Review by Booklist Review
A girl and her brother, Kenny, can't sleep, despite their mama's insistence, because of the rhythmic sounds of their father's band coming from the basement. Unable to resist moving along to the beat, Kenny coaxes his sister to creep downstairs with him to watch. They sneak past obstacles, to the basement, ultimately discovering the most glorious surprise about the band. Readers will cheer for the siblings as they get swept up in the joy of music and family. Baptist's text is upbeat and engaging, written with all the rhythm and rhyme of lyrics to a favorite song as the kids go from being spectators to enthusiastic participants. Mohammed's illustrations are a visual delight, brimming with vibrant colors and dynamic compositions. The underlying theme of family bonding through a shared passion is a beautifully conveyed ode to music, togetherness, and creativity. A beautiful family story and a must-have for any music lover.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
After their dance moves result in a "CRASH," two siblings worry they'll be caught staying up late to listen to Daddy's band practice ("The music stops.../ Our stomachs drop"). But when no one comes to scold them, they sneak down to the basement for a closer listen. Proceeding with a "careful, careful, can't be caught," the pair is delighted when the band invites them to "Come join this thing!" Internal rhyme and repetition pulse through Baptist's buoyant verse, whose tone emphasizes the excitement of a special moment after lights-out. In Mohammed's Gelli print collage and digital illustrations, bold yellow, orange, and pink swaths burst through the cool blues of the children's bedroom and the music, enlivening this jazzy jam session of a book. Characters are depicted with varied brown skin tones. Ages 4--8. (Nov.)
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Review by School Library Journal Review
K-Gr 3--Waites's effusive energy is immediately contagious as Baptist opens her rollicking story with two young kids unable to sleep, knowing "Daddy's band is in our basement." Despite Mama's warning to "Go right to bed/ and do not make a peep," the siblings "wiggle toes… flip-flop… giggle." Soon enough, they're up and dancing on their beds, unable to resist the steady beats, until Kenny insists "Let's sneak downstairs and watch them play." Getting past the main floor, then creeping down another flight is no easy task, but that "jazzy groove" can't be ignored, especially when it turns out it's "Mama's voice/ stealing the show." But will the intrepid pair be allowed to stay? Waites transforms Baptist's catchy rhythms into an irrepressible invitation to gloriously play along. VERDICT Audiences deserve access to both visual and aural versions for a multi-sensory celebration of dynamic family fun.
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
Two siblings postpone bedtime to listen to their father's jazz band practicing in the family basement. The young narrator and brother Kenny are upstairs in bed but finding it hard to fall asleep. Hearing the strains of Dad's music, they can't help dancing along: "The rhythm's steady, / the trumpet's sweet. / Before too long, / we're on our feet!" Soon they decide to sneak downstairs to listen more closely. As they enjoy the music, they recognize the singer: "That's Mama's voice stealing the show!" They're discovered, but rather than sending them back upstairs, the adults invite them to jam. The narrator starts banging on the drums, while Kenny grabs the mic. Finally, it's bedtime; too tired to protest, the children head upstairs, with thoughts of playing in Daddy's band again filling their heads. Centering on a tightknit, music-loving Black family, this lively story exudes joy. Laced with onomatopoeia and alliteration, Baptist's jaunty verse sets a swinging tone ideal for storytime. Children will enjoy following along with the mischievous siblings. The exuberant collage illustrations pair perfectly with the text, their colorful fluidity bathing the scenes in deep blues and reds and depicting musical notes swirling dramatically across the pages. A rollicking read-aloud, sure to have youngsters on their feet dancing along with its young protagonists.(Picture book. 4-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
