Acoustic Rooster And His Barnyard Band

When a jazz-loving rooster sets his sights on winning a barnyard talent show, he realizes he can't do it as a solo act. He's up against the talents of Mules Davis's cool duo and Ella Finchgerald's singing group. Acoustic Rooster calls on friends like pianist Duck Ellington, singer Bee Holiday, and percussionist piggy Pepe Ernesto Cruz. Together, the foursome makes beautiful music as they rock the barnyard. And while they may not win first prize, Acoustic Rooster realizes he has the world's best jazz band and that's all that matters. Colorful artwork from artist Tim Bowers (Memoirs of a Goldfish) ensures this story doesn't miss a beat. A glossary of musical terms and instruments rounds out this perfect introduction to jazz for young readers. Kwame Alexander is a poet, publisher, and an award-winning producer of literary programs. He has written for television, the stage, and authored 13 books. He conducts writing/publishing workshops at schools and conferences throughout the country. Kwame lives in the Washington, D.C. area. Tim Bowers has illustrated more than 25 children's books, garnering such awards as the Chicago Public Library's "Best of the Best" list. His work for Sleeping Bear includes First Dog and First Dog's White House Christmas. Tim lives in Granville, Ohio.Amazon.com ReviewNominated for the 43rd Annual NAACP Image Awards in the category "Outstanding Literary Work - Children."From BooklistAcoustic Rooster hopes to win the Barnyard Talent Show. But first he needs a band. Turned away by Thelonius Monkey, Mules Davis, and Ella Finchgerald, he starts his own jazz band with Duck Ellington, Bee Holiday, and Poncho Ernesto Cruz. Focusing on the performers, anthropomorphic animals who bear resemblance to the real-life musicians in small details (Duck?s top hat, Bee?s flower in her hair), Bowers? illustrations cleverly fade everything outside of the spotlight to shades of gray. Rooster cries when he comes in second to Mules Davis, but he heads proudly back to the coop when he garners the trumpeter?s praise. Although the jazz allusions (explained in an afterword) will fly right over young readers? heads, kids will enjoy the notion of the contest. Despite some clunky rhythms, this may be a hit for storytime, accompanied by the real-deal music. Pair this up with Chris Raschka?s Mysterious Thelonious (1997) and Andrea Davis Pinkney?s Duke Ellington: The Piano Prince and His Orchestra (1998) and Ella Fitzgerald: Tale of a Vocal Virtuosa (2002) . Grades 1-3. --Patricia AustinReviewAmazon.com ReviewNominated for the 43rd Annual NAACP Image Awards in the category "Outstanding Literary Work - Children."From