Regardless of whether they’ve heard of jazz or Art Tatum, young readers will appreciate how Parker uses simple, lyrical storytelling and colorful, energetic ink-and-wash illustrations to show the world as young Art Tatum might have seen it. Tatum came from modest beginnings and was nearly blind, but his passion for the piano and his acute memory for any sound that he heard drove him to become a virtuoso who was revered by both classical and jazz pianists alike. Included in the back matter is a biography and bibliography.
WINNER ALA Notable Children's Book
WINNER Cooperative Children's Book Center Choices
WINNER
| 2008 Book Links Lasting Connection
WINNER
| 2008 Booklist Children's Editors' Choice
WINNER
| 2008 Parents' Choice Recommended
Starred review, Kirkus Reviews, December 15, 2007: “Fusing Parker’s artistic talent and passion for jazz (he’s a musician, too), this sensitively embellished biography is totally on time.”
Starred review, Booklist, February 2, 2008: “The simple, direct language shows the power of the music for both Tatum and his listeners.”
Starred review, School Library Journal, February 2008: “Breathing life into words about music for young children is never easy, but Parker makes it appear effortless.”
Review, The San Francisco Chronicle, February 24, 2008: "It's a joyful portrait of an innovative artist who was peerless in music ... A jazz musician himself, Parker brings a deep love and understanding to his subject."
Regardless of whether they’ve heard of jazz or Art Tatum, young readers will appreciate how Parker uses simple, lyrical storytelling and colorful, energetic ink-and-wash illustrations to show the world as young Art Tatum might have seen it. Tatum came from modest beginnings and was nearly blind, but his passion for the piano and his acute memory for any sound that he heard drove him to become a virtuoso who was revered by both classical and jazz pianists alike. Included in the back matter is a biography and bibliography.
Awards
WINNER ALA Notable Children's Book
WINNER Cooperative Children's Book Center Choices
WINNER
| 2008 Book Links Lasting Connection
WINNER
| 2008 Booklist Children's Editors' Choice
WINNER
| 2008 Parents' Choice Recommended
Praise
Starred review, Kirkus Reviews, December 15, 2007: “Fusing Parker’s artistic talent and passion for jazz (he’s a musician, too), this sensitively embellished biography is totally on time.”
Starred review, Booklist, February 2, 2008: “The simple, direct language shows the power of the music for both Tatum and his listeners.”
Starred review, School Library Journal, February 2008: “Breathing life into words about music for young children is never easy, but Parker makes it appear effortless.”
Review, The San Francisco Chronicle, February 24, 2008: "It's a joyful portrait of an innovative artist who was peerless in music ... A jazz musician himself, Parker brings a deep love and understanding to his subject."
