A Caldecott Honor Book! A joyous celebration of family, community, and the unifying power of music, perfect for fans of Last Stop on Market Street.
Nic is an aspiring musician whose life spans two different worlds--his suburban school where he wows his friends in orchestra, and the busy city streets of his home where he's jostled by the crowd. Nic makes his way home from a busy day at school with a double bass on his back, the symphony of his surroundings in his heart, and a sweet surprise for the reader at the end of his journey. This is a sweet, melodious picture book about how dedication, music, and family can overcome any obstacle.
SELECTION
| 2020 ALA Notable Children's Book
HONOR
| 2020 Caldecott Honor Book
SELECTION
| 2019 Chicago Public Library Best Books
Caldecott Honor Award Winner
“Simple language complements complex paintings to create the perfect literary melody.” —Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review
“A harmony of sound and emotion through a child’s journey, his family’s warmth, and music’s restorative powers.” –Publishers Weekly, Starred Review
“A book about a lot of things—music, and determination, and straddling worlds, and the celebration of Black boyhood and family—that nevertheless feels cohesive and effortless.” –Horn Book, Starred Review
"Acrylic paintings in rich colors exude movement and energy.... Readers will understand that Nic’s talent brings him great joy." —Booklist
“Multiple layers will invite a second viewing as viewers look beyond the light-touched close-ups of Nic’s face to the outlined figures of busy travelers and whorls of music where each note head carries an expression in this visually emotive story.” —Bulletin
“Colorful, full of movement, limited in text but loaded with emotion, this is an ode to the diversity of music and the determination of a talented kid.” —School Library Journal
A Caldecott Honor Book! A joyous celebration of family, community, and the unifying power of music, perfect for fans of Last Stop on Market Street.
Nic is an aspiring musician whose life spans two different worlds--his suburban school where he wows his friends in orchestra, and the busy city streets of his home where he's jostled by the crowd. Nic makes his way home from a busy day at school with a double bass on his back, the symphony of his surroundings in his heart, and a sweet surprise for the reader at the end of his journey. This is a sweet, melodious picture book about how dedication, music, and family can overcome any obstacle.
Awards
SELECTION
| 2020 ALA Notable Children's Book
HONOR
| 2020 Caldecott Honor Book
SELECTION
| 2019 Chicago Public Library Best Books
Praise
Caldecott Honor Award Winner
“Simple language complements complex paintings to create the perfect literary melody.” —Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review
“A harmony of sound and emotion through a child’s journey, his family’s warmth, and music’s restorative powers.” –Publishers Weekly, Starred Review
“A book about a lot of things—music, and determination, and straddling worlds, and the celebration of Black boyhood and family—that nevertheless feels cohesive and effortless.” –Horn Book, Starred Review
"Acrylic paintings in rich colors exude movement and energy.... Readers will understand that Nic’s talent brings him great joy." —Booklist
“Multiple layers will invite a second viewing as viewers look beyond the light-touched close-ups of Nic’s face to the outlined figures of busy travelers and whorls of music where each note head carries an expression in this visually emotive story.” —Bulletin
“Colorful, full of movement, limited in text but loaded with emotion, this is an ode to the diversity of music and the determination of a talented kid.” —School Library Journal
