  | Band in our basement Author: Baptist, Kelly J. | |
| Price: $23.78 | ||
Summary:
Drawn to the sound of their father's band, two siblings sneak out of bed and wiggle and sway to the music.
| Illustrator: | Mohammed, Jenin |
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews (09/15/24)
School Library Journal (00/11/24)
Booklist (10/15/24)
The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (+) (00/11/24)
Full Text Reviews:
Other - 09/23/2024 After their dance moves result in a "CRASH," two siblings worry they’ll be caught staying up late to listen to Daddy’s band practice ("The music stops.../ Our stomachs drop"). But when no one comes to scold them, they sneak down to the basement for a closer listen. Proceeding with a "careful, careful, can’t be caught," the pair is delighted when the band invites them to "Come join this thing!" Internal rhyme and repetition pulse through Baptist’s buoyant verse, whose tone emphasizes the excitement of a special moment after lights-out. In Mohammed’s Gelli print collage and digital illustrations, bold yellow, orange, and pink swaths burst through the cool blues of the children’s bedroom and the music, enlivening this jazzy jam session of a book. Characters are depicted with varied brown skin tones. Ages 4-8. (Nov.) - Copyright 2024
Other - 09/23/2024 After their dance moves result in a "CRASH," two siblings worry they’ll be caught staying up late to listen to Daddy’s band practice ("The music stops.../ Our stomachs drop"). But when no one comes to scold them, they sneak down to the basement for a closer listen. Proceeding with a "careful, careful, can’t be caught," the pair is delighted when the band invites them to "Come join this thing!" Internal rhyme and repetition pulse through Baptist’s buoyant verse, whose tone emphasizes the excitement of a special moment after lights-out. In Mohammed’s Gelli print collage and digital illustrations, bold yellow, orange, and pink swaths burst through the cool blues of the children’s bedroom and the music, enlivening this jazzy jam session of a book. Characters are depicted with varied brown skin tones. Ages 4-8. (Nov.) - Copyright 2024
Booklist - 10/15/2024 A girl and her brother, Kenny, can’t sleep, despite their mama’s insistence, because of the rhythmic sounds of their father’s band coming from the basement. Unable to resist moving along to the beat, Kenny coaxes his sister to creep downstairs with him to watch. They sneak past obstacles, to the basement, ultimately discovering the most glorious surprise about the band. Readers will cheer for the siblings as they get swept up in the joy of music and family. Baptist’s text is upbeat and engaging, written with all the rhythm and rhyme of lyrics to a favorite song as the kids go from being spectators to enthusiastic participants. Mohammed’s illustrations are a visual delight, brimming with vibrant colors and dynamic compositions. The underlying theme of family bonding through a shared passion is a beautifully conveyed ode to music, togetherness, and creativity. A beautiful family story and a must-have for any music lover. - Copyright 2024 Booklist.
