor a while, we were just two cool guys in a cool car out on the town: Alex the Hockey Stud and his sidekick, Captain Skidmark.\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER DESCRIPTION BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWill is a Canadian eighth grader who hates hockey—and he stinks at it, too. Will is bullied at school, doesn’t have any friends, and is generally miserable. His seventeen-year-old hockey-star cousin, Alex, is the cherry on the sundae: when he comes to stay with Will's family, the boys hate each other on sight.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThen, Will stumbles into a local dance school and discovers that for the first time ever, he's\u003cem\u003e good\u003c\/em\u003e at something—but his dad forbids it. No son of his is going to dance. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWill takes readers on a journey through noogies, awkward conversations, and epic farts. Filled with humor, nuance, and emotion, this novel asks serious questions about what makes a family and what makes a man.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER RECOMMENDATIONS BELOW - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"recommended-books\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you like this book, you’ll enjoy these: \u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/worst-case-collin\"\u003eWorst-Case Collin\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/the-way-i-say-it\"\u003eThe Way I Say It \u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/someone-elses-shoes\"\u003eSomeone Else's Shoes\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - START OF TABS - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e[TABS]\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DOWNLOADABLES BELOW - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDownloadables\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"medium-cover\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/captain-skidmark-dances-with-destiny-cover.jpg?v=1660330883\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca class=\"product-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/captain-skidmark-dances-with-destiny-cover-hires.jpg.zip?v=1660330883\"\u003eDownload the Cover\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/captain-skidmark-dances-with-destiny-discussion-guide.pdf?v=1669668851\" class=\"product-btn\"\u003eDownload the Discussion Guide\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor \u0026amp; Illustrator\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJennifer A. Irwin, author\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJennifer A. Irwin holds a master’s degree in English literature, as well as a bachelor's in education from McGill University. She teaches middle and senior school English at Lower Canada College. She lives in Montreal, Quebec, with her husband and two sons. \u003cem\u003eCaptain Skidmark Dances with Destiny\u003c\/em\u003e is her first novel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/jennifer-a-irwin\"\u003eRead more \u003c\/a\u003eabout Jennifer\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - ENTER AWARDS \u0026 HONORS BELOW - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAwards \u0026amp; Honors\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eComing soon!\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - ENTER REVIEWS BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEditorial Reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ci\u003eKirkus Reviews\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNavigating adolescence is hard; family dynamics can make it even harder.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThirteen-year-old Will Stone feels like a loser. He’s a skittish new student at Boundary Street Middle School in Evanston, Ontario. His dad, the new principal, has cachet as a former professional hockey player, while Will has earned a special level of disgrace after scoring a goal for the opposing team. Things might be looking up with the news that his cousin Alex, 17, will be coming from cosmopolitan Montreal to live with them. Will sees a potential cool protector. Instead, Alex turns out to be a surly slob. Worse, he becomes the hockey team’s new assistant coach. Deliverance comes unexpectedly: Will’s kinetic ricocheting as he flees bullies attracts the eye of Jesús Rodriguez, who invites Will into his dance studio. Will is leery, but the flattery of attractive Tessa Harper seals the deal. Will’s hockey skills fail to improve, but he doesn’t care as he tears it up on the dance floor, and his self-esteem blossoms. Now, how to break this news to his hockey-fanatic family? If the first half of Irwin’s bubbly debut is about finding one’s bliss, the second half tackles deeper, related questions about identity and masculinity. The first-person narrative sometimes feels too sophisticated for the hyper hero, but there’s consistent humor, compassion in abundance, and relatable characters. Will and his family read White; some ethnic diversity is cued in the supporting cast.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdolescent angst and its issues unpacked with a caring, comic eye.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ci\u003eBooklist\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWill Stone may well be the worst hockey player ever to take the ice, but from the moment he’s roped into taking a ballroom-dancing lesson, he knows he’s got a gift. But what will his former NHL-star dad say when he finds out? Not to mention his caustic, scornful grandpa and the vicious tormentors who have made life at school a living hell? Except for the relentless bullying, Irwin delivers her debut’s events in a light tone, endowing her resilient but conflicted 13-year-old with comically painful adolescent issues. She also provides unexpected allies, both high-schoolers, in dance partner Tessa (“majestically hot”) and a newly arrived live-in cousin with pa-rental issues of his own. The author sets up cli-mactic tests of will that will leave readers with two inspiring examples of sons strong enough to chase their own dreams rather than those of their parents, at least one dad who is willing to learn from his mistakes, and a protagonist with a new outlook on a sport he used to hate. That’s some fancy footwork.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ci\u003eChildren's Literature\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen you are an awkward teenage boy who just wants to make your father proud of you, you'll try anything, including playing a sport you hate. Will is just that teenager and he is struggling to find a way to let his father know that hockey is just not his thing. Every time he falls on the ice and misses a goal, etc., the look his dad gives him is worse than any bullying he gets from the other kids. On top of it all, he also is trying to find his place in a new school after his family moved. When his cousin, Alex, shows up to visit, Will thinks things will only turn from bad to worse, but to his surprise, he and Alex end up finding out that they have more in common than he supposed and an unlikely interest in dancing starts to blossom and help Will to find confidence in himself he didn't know he could feel. Middle-school-age teens will find this story relatable as they navigate the struggles that show up in this growing-up period, such as difficulty relating to parents, finding confidence despite others bullying you, and how to grow into a soon-to-be man\/woman. This is a wonderful debut novel by author, Irwin, and her desire to bring out love as a theme was successful as in the end it is the love Will has for himself that saves the day, despite what anyone else may think of him or his interests.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DETAILS BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDetails\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHardcover\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003eISBN: 978-1-62354-254-2\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePaperback\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eISBN: 978-1-62354-588-8\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAges: 10+\u003cbr\u003ePage count: 320\u003cbr\u003e5\u003csup data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e1\u003c\/sup\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\/\u003c\/span\u003e\u003csub data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e2 \u003c\/sub\u003ex 8\u003csup data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e1\u003c\/sup\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\/\u003c\/span\u003e\u003csub data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e4\u003c\/sub\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e[\/TABS]\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Charlesbridge","offers":[{"title":"Hardcover","offer_id":43262552408301,"sku":"42542","price":17.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Paperback","offer_id":45359267578093,"sku":"45888","price":10.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/products\/captain-skidmark-dances-with-destiny-cover.jpg?v=1661801965"},{"product_id":"adelas-mariachi-band","title":"Adela's Mariachi Band","description":"\u003ch6\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h6\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR\/ILLUSTRATOR INFO BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy: \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/denise-vega\"\u003eDenise Vega\u003c\/a\u003e \/ Illustrated by:\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/erika-medina\"\u003e Erika Medina\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER HEADING BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cb\u003eAdela loves everything about her family's mariachi band—except that she isn't in it!\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER DESCRIPTION BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdela wants nothing more than to be a part of her family's mariachi band, but when she tries the different instruments, everything comes out wrong. La trompeta fizzles, la vihuela squeaks, and trying to dance makes Adela fall on her face. From watching her family, Adela knows that practice makes perfect, but can she find a way to be part of the band in the meantime?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA new go-to read-aloud favorite that comes complete with funny instrument sounds, a rhythmic text, and Spanish vocabulary. Strike up the band!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER RECOMMENDATIONS BELOW - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"recommended-books\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you like this book, you’ll enjoy these: \u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/under-the-mambo-moon\"\u003eUnder the Mambo Moon\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/esquivel-space-age-sound-artist\"\u003eEsquivel!\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/little-pig-joins-the-band\"\u003eLittle Pig Joins the Band\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - START OF TABS - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e[TABS]\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eLook Inside\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg class=\"cvr-border-gray\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/adelas-mariachi-band-spread.jpg?v=1701180378\"\u003e\u003c!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --\u003e \u003cscript type=\"text\/javascript\" async=\"\" defer data-pin-shape=\"round\" data-pin-height=\"32\" data-pin-hover=\"true\" src=\"\/\/assets.pinterest.com\/js\/pinit.js\"\u003e\u003c\/script\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DOWNLOADABLES BELOW - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDownloadables\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"medium-cover\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/adelas-mariachi-band-cover.jpg?v=1719506119\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/adelas-mariachi-band-cover-hires.jpg.zip?v=1719506119\" class=\"product-btn\"\u003eDownload the Cover\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/adelas-mariachi-band-activity-kit.pdf?v=1718893092\" class=\"product-btn\"\u003eDownload the Activity Kit\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor \u0026amp; Illustrator\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDenise Vega, author\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDenise Vega wrote and illustrated her first book, \u003cem\u003eThe Laziness of Peter Rabbit,\u003c\/em\u003e when she was around twelve years old. Teachers were a huge influence on Denise and encouraged her pursuit of writing. Today she pulls inspiration from everywhere, from her nieces and nephews to the mountains and streams that grace the view from her home.