This book is excellent and captures children's imaginations. I used this book to enhance my Jazz History/Improvisation unit and the students couldn't stop asking me question about it. They all wanted to know if it was in the library. It provides a short, rhythmic, simplistic story of the journey of jazz from Africa to today. A definite MUST HAVE!

"This is Africa where rhythm abounds/and music springs from nature sounds,/played on a drum carved from a tree/that grew in a forest of ebony." From the African jungle and slave ships, to Harlem, New Orleans, and even today's rappers, Carole Boston Weatherford introduces the sound that jazz makes. Her lyrical and engaging rhyming text is full of energy, motion, and passion, and beautifully complemented by award winning illustrator, Eric Velzsquez's vibrant and expressive oil paintings. Together they've authored a powerful and evocative feast for the ears and eyes that traces the roots and development of this unique and totally American musical art form. Perfect for youngsters 4-8, "JAZZ is a downbeat born in our nation,/chords of struggle and jubilation,/bursting forth from hearts set free/in notes that echo history./This is the sound that jazz makes!"

This book's words string together like a song without themusic. The pictures on the pages make you engrossed in the pages, andit feels like you could reach out and grab these images. This is one book you should most definitely read.

"Jazz baby, jazz baby,/join the band./You've got music/in your hands." So begins Carole Boston Weatherford's engaging and entertaining romp, and little ones will be tapping feet, snapping fingers, playing real or imagined instruments, and dancing, bouncing, shimmying and jiggling to the jive of jazz. Ms Weatherford's rhyming text is filled with energy, rhythm, and motion, and complemented by Laura Freeman's bold and bright illustrations. Each two page spread dazzles with color and sheer joy as children are pictured on a rainbow, note-filled background blowing horns, plinking keys, plunking strings, beating drums and moving to the music. Perfect for preschoolers, Jazz Baby is a fun-filled, interactive celebration that is sure to become an instant family favorite. "Jazz baby, jazz baby,/hum a song./Let it rock you/all night long."

This book does a fantastic job of introducing American children to a significant moment in the history of Black Americans in this country. The illustrations are beautiful.