Historical February 1985 report or notice. Original dates, prices and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
Sometimes you can hear a book even when no one is reading aloud. Younger readers will giggle at the merry, colorful pictures in Lizard’s Song as they try to sing the very simple words of the song that Bear is not clever enough to remember.
The easy-to-read story shows how easy it is to create a song and to remember something when it has a special importance just for you.
The striking illustrations in the awardwinning picture book, Ben’s Trumpet, almost make you tap your feet and snap your fingers. Every night, Ben listens to jazz music coming from the Zig Zag Jazz club as he sits on his fire escape and plays his invisible trumpet. Ignoring the “Man, you’re crazy!” taunts from other kids, Ben continues to play his silent music till a real trumpeter extends a longed-for invitation. Older readers can use books to make their own real music. Discovering the Guitar by Linda Swears gives unusually clear instructions.
It is a very elementary guide to playing the guitar that includes tips on selecting one as well as suggestions for records albums that are good examples of different styles of guitar music. Chords are provided for sixteen well-known songs. Make Mine Music defines music in the broadest possible way.
It touches on conventional instruments, but it emphasizes folk instruments and body music techniques. Almost anything that can create a rhythm or a melody is included here, even your own hands. Surprisingly comprehensive, the book not only has instructions for making and playing instruments, but also explains the theory behind the sounds you can produce.
There is even a chapter on composition technique.
This is fascinating fun for children or adults.
The music in Song of the Trees is mainly in the title, but this prelude to Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred Taylor should not be missed. Easily overlooked because of its small size, the book stands apart from the frequently trivial stories for middle graders with its strong, memorable characters and its message about racial injustice. Cassie describes her father’s desperate, courageous attempt to prevent the theft of the huge trees on his property by white lumbermen.
This is a moving, exciting story in its own right as well as an enticement to older children to read the whole superb series.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, February 1985.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times1985_02.pdf, printed page(s) 6; PDF page(s) 6.