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/denise-vega\"\u003eRead more \u003c\/a\u003eabout Denise.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - ENTER ILLUSTRATOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eErika Medina, illustrator\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eErika Medina is a Mexican art teacher and illustrator. She is the illustrator of \u003cem\u003eThere Goes Patti McGee! \u003c\/em\u003eand\u003cem\u003e Margot and the Moon Landing.\u003c\/em\u003e Erika works with both traditional and digital media, and loves to illustrate expressive characters, grumpy children, and subjects related to plants and nature. She lives and works in Vancouver, British Columbia. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/erika-medina\"\u003eRead more\u003c\/a\u003e about Erika.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - ENTER AWARDS \u0026 HONORS BELOW - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAwards \u0026amp; Honors\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA Chicago Public Library Best Book of 2024\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA Bookstagang Best Read Aloud of 2024\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA New York Public Library Best Book for Kids 2024\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eALSC Notable Children's Books 2025\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe 2025 CLEL Bell SING Award Winner\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eBank Street College Best Children's Books of the Year\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - ENTER REVIEWS BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEditorial Reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/star-fade.gif?4673889858015672850\"\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eShelf Awareness\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e, starred review\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA child yearns to join her family's mariachi band in the colorful, jubilant picture book Adela's Mariachi Band by Denise Vega (\u003ci\u003eIf Your Monster Won't Go to Bed\u003c\/i\u003e) and illustrated by Erika Rodriguez Medina (\u003ci\u003eAnd J.J. Slept\u003c\/i\u003e).\u003cbr\u003eAdela, a broad-faced girl with winsome dark eyes, brown skin, and a middle-parted ponytail, \"loves everything about her family's mariachi band--except the fact that she isn't in it.\" Papá's trompeta only makes a \"small, fizzly\" sound when Adela plays it. Her tío's vihuela only squeaks for her. Her graceful mamá and sisters can make their folklórico skirts \"flow like rainbows,\" but Adela's dance ends in a face-plant: \"SPLAT!\" Each failure is announced by Adela with a tiny, plaintive \"oy,\" \"iiieee,\" or \"ahh,\" copies of her tía Evelyn's massive, soulful gritos (\"shouts\"). Adela realizes as she sits mournfully amid crayon-scribble recollections of her attempts that every skill in the band will take a long time to perfect. Her exclusion seems certain until Adela realizes she can do one thing, after all. At the end of the next show, Evelyn stands back, Papá places his hat on Adela's head, and she joyously shouts los gritos.\u003cbr\u003eCulture and tradition take center stage as Adela struggles to find her niche, always surrounded and supported by the warm circle of her family. Vega's punchy voice and Medina's lively digital illustrations combine for an affirming reminder that age and size needn't be a barrier to following a passion. Backmatter includes an author's note on Vega's family history of mariachi music and a shortlist of web resources for the intrigued reader.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ci\u003ePublishers Weekly\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdela loves everything about her family’s mariachi band (“how the music skips and bounces.... how her family dances and claps”)—except “the fact that she isn’t in it.” But her early attempts at playing various instruments and joining the dancers quickly reveal that becoming proficient will take a long time (“When Papá plays la trompeta, big, beautiful sounds burst out.... When Adela tries it, a small, fizzly sound dribbles out,” Vega writes). Frustrated with her attempts, Adela makes a drawing of beloved mariachi elements that presages her own participation. Rodriguez Medina’s warm-toned digital illustrations offer texture and depth to a story that conveys one child’s early attempts at being part of something she loves. Characters are portrayed with various skin tones. An author’s note and sources conclude. Ages 4–7.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ci\u003eChildren's Literature\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a fun and colorful book about the art of mariachi music in Mexico. The pictures are very colorful pencil drawings that illustrate mariachi culture. This is written by Denise Vega whose father and grandfather were in a mariachi group. She grew up listening to them play this music. The book goes through many facets of playing in a mariachi band. Adela hears the trumpet play, the vihuela (Spanish string instrument similar to a guitar) sing, and the violin strings soar. She watches her mother and sisters dance to the music, their long colorful skirts twirling in the air. Written for young children, this is a great way to introduce the art form to them, and then pair it with a video of musicians and dancers playing and dancing to this music. Great book to use for Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations in September, and as part of a unit on Mexican culture any other time of the year as well.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cb\u003eBooklist\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003eAll Adela wants is to be part of the team, and rightfully so! She comes from a family of talented mariachi musicians and dancers, but she can’t find where she fits best. She gives the trumpet a try, but the best sound she musters is “pffs.” She tries the vihuela (a guitar-like instrument), but she only manages a scratchy sound that goes “iriiik.” She tries doing a Mexican folk dance, but “splat!”—she lands on her face. Sweet Adela feels defeated until she gives one last thing a try: as the band approaches the end of their performance, she walks to the front of the stage and lets out a perfect grito, a distinctive, joyous Mexican yell. Lively Spanish text is joined with playful, expressive onomatopoeia, which is cleverly incorporated into the boldly colored, expressive artwork that evokes a warm, celebratory feel. This inviting story showcasing mariachi music and Mexican culture and emphasizing the triumph of finding one’s own talent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DETAILS BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDetails\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEnglish Hardcover\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003eISBN: 978-1-62354-444-7\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpanish Hardcover\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003eISBN: 978-1-62354-445-4\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAges: 4–7\u003cbr\u003ePage count: 32\u003cbr\u003e11 x 8\u003csup\u003e1\u003c\/sup\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\/\u003c\/span\u003e\u003csub\u003e2\u003c\/sub\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePublication date: August 13, 2024\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e[\/TABS]\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Charlesbridge","offers":[{"title":"Hardcover","offer_id":44514581086445,"sku":"44447","price":17.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Spanish Hardcover","offer_id":44514607169773,"sku":"44454","price":17.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/adelas-mariachi-band-cover.jpg?v=1719506119"},{"product_id":"los-mariachis-de-adela","title":"Los mariachis de Adela","description":"\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR\/ILLUSTRATOR INFO BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy: \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/denise-vega\"\u003eDenise Vega\u003c\/a\u003e \/ Illustrated by:\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/erika-medina\"\u003e Erika Medina\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER HEADING BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAdela ama todo sobre la banda mariachi de su familia, ¡excepto que ella no forma parte de la banda!\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdela no desea nada más que ser parte de la banda mariachi de su familia, pero cuando intenta tocar los diferentes instrumentos, todo sale mal. La trompeta hace un ruido extraño, la vihuela emite un ruido agudo y desagradable, y cuando intenta bailar, Adela se cae al suelo. Observando a su familia, Adela sabe que la práctica hace al maestro, ¿pero podrá encontrar una manera de ser parte de la banda en el entretanto?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eContado en una estructura repetitiva y divertida, ¡este libro ilustrado rítmico incorpora divertidos sonidos de instrumentos y vocabulario en español! Poniendo un foco de atención en la música mexicana, llena de instrumentos y bailes, ¡La banda de Adela seguramente será un éxito!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdela loves everything about her family's mariachi band—except that she isn't in it!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdela wants nothing more than to be a part of her family's mariachi band, but when she tries the different instruments, everything comes out wrong. La trompeta fizzles, la vihuela squeaks, and trying to dance makes Adela fall on her face. From watching her family, Adela knows that practice makes perfect, but can she find a way to be part of the band in the meantime?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA new go-to read-aloud favorite, available in Spanish and in English with Spanish vocabulary. Strike up the band!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER RECOMMENDATIONS BELOW - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"recommended-books\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you like this book, you’ll enjoy these: \u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/un-graznido-en-espa%C3%B1ol\"\u003eUn graznido en español\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/esquivel-un-artista-del-sonido-de-la-era-espacial\"\u003eEsquivel!\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - START OF TABS - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e\n[TABS]\n\u003ch5\u003eLook Inside\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/spanish-adelas-mariachi-band-spread.jpg?v=1701184371\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" class=\"cvr-border-gray\"\u003e\u003c!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --\u003e \u003cscript src=\"\/\/assets.pinterest.com\/js\/pinit.js\" data-pin-hover=\"true\" data-pin-height=\"32\" data-pin-shape=\"round\" defer async=\"\" type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003e\u003c\/script\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DOWNLOADABLES BELOW - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDownloadables\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"medium-cover\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/spanish-adelas-mariachi-band-cover.jpg?v=1719506119\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca class=\"product-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/spanish-adelas-mariachi-band-cover-hires.jpg.zip?v=1719506119\"\u003eDownload the Cover\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca class=\"product-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/adelas-mariachi-band-activity-kit.pdf?v=1718893092\"\u003eDownload the Activity Kit\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor \u0026amp; Illustrator\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDenise Vega, author\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDenise Vega wrote and illustrated her first book, \u003cem\u003eThe Laziness of Peter Rabbit,\u003c\/em\u003e when she was around twelve years old. Teachers were a huge influence on Denise and encouraged her pursuit of writing. Today she pulls inspiration from everywhere, from her nieces and nephews to the mountains and streams that grace the view from her home.