New Kids' Book Honors Jazz Greats

A TRIBUTE TO JAZZ PHENOMS IS THE PERFECT INTRO FOR YOUNG MUSICIANS AND JAZZ LOVERS ALIKE TO THE GENRE'S GREATEST

A basic understanding and appreciation of music can only serve to broaden one's character and deepen the connection with those around us. Today, Jazz music is played, taught and studied in public and private institutions across the globe. However, as lower budgets force schools to cut back, private lessons will not only supplement what is taught in schools, but may eventually replace it. Author Jonny Hannah has written a new book to renew interest in our country's greatest music legacy and legends, to engage children in learning about the musical roots of their favorite pop or rock performers, and celebrate the foot-tapping tempo that jazz brings to readers and listeners of all ages.

Book Description: Jacket unfolds to reveal a larger-than-life poster!

Join young Henry at the Body & Soul Cafe and enter a world of hipsters, flipsters, and finger-poppin' daddies -- where to jump is to jive and to bop is to be! Some of the greatest names in jazz are about to hit the scene, ready to blow those blues away. Meet Jelly Roll Morton, Django Reinhardt, Walter Page, Louis Armstrong, Benny Goodman, Gene Krupa, Billie Holliday, Charlie Parker, and Duke Ellington, all on one stage for a night you'll never forget. Jonny Hannah has created a one-night special of red-hot rhymes and bold poster-style art that captures the rhythms and feel of jazz for newcomers and fans alike. Musicians' biographies at the end offer suggested listening for savoring the true flavor of each cat's style.

Grab your porkpie hat and groove to the swinging artwork and syncopated text of this introduction to nine of the hottest jazz artists of all time.

$16.99 ~ Picturebook/Hardcover ~ISBN: 07636228033 ~ Spring 2005 ~ Ages 6-10

Book link: http://www.candlewick.com/cat.asp?browse=Title&mode=book&isbn=0763623083&pix=n

*Perfect for inclusion in Summer Reading or Gift Guide List Announcements

*Interview Jonny Hannah on importance of music appreciation in today's youth - and why valuable history is fading for kids.

*Read a poem on one of the jazz greats profiled on air and giveaway copies - limited number available.

Praise for HOT JAZZ SPECIAL:

Orlando Sentinel 04/10/2005:
“A true love for the music is evident, and the illustrations are dazzling."

Publishers Weekly 04/18/2005:
“[An] upbeat, poetic homage to the jazz era."

The New York Times Book Review 05/15/2005:
“The musicians are drawn with care and as the icons they are."

Parenting 05/01/2005: “Retro graphics and funky fonts dominate this energetic intro to legends like Charlie Parker."

School Library Journal 03/01/2005:
“An ambitious attempt to introduce children to eight jazz greats."