Li'l Dan, the Drummer Boy: A Civil War Story
Grade 1-4-This recently discovered work by the renowned African-American artist is not to be missed. It is the story of Li'l Dan, a slave on the Hollis plantation, who listens nightly to Mr. Ned play his drum from faraway Africa. As he learns more, he makes his own drum, practicing all of the sounds he hears. When black Union soldiers tell him that he's free, he follows them. A short time later, he uses his drum to save his new friends from enemy attack and is congratulated by General Sherman. Although the story is worthy in its own right, the 21 mixed-media paintings are the outstanding element here. With rich colors and bold black outlines, the dramatic art shows the influence of abstract expressionism. Brilliant blue Union uniforms and dark skin stand out against the white spaces, and text and art are in perfect balance. Beginning letters on many pages also reflect the illustrations in color, shape, and style. The simplicity of primary colors and abstract figures express so much more than the text alone. There is no doubt about Dan's intensity as he listens to the sounds of the woods and taps out the song with his fingertips. Li'l Dan is small-seemingly insignificant against the large soldiers in their striking uniforms. Yet his strength and self-assurance fill the page when he confidently strikes out the cannon fire. On the accompanying CD, Maya Angelou's mellow voice and easy pace complement this beautiful, creative work.-Carolyn Janssen, Children's Learning Center of the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, OHCopyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.