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/denise-vega\"\u003eRead more \u003c\/a\u003eabout Denise.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - ENTER ILLUSTRATOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eErika Medina, illustrator\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eErika Medina is a Mexican art teacher and illustrator. She is the illustrator of \u003cem\u003eThere Goes Patti McGee! \u003c\/em\u003eand\u003cem\u003e Margot and the Moon Landing.\u003c\/em\u003e Erika works with both traditional and digital media, and loves to illustrate expressive characters, grumpy children, and subjects related to plants and nature. She currently lives and works in Vancouver, BC. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/erika-medina\"\u003eRead more\u003c\/a\u003e about Erika.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - ENTER AWARDS \u0026 HONORS BELOW - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAwards \u0026amp; Honors\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA Junior Library Guild Gold Standard selection\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA 2025 Bank Street College’s Best Children's Books of the Year in Spanish title\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA Chicago Public Library Best Book of 2024\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA New York Public Library Best Spanish Book for Kids 2024\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA 2024-2025 Tejas Star Reading List title\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - ENTER REVIEWS BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEditorial Reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor the English edition:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEditorial Reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/star-fade.gif?4673889858015672850\"\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eShelf Awareness\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e, starred review\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA child yearns to join her family's mariachi band in the colorful, jubilant picture book Adela's Mariachi Band by Denise Vega (\u003ci\u003eIf Your Monster Won't Go to Bed\u003c\/i\u003e) and illustrated by Erika Rodriguez Medina (\u003ci\u003eAnd J.J. Slept\u003c\/i\u003e).\u003cbr\u003eAdela, a broad-faced girl with winsome dark eyes, brown skin, and a middle-parted ponytail, \"loves everything about her family's mariachi band--except the fact that she isn't in it.\" Papá's trompeta only makes a \"small, fizzly\" sound when Adela plays it. Her tío's vihuela only squeaks for her. Her graceful mamá and sisters can make their folklórico skirts \"flow like rainbows,\" but Adela's dance ends in a face-plant: \"SPLAT!\" Each failure is announced by Adela with a tiny, plaintive \"oy,\" \"iiieee,\" or \"ahh,\" copies of her tía Evelyn's massive, soulful gritos (\"shouts\"). Adela realizes as she sits mournfully amid crayon-scribble recollections of her attempts that every skill in the band will take a long time to perfect. Her exclusion seems certain until Adela realizes she can do one thing, after all. At the end of the next show, Evelyn stands back, Papá places his hat on Adela's head, and she joyously shouts los gritos.\u003cbr\u003eCulture and tradition take center stage as Adela struggles to find her niche, always surrounded and supported by the warm circle of her family. Vega's punchy voice and Medina's lively digital illustrations combine for an affirming reminder that age and size needn't be a barrier to following a passion. Backmatter includes an author's note on Vega's family history of mariachi music and a shortlist of web resources for the intrigued reader.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ci\u003ePublishers Weekly\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdela loves everything about her family’s mariachi band (“how the music skips and bounces.... how her family dances and claps”)—except “the fact that she isn’t in it.” But her early attempts at playing various instruments and joining the dancers quickly reveal that becoming proficient will take a long time (“When Papá plays la trompeta, big, beautiful sounds burst out.... When Adela tries it, a small, fizzly sound dribbles out,” Vega writes). Frustrated with her attempts, Adela makes a drawing of beloved mariachi elements that presages her own participation. Rodriguez Medina’s warm-toned digital illustrations offer texture and depth to a story that conveys one child’s early attempts at being part of something she loves. Characters are portrayed with various skin tones. An author’s note and sources conclude. Ages 4–7.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ci\u003eChildren's Literature\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a fun and colorful book about the art of mariachi music in Mexico. The pictures are very colorful pencil drawings that illustrate mariachi culture. This is written by Denise Vega whose father and grandfather were in a mariachi group. She grew up listening to them play this music. The book goes through many facets of playing in a mariachi band. Adela hears the trumpet play, the vihuela (Spanish string instrument similar to a guitar) sing, and the violin strings soar. She watches her mother and sisters dance to the music, their long colorful skirts twirling in the air. Written for young children, this is a great way to introduce the art form to them, and then pair it with a video of musicians and dancers playing and dancing to this music. Great book to use for Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations in September, and as part of a unit on Mexican culture any other time of the year as well.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cb\u003eBooklist\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll Adela wants is to be part of the team, and rightfully so! She comes from a family of talented mariachi musicians and dancers, but she can’t find where she fits best. She gives the trumpet a try, but the best sound she musters is “pffs.” She tries the vihuela (a guitar-like instrument), but she only manages a scratchy sound that goes “iriiik.” She tries doing a Mexican folk dance, but “splat!”—she lands on her face. Sweet Adela feels defeated until she gives one last thing a try: as the band approaches the end of their performance, she walks to the front of the stage and lets out a perfect grito, a distinctive, joyous Mexican yell. Lively Spanish text is joined with playful, expressive onomatopoeia, which is cleverly incorporated into the boldly colored, expressive artwork that evokes a warm, celebratory feel. This inviting story showcasing mariachi music and Mexican culture and emphasizing the triumph of finding one’s own talent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DETAILS BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDetails\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpanish Hardcover\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003eISBN: 978-1-62354-445-4\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEnglish Hardcover\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eISBN: 978-1-62354-444-7\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAges: 4–7\u003cbr\u003ePage count: 32\u003cbr\u003e11 x 8\u003csup\u003e1\u003c\/sup\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\/\u003c\/span\u003e\u003csub\u003e2\u003c\/sub\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePublication date: August 13, 2024\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n[\/TABS]","brand":"Charlesbridge","offers":[{"title":"Spanish Hardcover","offer_id":44514703933677,"sku":"44454","price":17.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Hardcover","offer_id":44514703900909,"sku":"44447","price":17.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/spanish-adelas-mariachi-band-cover.jpg?v=1719506119"},{"product_id":"welcome-home-esmerelda","title":"Welcome Home, Esmerelda","description":"\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR\/ILLUSTRATOR INFO BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy: \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/daniela-ramirez\"\u003eDaniela Ramirez\u003c\/a\u003e \/ Illustrated by: \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/maribel-lechuga\"\u003eMaribel Lechuga\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER BLURB BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #34689f;\"\u003e\"Every so often, a character resonates with readers of all ages. Esmerelda reminds us that home is in the heart—and in music. And if we listen closely, our favorite songs will always meet us on the dance floors of our lives, right when we're ready to feel the beat again.\"\u003cbr\u003e—Antwan Eady, author of \u003ci\u003eNigel and the Moon\u003c\/i\u003e and \u003ci\u003eThe Last Stand\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER HEADING BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eIt's time to go home—but Esmerelda's never been there.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER DESCRIPTION BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePapa's job in the military has taken Esmerelda and her family all over the world—and yet she's never lived in the United States. Now she and her family are moving to San Antonio, Texas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough many of her extended family members live there, Esmerelda is unsure it'll feel like home. Even more, she's unsure she will fit in. Gradually, music and her sweet abuela spark bravery and the realization that home is not always a place—it's familia.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHeartwarming and hopeful, \u003cem\u003eWelcome Home, Esmerelda \u003c\/em\u003ewill provide reassurance to any kid that while moving and change are difficult, you have the support of loved ones to help you through it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #34689f;\"\u003e\"With lyrical text and cumbia energy, Welcome Home Esmerelda is full of beautiful layers of encouragement and familia love as well as the treasured lines spoken by Abuela, “Home is not always a place. Home is a feeling in your heart.”  Get ready to fall in love!\"\u003cbr\u003e\n—Kim Tomsic, award-winning author\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #34689f;\"\u003e\"Daniela Ramirez crafts a heartfelt ode to the sacrifices of military families, Chicano heritage, and the power of music. . . . [A] stunning, tender celebration of identity, belonging, and the music that ties us to those we love.”\u003cbr\u003e\n—María Dolores Águila, author of \u003ci\u003eBarrio Rising\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #34689f;\"\u003e\"A lovely reminder that home is not always a place, but a connection to community.\"\u003cbr\u003e\n  —Jenny Lacika, author of the Mathical Award winner \u003ci\u003eAgain, Essie?\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #34689f;\"\u003e\"This beautiful intergenerational book will capture your heart. Ramirez's engaging text and Lechuga's playful, pastel illustrations offer a soothing story full of musical rhythm and abuela reminders to help readers reimagine home.\"\u003cbr\u003e\n —Laurel Goodluck, award-winning author of \u003ci\u003eForever Cousins\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER RECOMMENDATIONS BELOW - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"recommended-books\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you like this book, you’ll enjoy these: \u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/ten-beautiful-things\"\u003eTen Beautiful Things\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/forever-cousins\"\u003eForever Cousins\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - START OF TABS - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e\n[TABS]\n\u003ch5\u003eListen to the Author\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/MjSw-53oYIY?si=QXv7bCiApANGTPpM\" height=\"315\" width=\"560\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" allowfullscreen=\"\" frameborder=\"0\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eLook Inside\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/welcome-home-esmerelda-spread.jpg?v=1731092504\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" class=\"cvr-border-gray\"\u003e\u003c!