A jazz-dancing, bubble-gum blowing cutie in polka dot tights says, "The swingy music jumps inside my body, rolls riffs on my tongue, and tootles to my toes."
But when she falls asleep, the music doesn't stop. In her dreams, the little girl is visited by the master of scat, Louis Armstrong.
Satchmo and his protege riff on bubble gum, "oooba lee COOOO, oooba lee BAT, blow me a bubble in bubble gum SCAT."
And first-time children's author Weinstein riffs on the shape of the pink bubble, coming up with fabulous metaphors,
oooo-blee booo-blee jippitty joon
wobbly bubble's a lilac moon
butterfly's cocoon
baboon's nose
hippo's toes
When the dream-bubble bursts with a bang, our scat singer wakes up. Louis Armstrong is gone, but she takes her skills to the playground and double dutches in jazzy rhyme.
This is a great book for teaching wordplay.
Weinstein's second book is due out soon. It's a chapter book bio of Louis Armstrong's early years, Play, Louis, Play.
Happy Poetry Friday! Today's host is The Miss Rumphius Effect. Enjoy :-)
11 comments:
I'm really looking forward to this interview! There must be a long list by now of jazz/musician inspired books for kids, and another of artist-inspired books for kids. I wonder if anyone has put together a comprehensive list?
Thanks, Laura!
Me too, Heidi! I can't wait to hear more of Muriel's story -- what it's like to be a "late bloomer" to publishing, and how Louis Armstrong became her muse.
That would be an interesting list. I can think of a few jazz/poetry PBs I'd include.
The excerpts have me jumpin' in my seat. Love that wordplay. Thanks for featuring this book. Muriel's interview should be fun, too :).
What fascinating topics for an author interview. I will have to make sure to come by for that! She sounds wonderful!
Hi, Jama and Carlie. You'll love bouncing through the book. Her new chapter book bio of Armstrong is very good. My daughter (10) can't wait to read it.
Interview's coming...
Boo Boppity Fun, Fun, Fun!
I remember dancing around the living room to Armstrong's "Hello Dolly" with my sisters when we were kids. Still love listening to his music. Looking forward to your interview!
Thanks, Martha. I'm hoping to hear back from Muriel soon.
I am totally not a jazz/scat fan, but this is a really cute picture book. So fun to read aloud!
Muriel makes it unintimidating, Laura. It's as much about wordplay as Jazz. Plus, there is pink bubble gum. Bubble gum is universal!
I just heard about this book, too, but haven't had the pleasure of reading it. It sounds like fun! Can't wait for your interview :)
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