Friday, October 25, 2013

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. . ."
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.


21 comments:

  1. This is a quintessential American piece, and a composer kids should definitely know about. I think this is a great pick, and a great kick in the pants. This book has been on my "read someday" list for awhile. 'Guess I know what I'm getting at the library this week . . .

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  2. OH! What a wonderful trailer, Jarm! I thoroughly enjoyed it. I don't know much about Gershwin and just reading this review has been an experience to remember. Now when I see fantasia I will know more about it's composer. Thanks so much. :)

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    1. You know, Clar, it never occurred to me to connect Fantasia with Gershwin. . .of course!

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  3. I love that this book includes a CD! I can picture the kids burning off some energy at the end of story time.

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  4. I am really glad to see this... George and his brother Ira influenced popular music more than most. George loved the piano. His biography is very interesting. Thank you!

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  5. I love the cover of this book. And the video is fun! I'll have to check this one out. We like this music at our house!

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  6. This might make the perfect gift for my son's band teacher!

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  7. Love Gershwin, and what a beautiful book cover. Appreciate your writer's perspective on a good opening.

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    1. Thanks, Joanna. . .to tell you the truth, I did not like the opening. Just the men involved in everyday conversation. Thanks for noticing!

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  8. I like how you're reading books from your target publisher! Thanks for including the video clip, too.

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    1. Thanks,Tina! They do publish many stellar fact-based fiction (or historical) PBs. . . Someday. . .I can dream!

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  9. The cover is amazing. Love the art. Thanks for sharing this book!

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    1. Thanks, Penny! The artwork seems to reflect the Art Nouveau or Deco style, typical of that era.

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  10. Like you I prefer classical but then Gershwin does have some beautiful music I have heard many times. Love the cover, thanks Jarm.

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  11. Like you I prefer classical but then Gershwin has some beautiful music which I have heard many times. Love the cover of this book. Thanks, Jarm.

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I would love to have you comment...thanks!

Journey into the Promised Land

Journey into the Promised Land
From Egypt to Israel