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --\u003e \u003cscript type=\"text\/javascript\" async=\"\" defer data-pin-shape=\"round\" data-pin-height=\"32\" data-pin-hover=\"true\" src=\"\/\/assets.pinterest.com\/js\/pinit.js\"\u003e\u003c\/script\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DOWNLOADABLES BELOW - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDownloadables\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"medium-cover\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/welcome-home-esmerelda-cover-hires.jpg?v=1731092504\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca class=\"product-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/welcome-home-esmerelda-cover-hires.jpg.zip?v=1731092509\"\u003eDownload the Cover\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca class=\"product-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/welcome-home-esmerelda-english-educator-guide.pdf?v=1756296509\"\u003eDownload the Educator Guide - English\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca class=\"product-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/bienvenida-a-casa-spanish-educator-guide.pdf?v=1756296510\"\u003eDownload the Educator Guide - Spanish\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor \u0026amp; Illustrator\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDaniela Ramirez, author\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDaniela Ramirez has a passion for writing books for children. She is Mexican American and excited to share her culture. Daniela loves writing Latine characters and wishes to inspire her own children. She is married to her college sweetheart, is a military spouse, and currently resides in New Mexico.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/daniela-ramirez\"\u003eRead more \u003c\/a\u003eabout Daniela.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - ENTER ILLUSTRATOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaribel Lechuga, illustrator\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs a child, Maribel Lechuga spent every quiet hour of the day drawing. She studied illustration in art school in Madrid and is now the illustrator of many children's books, including \u003cem\u003eNight Owl Night, Ten Beautiful Things, \u003c\/em\u003eand \u003cem\u003eSeaside Stroll. \u003c\/em\u003eMaribel loves the environment and animals and recharges her batteries by hiking through the Spanish hills.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/maribel-lechuga\"\u003eRead more\u003c\/a\u003e about Maribel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - ENTER AWARDS \u0026 HONORS BELOW - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAwards \u0026amp; Honors\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eComing soon!\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - ENTER REVIEWS BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEditorial Reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cb\u003eKirkus Reviews\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n  A family goes home again.\u003cbr\u003e\nIt’s time to move yet again, but Esmerelda’s used to it, because her dad’s in the military. This time, they’ll be relocating from Germany back to San Antonio. That should be good news, because the rest of Esmerelda’s extended familia lives there, but she isn’t nearly as excited as her sister, who was born there. After all, Esmerelda’s never been to San Antonio; that’s not her home! After packing everything up, they move to temporary lodging on the base and say adios to the friends they’ve made in Germany. Once they land in the U.S., they’re greeted by loved ones, right off the plane. Everyone is curious about Esmerelda, but the only one she recognizes is her Abuela. Esmerelda doesn’t feel like she belongs. Until…Tío George puts on Tejano music. Hearing a song by her beloved Selena, Esmerelda starts dancing, and everyone joins in. At last, she feels at home. Esmerelda’s a charming protagonist struggling with an issue that will be familiar to many readers, whether they’ve moved frequently or not: feeling out of place with family they’re not yet close with. Spanish words are interspersed throughout, while Lechuga’s crayonlike art brims with detailed spreads and harmonic colors full of movement. Esmerelda and her family are brown-skinned and Latine.\u003cbr\u003e\nA warm and relatable tale told with heart.\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cb\u003eChildren's Literature\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEsmeralda and her family are preparing to move from Germany to San Antonio, Texas. Esmeralda's dad is in the military, so moving is not new to her, but she is nervous about living in San Antonio because she fears feeling out of place. Even though she was born there and her family lives there, she has no memories of Texas, unlike her older sister, Mariana. Esmeralda is concerned she won't fit in. Mariana comforts her and tells her everything will be okay. Once they arrive in San Antonio, Esmeralda watches her parents and Mariana glow with smiles as they reconnect with the family. Then, Tío George learns that Esmeralda loves music like her abuela, so he turns up a song by Selena. Esmeralda comes alive, pulling her sister onto the dance floor. All the family joins in, creating a cumbia line. Esmeralda beams with joy and realizes she is home. This heartwarming tale depicts the challenges of growing up in a military family. Children who have parents in the military will be able to relate to Esmeralda. Ramirez's beautiful story captures that struggle but also offers hope. Readers will get to see how good things can come from change.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cb\u003eBooklist\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003eOpening with Esmerelda and her sister dancing in the kitchen, Ramirez’s debut picture book shares the meaning of home. Esmerelda’s father, a U.S. serviceman, announces to the family that they will be moving from Germany back to their hometown of San Antonio, Texas. On a phone call with her abuela, Esmerelda expresses her doubts about the change, and Abuela reminds her, “Remember, home is not always a place. Home is a feeling in your heart.” In San Antonio, Esmerelda feels out of place with her large, unfamiliar family. But when Tío George turns up the music of Tejano queen Selena, the whole family can’t help but dance, sharing Esmerelda’s own love of music. Colorful multimedia illustrations by Lechuga round out the emotional message of this tender story, and musical notes float throughout the book, conveying joy. Spanish words peppered into the text add warmth and cultural authenticity. Ramirez succeeds in sharing a warm reflection on family and the sacrifices of service members and their families. An author’s note about military families concludes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cb\u003eSchool Library Journal\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003eThis tender picture book captures the uncertainty and hope of starting over in a new place. Esmerelda, part of a military family, has traveled the world but never lived in the United States. When her family relocates to San Antonio, she worries she won’t belong, even with extended family nearby. Through the warmth of her abuela and the power of music and dance, she learns that “home” isn’t just a place, but the embrace of familia. Ramirez’s heartfelt text provides comfort to young readers navigating change, while Lechuga’s colorful illustrations reflect both cultural heritage and emotional nuance. Perfect for families and classrooms supporting children through transitions, this story reassures that love and community create a sense of belonging no matter where life leads. The family has light brown skin. VERDICT Moving and reassuring choices for picture book collections, especially for libraries serving military families and children experiencing big moves, these titles will capture readers’ attention with beautiful imagery and writing, and their hearts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DETAILS BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDetails\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEnglish Hardcover\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eISBN: 978-1-62354-390-7\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpanish Hardcover\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eISBN: 978-1-62354-438-6\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAges: 6–9\u003cbr\u003ePage count: 32\u003cbr\u003e9 x 9\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePublication date: May 13, 2025\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n[\/TABS]","brand":"Charlesbridge","offers":[{"title":"English Hardcover","offer_id":47337141764333,"sku":"43907","price":17.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Spanish Hardcover","offer_id":47337191407853,"sku":"44386","price":17.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/welcome-home-esmerelda-cover-hires.jpg?v=1731092504"},{"product_id":"bienvenida-a-casa-esmerelda","title":"Bienvenida a casa, Esmerelda","description":"\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR\/ILLUSTRATOR INFO BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy: \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/daniela-ramirez\"\u003eDaniela Ramirez\u003c\/a\u003e \/ Illustrated by: \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/maribel-lechuga\"\u003eMaribel Lechuga\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER HEADING BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eIt's time to go home—but Esmerelda's never been there.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER DESCRIPTION BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e¡Edición en español! Proveniente de una familia militar, Esmerelda descubre que el hogar es donde siempre es bienvenida —gracias a la música, la danza y el gran amor incondicional de su familia extendida.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eEl trabajo de Papá en la milicia ha llevado a Esmerelda y a su familia por todo el mundo. Sin embargo nunca ha vivido en los Estados Unidos. Ahora ella y su familia están mudándose a San Antonio, Texas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAunque muchos miembros de su familia extendida viven allí, Esmerelda no está segura de que se sentirá como en su casa. Incluso, no se siente segura de que encajará. Gradualmente, la música y su dulce abuela despiertan su valentía y la ayudan a entender que el hogar no siempre es un lugar: es la familia.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eConmovedora y esperanzadora, \u003ci\u003eBienvenida a casa, Esmerelda\u003c\/i\u003e proveerá tranquilidad a cualquier niño, mostrándole que, aunque las mudanzas y los cambios son difíciles, cuentan con el apoyo de sus seres queridos para ayudarle en la transición.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\n\u003cp\u003ePapa's job in the military has taken Esmerelda and her family all over the world—and yet she's never lived in the United States. Now she and her family are moving to San Antonio, Texas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough many of her extended family members live there, Esmerelda is unsure it'll feel like home. Even more, she's unsure she will fit in. Gradually, music and her sweet abuela spark bravery and the realization that home is not always a place—it's familia.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHeartwarming and hopeful, \u003cem\u003eBienvenida a casa, Esmerelda \u003c\/em\u003ewill provide reassurance to any kid that while moving and change are difficult, you have the support of loved ones to help you through it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER RECOMMENDATIONS BELOW - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"recommended-books\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you like this book, you’ll enjoy these: \u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/ten-beautiful-things\"\u003eTen Beautiful Things\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/forever-cousins\"\u003eForever Cousins\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - START OF TABS - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e\n[TABS]\n\u003ch5\u003eListen to the Author\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/MjSw-53oYIY?si=QXv7bCiApANGTPpM\" height=\"315\" width=\"560\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" allowfullscreen=\"\" frameborder=\"0\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eLook Inside\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/welcome-home-esmerelda-spread.jpg?v=1731092504\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" class=\"cvr-border-gray\"\u003e\u003c!