My Family Plays Music (Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe Award for New Talent. Illustrator (Awards))
PreSchool-Grade 3-More a celebration of sound than a story, this upbeat picture book explores 10 different types of music. The young African-American narrator introduces each member of her extended family and the style of music he or she plays, from blue grass to marching band to rock 'n' roll to church hymns. As different as these genres are, this girl can always play along with each of her relatives, keeping the beat with an appropriate percussion instrument, including the cymbals, a cowbell, and maracas. Finally, she joins her young niece on the floor to drum on pots and pans. A glossary defining all the musical terms and genres appears on the last page. The cut-paper illustrations are vibrant and filled with energy. The bright reds, sunny yellows, and deep blues are similar in palette to Synthia Saint James's artwork. Pair this title with Lloyd Moss's Zin! Zin! Zin! A Violin (S & S, 1995) for a fun and useful introduction to music.Jane Marino, Bronxville Public Library, NYCopyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.