Lexile Measure: NP (What's this?)
Hardcover: 76 pages
Publisher: Candlewick; Har/Pstr G edition (September 11, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0763634344
ISBN-13: 978-0763634346
Product Dimensions: 11.4 x 0.5 x 10.3 inches
Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds
Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
Best Sellers Rank: #1,501,089 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #45 in Books > Children's Books > Arts, Music & Photography > Music > Jazz #936 in Books > Children's Books > Geography & Cultures > Where We Live > City Life #4088 in Books > Children's Books > Literature & Fiction > Poetry
Grade Level: Kindergarten - 12
Although ABC books are traditionally reserved for young readers, Wynton Marsalis' Jazz A-B-Z is a collection of poetry sophisticated enough to entice readers of all ages. Some of the language may be complex for young readers to tackle alone, unless they have a particular interest in jazz music. For someone who enjoys jazz music, however, this book is an experience to savor...and then revisit again and again.The main part of the book is the poems. From Louis Armstrong to Dizzy Gillespie, each letter features a jazz musician, with an exciting poster-print illustration and a poem. Each poem is written in a different style, reflecting the musical stylings and/or personality of the artist. Just reading the poems aloud is a highly musical experience.The poems and illustrations are amazing, but the back matter turns this into an in-depth music appreciation course. Detailed biographical sketches of each artist give readers context for understanding both the performers and the development of jazz music. Notes on the poetic forms explain both the style of poetry and the reasons why each form was chosen to represent the artist. Finally, a list of records showcasing each musician's work completes the collection.
This book can actually be a good read aloud for some toddlers. I read it to my not quite two year old grand daughter, and she became totally caught up in the cadences and rhythms, even saying, "read again" when I was finished. During the second read she was using her hands and arms to swing and sway back and forth as I read. You need not read the entire book for this age group. As a teacher, I feel that having young children hearing a poetic voice is a good step toward training the ear for good listening skills.
This is a great book on so many levels. Poems showcase the greats of jazz and give us a feel not only for the musician, but their music. Bios are included in the back. The unexpected and delightful plus is the explanation in the back of the book of each of the various forms of poetry used. Not only are they named, but they are explained! A list of suggested recordings is also included to guide readers. There was only one problem: I purchased it as a baby gift. THIS IS NOT A YOUNG CHILD'S BOOK - it's great for a parent who wants to lead an older child into jazz or writing. I love this book! I just have to find a different one to give as a gift.
A real treat, visually engaging and great reading. strongly recommend this one to all music lovers. Marsalis is a national treasure and jazz is the better for his presence and deep understanding of his medium. He's a worthy and valuable caretaker of this most American of arts.
Here at the Ella Fitzgerald Charitable Foundation, we provide new books for at-risk anddisadvantaged children. We try to always include Mr. Marsalis' wonderful book - bothbecause the information is so great and because the illustrations ROCK!Everyone loves this book, it is beautifully done - great for reading to smaller childrenand reading WITH older kids. Adults will enjoy it, too.[...]
This book is an ingenious portrayal, not only of the Jazz greats, but of the writer, Mr. Marsalis. When you read this book, you don't just learn something about jazz; if you really dig it, you can feel the music and start to tap your feet. Marsalis doesn't just tell about music in this book - he makes it.
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