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --\u003e \u003cscript type=\"text\/javascript\" async=\"\" defer data-pin-shape=\"round\" data-pin-height=\"32\" data-pin-hover=\"true\" src=\"\/\/assets.pinterest.com\/js\/pinit.js\"\u003e\u003c\/script\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DOWNLOADABLES BELOW - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDownloadables\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"medium-cover\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/welcome-home-esmerelda-cover-hires.jpg?v=1731092504\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca class=\"product-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/welcome-home-esmerelda-cover-hires.jpg.zip?v=1731092509\"\u003eDownload the Cover\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca class=\"product-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/bienvenida-a-casa-spanish-educator-guide.pdf?v=1756296510\"\u003eDownload the Educator Guide - Spanish\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca class=\"product-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/welcome-home-esmerelda-english-educator-guide.pdf?v=1756296509\"\u003eDownload the Educator Guide - English\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor \u0026amp; Illustrator\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDaniela Ramirez, author\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDaniela Ramirez has a passion for writing books for children. She is Mexican American and excited to share her culture. Daniela loves writing Latine characters and wishes to inspire her own children. She is married to her college sweetheart, is a military spouse, and currently resides in New Mexico.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/daniela-ramirez\"\u003eRead more \u003c\/a\u003eabout Daniela.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - ENTER ILLUSTRATOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaribel Lechuga, illustrator\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs a child, Maribel Lechuga spent every quiet hour of the day drawing. She studied illustration in art school in Madrid and is now the illustrator of many children's books, including \u003cem\u003eNight Owl Night, Ten Beautiful Things, \u003c\/em\u003eand \u003cem\u003eSeaside Stroll. \u003c\/em\u003eMaribel loves the environment and animals and recharges her batteries by hiking through the Spanish hills.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/maribel-lechuga\"\u003eRead more\u003c\/a\u003e about Maribel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - ENTER AWARDS \u0026 HONORS BELOW - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAwards \u0026amp; Honors\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003eA 2026-27 Tejas Star Reading List selection\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - ENTER REVIEWS BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEditorial Reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cb\u003eSchool Library Journal\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003eThis tender picture book captures the uncertainty and hope of starting over in a new place. Esmerelda, part of a military family, has traveled the world but never lived in the United States. When her family relocates to San Antonio, she worries she won’t belong, even with extended family nearby. Through the warmth of her abuela and the power of music and dance, she learns that “home” isn’t just a place, but the embrace of familia. Ramirez’s heartfelt text provides comfort to young readers navigating change, while Lechuga’s colorful illustrations reflect both cultural heritage and emotional nuance. Perfect for families and classrooms supporting children through transitions, this story reassures that love and community create a sense of belonging no matter where life leads. The family has light brown skin. \u003cbr\u003eVERDICT Moving and reassuring choices for picture book collections, especially for libraries serving military families and children experiencing big moves, these titles will capture readers’ attention with beautiful imagery and writing, and their hearts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cb\u003eFor the English edition:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cb\u003eKirkus Reviews\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n  A family goes home again.\u003cbr\u003e\nIt’s time to move yet again, but Esmerelda’s used to it, because her dad’s in the military. This time, they’ll be relocating from Germany back to San Antonio. That should be good news, because the rest of Esmerelda’s extended familia lives there, but she isn’t nearly as excited as her sister, who was born there. After all, Esmerelda’s never been to San Antonio; that’s not her home! After packing everything up, they move to temporary lodging on the base and say adios to the friends they’ve made in Germany. Once they land in the U.S., they’re greeted by loved ones, right off the plane. Everyone is curious about Esmerelda, but the only one she recognizes is her Abuela. Esmerelda doesn’t feel like she belongs. Until…Tío George puts on Tejano music. Hearing a song by her beloved Selena, Esmerelda starts dancing, and everyone joins in. At last, she feels at home. Esmerelda’s a charming protagonist struggling with an issue that will be familiar to many readers, whether they’ve moved frequently or not: feeling out of place with family they’re not yet close with. Spanish words are interspersed throughout, while Lechuga’s crayonlike art brims with detailed spreads and harmonic colors full of movement. Esmerelda and her family are brown-skinned and Latine.\u003cbr\u003e\nA warm and relatable tale told with heart.\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cb\u003eChildren's Literature\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEsmeralda and her family are preparing to move from Germany to San Antonio, Texas. Esmeralda's dad is in the military, so moving is not new to her, but she is nervous about living in San Antonio because she fears feeling out of place. Even though she was born there and her family lives there, she has no memories of Texas, unlike her older sister, Mariana. Esmeralda is concerned she won't fit in. Mariana comforts her and tells her everything will be okay. Once they arrive in San Antonio, Esmeralda watches her parents and Mariana glow with smiles as they reconnect with the family. Then, Tío George learns that Esmeralda loves music like her abuela, so he turns up a song by Selena. Esmeralda comes alive, pulling her sister onto the dance floor. All the family joins in, creating a cumbia line. Esmeralda beams with joy and realizes she is home. This heartwarming tale depicts the challenges of growing up in a military family. Children who have parents in the military will be able to relate to Esmeralda. Ramirez's beautiful story captures that struggle but also offers hope. Readers will get to see how good things can come from change.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cb\u003eBooklist\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003eOpening with Esmerelda and her sister dancing in the kitchen, Ramirez’s debut picture book shares the meaning of home. Esmerelda’s father, a U.S. serviceman, announces to the family that they will be moving from Germany back to their hometown of San Antonio, Texas. On a phone call with her abuela, Esmerelda expresses her doubts about the change, and Abuela reminds her, “Remember, home is not always a place. Home is a feeling in your heart.” In San Antonio, Esmerelda feels out of place with her large, unfamiliar family. But when Tío George turns up the music of Tejano queen Selena, the whole family can’t help but dance, sharing Esmerelda’s own love of music. Colorful multimedia illustrations by Lechuga round out the emotional message of this tender story, and musical notes float throughout the book, conveying joy. Spanish words peppered into the text add warmth and cultural authenticity. Ramirez succeeds in sharing a warm reflection on family and the sacrifices of service members and their families. An author’s note about military families concludes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cb\u003eSchool Library Journal\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA warm, inviting celebration of love, acceptance, and the beauty of finding your place in unexpected spaces. Ramírez’s lyrical text introduces readers to Esmerelda, a charming, wide-eyed squirrel navigating new surroundings as the seasons gently shift. Lechuga’s lush, textured illustrations are a feast for the eyes, rich autumnal tones melt into delicate winter whites before blooming into spring pastels, offering a visual journey that is atmospheric and emotionally resonant. At its heart, this picture book is about homecoming, not just to a place, but to a feeling of safety and belonging. The spare, elegant prose encourages readers to pause and savor Esmerelda’s quiet triumphs. As she gathers warmth, food, and friends, the squirrel discovers inner strength and joy. The thoughtful pacing allows the narrative to unfold like a soft fog lifting with the morning light. The artwork perfectly complements the text. Lechuga’s masterly use of light and shadow, expressive close-ups, and careful renderings of Esmerelda’s woodland world create an immersive and almost tactile reading experience. Children and caregivers alike will find comfort in these glowing pages. VERDICT Both language editions would be heartfelt, cozy additions to any picture book collection, and they’re perfect for fans of emotionally rich storytelling and stunning visual art.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DETAILS BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDetails\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEnglish Hardcover\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eISBN: 978-1-62354-390-7\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpanish Hardcover\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eISBN: 978-1-62354-438-6\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAges: 6–9\u003cbr\u003ePage count: 32\u003cbr\u003e9 x 9\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePublication date: May 13, 2025\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e[\/TABS]\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Charlesbridge","offers":[{"title":"Spanish Hardcover","offer_id":47337209856237,"sku":"44386","price":17.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"English Hardcover","offer_id":47337209823469,"sku":"43907","price":17.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/Bienvenida_a_casa_Esmerelda_CVR_OK_EXT.jpg?v=1760634056"},{"product_id":"remember-her-name","title":"Remember Her Name!","description":"\u003ch1\u003eRemember Her Name!\u003c\/h1\u003e\n  \u003ch2\u003eDebbie Allen's Rise to Fame\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR\/ILLUSTRATOR INFO BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy: \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/tami-charles\"\u003eTami Charles\u003c\/a\u003e \/ Illustrated by: \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/meredith-lucius\"\u003eMeredith Lucius\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER HEADING BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eReal dreams have wings.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER DESCRIPTION BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYoung Debbie Allen had big ballet dreams, but she was blocked from the local dance school in the 1950s Jim Crow American South. In order to allow Debbie to pursue her dream, Debbie's mother moved with her to Mexico where Debbie studied at the Ballet Nacional de Mexico. When they returned to Texas, Debbie was admitted to the Houston Ballet Foundation as the company’s first Black dancer, and her legendary career began.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInspired by award-winning and \u003ci\u003eNYT\u003c\/i\u003e best-selling author Tami Charles’s interview with living legend and dancer\/actor Debbie Allen, this is an ode to creativity and perseverance, as well as an amazing history of a pivotal time in Debbie's life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER RECOMMENDATIONS BELOW - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"recommended-books\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you like this book, you’ll enjoy these: \u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/dear-you-dream-big\"\u003eDear You, Dream Big!