PPBF: Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue

Even though this is not about the Fall season, notice the background color/trees on the cover of today's PB. . .


Author: Anna Harwekk Celenza

Illustrator: JoAnn E. Kitchel

Publisher: Charlesbridge

Date: 2006

Themes: American Composers, Jazz, Music

Ages: 7-12

Inside jacket cover: "It's 1924, and George Gershwin has just read an announcement in the newspaper saying that he's performing a new concerto in Aeolian Hall in a few weeks.  The only problem is, this is news to him!

With encouragement from his brother and close friends, Gershwin seeks the inspiration to write a piece that will define American music. In his search for a new melody, Gershwin realizes that American music is much like it's people - a great melting pot of sounds, rhythms, and harmonies."

From the middle of the book (I would have begun the story here ;-}): ". . .There was a grand piano in the middle of the room, and as usual, George was drawn to it like a bear to honey.  He sat down and gazed out at the twinkling lights of Manhattan. "Boy, did I miss this city!" he thought to himself. As he began to improvise, a marvelous melody rose from the piano. . ."

Source

Why I like this book: Even though I prefer classical to jazz, I do enjoy his contributions to Broadway musicals.  And any book that reveals the creative process is, of course, a winner in my book! The fact that it was published by Charlesbridge is a plus as well. . .it is a publisher I have in mind for a fact-based picture book I have begun to do research on.  And, there is a bonus: an accompanying CD of Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue".

Teacher's links to related resources:

YouTube original recording from 1924. . . You'll love the audience and ambiance!

*Radio Show with quizzes (subscribe to podcasts) HERE:

*Easy to read biography of Gershwin HERE:

*Videos of Gershwin's other works HERE: 

*Links for more information on Jazz HERE:

*Find it HERE on Amazon.

*Review on this book and many others, along with films, music, etc!!!  A gold mine. . .HERE

Hope you enjoyed today's offering for Perfect Picture Book Fridays, when we review picture books which we deem worthy of mention.  This concept was created by Susanna Hill, and is a helpful resource for librarians, teachers and parents.  For a list of all books reviewed so far, along with activities to complement them, click here.