\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/products\/anyas-secret-society\"\u003eAnya's Secret Society\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/products\/nina\"\u003eNina: Jazz Legend and Civil-Rights Activist Nina Simone\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/magic-trash\"\u003eMagic Trash\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - START OF TABS - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e [TABS]\n\u003ch5\u003eWatch the Trailer\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/KtZtC-v-qEA\" height=\"315\" width=\"560\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" allowfullscreen=\"\" frameborder=\"0\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER SPREAD BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eLook Inside\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/remember-her-name-spread.jpg?v=1753300531\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" class=\"cvr-border-gray\"\u003e\u003c!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --\u003e \u003cscript type=\"text\/javascript\" async=\"\" defer data-pin-shape=\"round\" data-pin-height=\"32\" data-pin-hover=\"true\" src=\"\/\/assets.pinterest.com\/js\/pinit.js\"\u003e\u003c\/script\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DOWNLOADABLES BELOW - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDownloadables\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"medium-cover\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/remember-her-name-cover.jpg?v=1753300530\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca class=\"product-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/remember-her-name-cover-hires.tiff.zip?v=1754420094\"\u003eDownload the Cover\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca class=\"product-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/remember-her-name-activity-kit.pdf?v=1764785296\"\u003eDownload the Activity Kit\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor \u0026amp; Illustrator\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTami Charles, author\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTami Charles is the New York Times best-selling author of \u003ci\u003eAll Because You Matter\u003c\/i\u003e and numerous books for children and young adults. Her middle-grade debut, \u003ci\u003eLike Vanessa\u003c\/i\u003e, earned Top-10 spots on the Indies Introduce and Spring Kids' Next lists, three starred reviews, and a Junior Library Guild selection. She wrote a YA novel-in-verse, \u003ci\u003eMuted\u003c\/i\u003e, and a follow-up to \u003ci\u003eAll Because You Matter\u003c\/i\u003e called \u003ci\u003eWe Are Here\u003c\/i\u003e. When Tami isn't writing, she can be found presenting at schools both stateside and abroad.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/tami-charles\"\u003eRead more \u003c\/a\u003eabout Tami.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - ENTER ILLUSTRATOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMeredith Lucius, illustrator\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBorn in Haiti and raised in sunny Florida, Meredith Lucius pulls inspiration from the vibrant cultural aspects both lands offer. The diverse environment of Miami and later Tampa informed her art and instilled a hunger for more representation in books. Meredith's passions primarily focus on encouraging equity through inclusive book illustration and  character design. Meredith lives in Kansas City. www.meredithlucius.com\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/meredith-lucius\"\u003eRead more\u003c\/a\u003e about Meredith.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - ENTER AWARDS \u0026 HONORS BELOW - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAwards \u0026amp; Honors\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eComing soon!\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - ENTER REVIEWS BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEditorial Reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eKirkus Reviews\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003eA picture-book salute to pioneering dancer Debbie Allen.\u003cbr\u003e\n“In the heart \/ of the Third Ward \/ of Houston, Texas, \/ beneath a star-covered sky… \/ the wind stirs its nighttime song \/ as Debbie begins.” Young Debbie starts to dance. But it’s the 1950s, and Black people face barriers: “White signs \/ painted with black words \/ with a message loud and clear: \/ people like Debbie \/ are simply not welcome here.” “Here” includes the local dance school. Debbie’s mother can’t abide the thought of her daughter’s wasted potential and dashed dreams, so “with the wind at their backs, \/ they cross the border, \/ feet planted on new soil.” Charles’ poetic approach to biographizing Allen’s childhood is lovely, though at times it relegates details to the backmatter: The “new soil” where Debbie and her mother relocate isn’t identified in the main narrative, for instance, though the author’s note clarifies that it’s Mexico City. Nor does the main text clue in readers about Allen’s considerable adult accomplishments; readers learn only that Debbie returns to Houston after “some years,” continues to dance, and ultimately enjoys a successful stage career: “Beneath the white-bright lights, \/ the music sings \/ as history unfolds.” Still, the verse sparkles, and the book’s reach-for-the-sky imperative is reinforced by Lucius’ sleek and glossy digital art, in which dancing Debbie is frequently flanked by twinkly stars.\u003cbr\u003e\nUplifting and glowing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DETAILS BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDetails\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHardcover\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eISBN: 978-1-62354-565-9\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAges: 5–8\u003cbr\u003ePage count: 32\u003cbr\u003e8 x 10\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePublication date: February 10, 2026\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n[\/TABS]","brand":"Charlesbridge","offers":[{"title":"Hardcover","offer_id":48505014354157,"sku":"45659","price":17.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/remember-her-name-cover.jpg?v=1753300530"},{"product_id":"sounds-of-trash","title":"Sounds of Trash","description":"\u003ch6\u003eComing August 4, 2026. Pre-order today!\u003c\/h6\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR\/ILLUSTRATOR INFO BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy: \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/tina-athaide\"\u003eTina Athaide\u003c\/a\u003e \/ Illustrated by: \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/neha-rawat\"\u003eNeha Rawat\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER HEADING BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cb\u003eJoin Pran and his friends in an exploration of sound and the engineering design process, because STEAM is everywhere and for everyone!\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER DESCRIPTION BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen Pran and his friends learn that the neighborhood block party is moved to the park where it won’t have music, they are determined to find a way for it to be part of the celebration. After some trial and error, and more than a few prototypes made from recyclables, they are ready to engineer their way to a jazzy, bhangra-filled day!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExtend the learning beyond the story with expertly crafted back matter, including additional information about sound and the engineering design process and fun STEAM activities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSTEAMWORKS features children of all backgrounds and abilities using scientific and mathematical thinking to solve everyday problems and answer questions that matter to them. Playful stories and extension activities ignite excitement for science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) and empower children as thinkers, problem solvers, and innovators.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER RECOMMENDATIONS BELOW - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"recommended-books\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you like this book, you’ll enjoy these: \u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.steamworksbooks.com\"\u003eSTEAMWORKS Series\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - START OF TABS - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e\n[TABS]\n\u003ch5\u003eLook Inside\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/sounds-of-trash-spread.jpg?v=1764096662\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" class=\"cvr-border-gray\"\u003e\u003c!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --\u003e \u003cscript src=\"\/\/assets.pinterest.com\/js\/pinit.js\" data-pin-hover=\"true\" data-pin-height=\"32\" data-pin-shape=\"round\" defer async=\"\" type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003e\u003c\/script\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DOWNLOADABLES BELOW - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDownloadables\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"medium-cover\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/sounds-of-trash-cover.jpg?v=1764096662\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca class=\"product-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/sounds-of-trash-cover-hires.zip?v=1764096718\"\u003eDownload the Cover\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca class=\"product-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/sounds-of-trash-lesson-plan.pdf?v=1780500850\"\u003eDownload the Lesson Plan\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca class=\"product-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/sounds-of-trash-book-guide.pdf?v=1767622712\"\u003eDownload the Book Guide (English)\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca class=\"product-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/sounds-of-trash-book-buddy.pdf?v=1768923346\"\u003eDownload the Book Buddy (English)\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca class=\"product-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/sounds-of-trash-body-orchestra-activity.pdf?v=1767622711\"\u003eDownload the Body Orchestra Activity (English)\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca class=\"product-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/sounds-of-trash-sounds-of-rain-activity.pdf?v=1767622711\"\u003eDownload the Sounds of Rain Activity (English)\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca class=\"product-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/sounds-of-trash-water-xylophone-activity.pdf?v=1767622711\"\u003eDownload the Water Xylophone Activity (English)\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca class=\"product-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/sounds-of-trash-book-guide-spanish.pdf?v=1768923635\"\u003eDownload the Book Guide (Spanish)\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca class=\"product-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/sounds-of-trash-book-buddy-spanish.pdf?v=1768923635\"\u003eDownload the Book Buddy (Spanish)\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca class=\"product-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/sounds-of-trash-body-orchestra-activity-spanish.pdf?v=1768923635\"\u003eDownload the Body Orchestra Activity (Spanish)\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca class=\"product-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/sounds-of-trash-sounds-of-rain-activity-spanish.pdf?v=1768923635\"\u003eDownload the Sounds of Rain Activity (Spanish)\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca class=\"product-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/sounds-of-trash-water-xylophone-activity-spanish.pdf?v=1768923635\"\u003eDownload the Water Xylophone Activity (Spanish)\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor \u0026amp; Illustrator\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTina Athaide, author\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTina Athaide is an educator and children’s book author who wrote the middle grade novel \u003ci\u003eOrange For The Sunsets\u003c\/i\u003e, which was awarded the Geoffrey Bilson Award by the Canadian Children's Book Council, and \u003ci\u003eWings to Soar\u003c\/i\u003e, as well as picture book \u003ci\u003eMeena’s Mindful Moment\u003c\/i\u003e. Tina was born in Uganda and emigrated to London and then Canada and now lives in Southern California.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/tina-athaide\"\u003eRead more \u003c\/a\u003eabout Tina.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - ENTER ILLUSTRATOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNeha Rawat, illustrator\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNeha Rawat is a children’s book author-illustrator from India who loves stories that explore emotions, relationships, humor, culture, and diversity. She has illustrated many books, including \u003ci\u003eZuni and the Memory Jar, Masala Chai, Fast and Slow,\u003c\/i\u003e and \u003ci\u003eBuddha and the Rose.\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/neha-rawat\"\u003eRead more\u003c\/a\u003e about Neha.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - ENTER AWARDS \u0026 HONORS BELOW - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAwards \u0026amp; Honors\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eComing soon!\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - ENTER REVIEWS BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEditorial Reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublishers Weekly\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDIY saves the day in Athaide and Rawat’s upbeat STEAM story. When it’s announced that a community block party will be moved to a venue that lacks power, a trio of children lament “No electricity meant no booming bhangra beats” until an elder suggests they solve the problem themselves. Evenly paced storytelling traces the kids’ day-by-day process as they orchestrate a plan to create their own instruments. After brainstorming and sketching, they repurpose recyclables into shakers (“Raúl poured pebbles into coffee tins. They rattled”), drums (“Mira’s shredded-paper brushes rustled”), and sitars (“Pran’s sitar TWANGED and VIBRATED”). Coupled with contributions from inspired neighbors, the results make for an event marked by “a marvelous mash, all these sounds made from trash.” Employing muted coloring, digital cartooning incorporates music notes and prototype schematics throughout an enthusiastic tale of invention that eagerly highlights creative problem-solving. A Spanish-language edition publishes simultaneously. Characters are portrayed with various abilities and skin tones. Back matter includes a design-process workflow.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cb\u003eSchool Library Journal\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003eA diverse trio of kids recycles and experiments to create instruments that will enliven the community block party. Pran, Raul, and Mira make lists and sketches and brainstorm the materials required to make their instruments. They gather supplies from other people’s trash and assemble shakers, drums, and stringed (rubber-banded) music makers from different materials that produce different sounds. Their industriousness is observed by neighbors, who are inspired to make their own instruments for what turns out to be a rocking block party. This simple story, told economically and descriptively, neatly encourages recycling while demonstrating the engineering design process. Digitally created cartoon illustrations capture the kids’ enthusiasm and the many iterations in their planning process. They show that the project is doable and within the capabilities of the intended audience. Back matter includes a glossary, information about sound and the design process, and additional sound-related activities. VERDICT A useful resource for lessons on recycling and problem-solving; this will inspire readers who like crafts or making music.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DETAILS BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDetails\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEnglish Hardcover\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eISBN: 978-1-62354-684-7\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEnglish Paperback\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eISBN: 978-1-62354-686-1\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpanish Hardcover\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eISBN: 978-1-62354-685-4\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpanish Paperback\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eISBN: 978-1-62354-687-8\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAges: 4–7\u003cbr\u003ePage count: 40\u003cbr\u003e9\u003csup\u003e1\u003c\/sup\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\/\u003c\/span\u003e\u003csub\u003e2\u003c\/sub\u003e x 8\u003csup\u003e1\u003c\/sup\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\/\u003c\/span\u003e\u003csub\u003e2\u003c\/sub\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePublication date: August 4, 2026\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e[\/TABS]\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Charlesbridge","offers":[{"title":"English Hardcover","offer_id":49089444872429,"sku":"46847","price":17.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"English Paperback","offer_id":49089527972077,"sku":"46861","price":7.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Spanish-English Bilingual Hardcover","offer_id":49089508868333,"sku":"46854","price":17.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Spanish-English Bilingual Paperback","offer_id":49089519091949,"sku":"46878","price":7.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/sounds-of-trash-cover.jpg?v=1764623595"},{"product_id":"como-suena-la-basura","title":"Cómo suena la basura","description":"\u003ch6\u003eComing August 4, 2026. Pre-order today!\u003c\/h6\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR\/ILLUSTRATOR INFO BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy: \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/tina-athaide\"\u003eTina Athaide\u003c\/a\u003e \/ Illustrated by: \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/neha-rawat\"\u003eNeha Rawat\u003c\/a\u003e \/ Translated by: Anyeliz Pagán Muñoz\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER HEADING BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cb\u003eAcompaña a Pran y a sus amistades a explorar los sonidos y el proceso de diseño de ingeniería, ¡porque STEAM está en todas partes y es para todos!\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER DESCRIPTION BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCuando Pran y sus amistades se enteran de que la fiesta del vecindario se trasladó al parque donde no habrá música, deciden encontrar la manera de que esta forme parte de la celebración. Después de algunas pruebas y más de un prototipo hecho con materiales reciclables, ¡están listos para ingeniar un día lleno de jazz y bhangra!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAmplía lo aprendido más allá de la historia con el material de apoyo elaborado por expertos que incluye información adicional sobre el sonido y el proceso de ingeniería de diseño y actividades STEAM divertidas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSTEAMWORKS presenta a niños de diversos trasfondos y habilidades que utilizan el pensamiento científico-matemático para solucionar problemas cotidianos y responder a preguntas que les interesan. Estas historias lúdicas y las actividades de extensión despiertan el entusiasmo por la ciencia, la tecnología, la ingeniería, las artes y las matemáticas (STEAM) y empoderan a los niños para pensar, solucionar problemas e innovar.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen Pran and his friends learn that the neighborhood block party is moved to the park where it won’t have music, they are determined to find a way for it to be part of the celebration. After some trial and error, and more than a few prototypes made from recyclables, they are ready to engineer their way to a jazzy, bhangra-filled day!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExtend the learning beyond the story with expertly crafted back matter, including additional information about sound and the engineering design process and fun STEAM activities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSTEAMWORKS features children of all backgrounds and abilities using scientific and mathematical thinking to solve everyday problems and answer questions that matter to them. Playful stories and extension activities ignite excitement for science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) and empower children as thinkers, problem solvers, and innovators.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER RECOMMENDATIONS BELOW - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"recommended-books\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you like this book, you’ll enjoy these: \u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.steamworksbooks.com\"\u003eSTEAMWORKS Series\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - START OF TABS - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e [TABS]\n\u003ch5\u003eLook Inside\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/como-suena-basura-spread.jpg?v=1764096662\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" class=\"cvr-border-gray\"\u003e\u003c!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --\u003e \u003cscript type=\"text\/javascript\" async=\"\" defer data-pin-shape=\"round\" data-pin-height=\"32\" data-pin-hover=\"true\" src=\"\/\/assets.pinterest.com\/js\/pinit.js\"\u003e\u003c\/script\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DOWNLOADABLES BELOW - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDownloadables\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"medium-cover\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/como-suena-basura-cover.jpg?v=1764623595\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca class=\"product-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/como-suena-basura-cover-hires.jpg.zip?v=1764096682\"\u003eDownload the Cover\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca class=\"product-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/sounds-of-trash-book-guide.pdf?v=1767622712\"\u003eDownload the Book Guide (English)\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca class=\"product-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/sounds-of-trash-book-buddy.pdf?v=1768923346\"\u003eDownload the Book Buddy (English)\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca class=\"product-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/sounds-of-trash-body-orchestra-activity.pdf?v=1767622711\"\u003eDownload the Body Orchestra Activity (English)\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca class=\"product-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/sounds-of-trash-sounds-of-rain-activity.pdf?v=1767622711\"\u003eDownload the Sounds of Rain Activity (English)\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca class=\"product-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/sounds-of-trash-water-xylophone-activity.pdf?v=1767622711\"\u003eDownload the Water Xylophone Activity (English)\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca class=\"product-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/sounds-of-trash-book-guide-spanish.pdf?v=1768923635\"\u003eDownload the Book Guide (Spanish)\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca class=\"product-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/sounds-of-trash-book-buddy-spanish.pdf?v=1768923635\"\u003eDownload the Book Buddy (Spanish)\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca class=\"product-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/sounds-of-trash-body-orchestra-activity-spanish.pdf?v=1768923635\"\u003eDownload the Body Orchestra Activity (Spanish)\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca class=\"product-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/sounds-of-trash-sounds-of-rain-activity-spanish.pdf?v=1768923635\"\u003eDownload the Sounds of Rain Activity (Spanish)\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca class=\"product-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/sounds-of-trash-water-xylophone-activity-spanish.pdf?v=1768923635\"\u003eDownload the Water Xylophone Activity (Spanish)\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor \u0026amp; Illustrator\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTina Athaide, author\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTina Athaide es educadora y autora de libros infantiles. Escribió la novela para niños de 8 a 12 años \u003ci\u003eOrange for the Sunsets\u003c\/i\u003e, la cual recibió el premio Geoffrey Bilson otorgado por el Canadian Children’s Book Council, y \u003ci\u003eWings to Soar\u003c\/i\u003e, al igual que el libro ilustrado \u003ci\u003eMeena’s Mindful Moment\u003c\/i\u003e. Tina nació en Uganda y emigró a Londres, luego a Canadá y ahora vive en el sur de California.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/tina-athaide\"\u003eRead more \u003c\/a\u003eabout Tina.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - ENTER ILLUSTRATOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNeha Rawat, illustrator\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNeha Rawat es autora e ilustradora de libros infantiles, proveniente de la India, y le encantan las historias que exploran las emociones, las relaciones, el humor, las culturas y la diversidad. Ha ilustrado numerosos libros, entre ellos \u003ci\u003eZuni and the Memory Jar, Masala Chai, Fast and Slow\u003c\/i\u003e y \u003ci\u003eBuddha and the Rose.\n\u003c\/i\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/neha-rawat\"\u003eRead more\u003c\/a\u003e about Neha.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - ENTER AWARDS \u0026 HONORS BELOW - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAwards \u0026amp; Honors\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eComing soon!\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - ENTER REVIEWS BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEditorial Reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eComing soon!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DETAILS BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDetails\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEnglish Hardcover\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eISBN: 978-1-62354-684-7\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEnglish Paperback\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eISBN: 978-1-62354-686-1\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpanish Hardcover\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eISBN: 978-1-62354-685-4\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpanish Paperback\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eISBN: 978-1-62354-687-8\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAges: 4–7\u003cbr\u003ePage count: 40\u003cbr\u003e9\u003csup\u003e1\u003c\/sup\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\/\u003c\/span\u003e\u003csub\u003e2\u003c\/sub\u003e x 8\u003csup\u003e1\u003c\/sup\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\/\u003c\/span\u003e\u003csub\u003e2\u003c\/sub\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePublication date: August 4, 2026\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n[\/TABS]","brand":"Charlesbridge","offers":[{"title":"Spanish-English Bilingual Hardcover","offer_id":49089551859949,"sku":"46854","price":17.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Spanish-English Bilingual Paperback","offer_id":49089551892717,"sku":"46878","price":7.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"English Hardcover","offer_id":49089551794413,"sku":"46847","price":17.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"English Paperback","offer_id":49089551827181,"sku":"46861","price":7.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/como-suena-basura-cover.jpg?v=1764623595"},{"product_id":"a-place-to-dance","title":"A Place to Dance","description":"\u003ch6\u003eComing August 4, 2026. Pre-order today!\u003c\/h6\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eA Place to Dance\u003c\/h1\u003e\n  \u003ch2\u003eHow Richard Lamberty Brought Change to the Ballroom\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR\/ILLUSTRATOR INFO BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy: \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/eric-rosswood\"\u003eEric Rosswood\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/richard-lamberty\"\u003eRichard Lamberty\u003c\/a\u003e \/ Illustrated by: \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/vincent-chen\"\u003eVincent Chen\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER HEADING BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cb\u003eWho says only girls can twirl and boys must take the lead on the dance floor?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER DESCRIPTION BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen dancer Richard Lamberty was a child, he loved dancing—especially ballroom dancing. But he was always jealous of the moves female dancers got to do. Intrigued by the female dancers’ different steps, Richard developed the skills to dance either role in order to compete with a male partner in the Gay Games in Europe. He then came back to the United States and cofounded April Follies, the longest-running and largest queer partner dance competition in North America.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRichard Lamberty is a two-time world champion ballroom dancer whose story inspires the LGBTQIA+ community to put on their dance shoes and do what they love.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch6\u003e★ “An uplifting and thoughtfully rendered portrait that affirms how artistic conviction can reshape tradition and expand possibilities for inclusion . . .”\u003cbr\u003e—\u003ci\u003eSchool Library Journal\u003c\/i\u003e, starred review\u003c\/h6\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER RECOMMENDATIONS BELOW - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"recommended-books\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you like this book, you’ll enjoy these: \u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/my-dad-is-the-best\"\u003eMy Dad Is the Best\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/remember-her-name\"\u003eRemember Her Name!\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - START OF TABS - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e [TABS]\n\u003ch5\u003eLook Inside\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/a-place-to-dance-spread.jpg?v=1764096660\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" class=\"cvr-border-gray\"\u003e\u003c!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --\u003e \u003cscript type=\"text\/javascript\" async=\"\" defer data-pin-shape=\"round\" data-pin-height=\"32\" data-pin-hover=\"true\" src=\"\/\/assets.pinterest.com\/js\/pinit.js\"\u003e\u003c\/script\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DOWNLOADABLES BELOW - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDownloadables\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"medium-cover\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/a-place-to-dance-cover.jpg?v=1764096661\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca class=\"product-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/a-place-to-dance-cover-hires.jpg.zip?v=1764096689\"\u003eDownload the Cover\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor \u0026amp; Illustrator\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEric Rosswood, author\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEric Rosswood is an author and commentator on LGBTQ issues, including civil rights, parenting, marriage, and politics. He has led panels on LGBTQ parenting issues for organizations such as the Family Equality Council and the Modern Family Alliance. Eric is the coauthor of \u003ci\u003eStrong\u003c\/i\u003e, a Stonewall Honor book, and the author of \u003ci\u003eMy Uncle's Wedding\u003c\/i\u003e and \u003ci\u003eQueer Cheer\u003c\/i\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/eric-rosswood\"\u003eRead more \u003c\/a\u003eabout Eric.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRichard Lamberty, author\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRichard Lamberty has been dancing for over forty years and teaching for more than thirty five. He has written extensively on the technique of standard and latin ballroom and was a cofounder of the April Follies dance competition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/richard-lamberty\"\u003eRead more \u003c\/a\u003eabout Richard.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - ENTER ILLUSTRATOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVincent Chen, illustrator\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVincent Chen is a Taiwanese American illustrator from New Jersey. With a BFA in illustration from the Rhode Island School of Design, Vincent has always loved putting pencil to paper. He is the illustrator of \u003ci\u003eHot Pot Night\u003c\/i\u003e and \u003ci\u003eHenry Hamlet's Heart\u003c\/i\u003e. By day, he is a background painter in animation and by night, he illustrates children’s books.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/vincent-chen\"\u003eRead more\u003c\/a\u003e about Vincent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - ENTER AWARDS \u0026 HONORS BELOW - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAwards \u0026amp; Honors\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eComing soon!\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - ENTER REVIEWS BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEditorial Reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/star-fade.gif?4673889858015672850\"\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eSchool Library Journal\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e, starred review\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003eEvocative language, such as “skip, spin, twirl, prance, and strut” brings this ­story of a young dancer to life. Joy can become a form of resistance, as shown in this biography. From childhood, Richard ­Lamberty recognizes dance as an authentic expression of self, even when adults attempt to ­temper or redirect that impulse. The narrative ­follows how that early certainty evolves into advocacy, culminating in his founding of April Follies to legitimize and expand opportunities for same-sex ballroom competition. What begins as personal passion becomes public work. Dance is presented as both disciplined craft and cultural ­intervention, challenging restrictive norms and widening the circle of belonging. Chen’s digital illustrations heighten this sense of ­movement and ­intention. Sweeping lines carry the eye across each spread, capturing lift, extension, and precision, allowing readers to feel the movement of dance through the ­illustrations. Saturated jewel tones and warm golds evoke stage light and celebration without veering into excess. The characterization feels contemporary and accessible while maintaining elegance. ­VERDICT An uplifting and thoughtfully rendered ­portrait that affirms how artistic conviction can reshape tradition and expand possibilities for ­inclusion; a necessary purchase.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cb\u003eKirkus Reviews\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n  Under studio lights and strict rules, a young dancer refuses to stay in step.\nThis picture-book biography, co-authored by its subject, focuses on the life of dancer Lamberty (b. 1959). As a teen, he falls for ballroom—jive, rumba, cha-cha—but bristles at the rigid roles that reserve all the fun flair for girls. Though his teachers shut him down, he practices both parts in private, twirling and dipping on his own. That determination sharpens his skill and leads to a job teaching dance, yet he still longs to perform freely. Years later, he spots a flyer for the Gay Games in Amsterdam. Finding a partner proves difficult at a time when many fear being openly themselves, but Richard persists. When he finally competes, he and his partner Tom place third in the world. The experience affirms what Richard already knows: If a true space of belonging doesn’t exist for him, he must build it from the ground up. He leans into queer advocacy and creates April Follies, an inclusive competition that welcomes dancers as they are. Chen’s digital illustrations feature fluid shapes and luminous gradients that convey motion and joy. Ribbonlike color sweeps guide the eye, while Richard seems to glow brighter than all those around him, capturing his spark. Richard is white, and the book’s ensemble visually reflects a wide range of identities.\u003cbr\u003e\nA poignant reflection on joyful resistance. \n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DETAILS BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDetails\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHardcover\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eISBN: 978-1-62354-648-9\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAges: 5–8\u003cbr\u003ePage count: 32\u003cbr\u003e11 x 8\u003csup\u003e1\u003c\/sup\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\/\u003c\/span\u003e\u003csub\u003e2\u003c\/sub\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePublication date: August 4, 2026\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n[\/TABS]","brand":"Charlesbridge","offers":[{"title":"Hardcover","offer_id":49093466915053,"sku":"46489","price":17.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/a-place-to-dance-cover.jpg?v=1764096661"}],"url":"https:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/collections\/music-dance\/browse-by-format_picture-book.oembed?page=3","provider":"Charlesbridge","version":"1.0","type":"link"}