Hosea Plays on

Both a heartfelt eulogy and a musical inspiration for a whole new generation of young readers. (Picture book. 3-8)

Copyright 2019 Kirkus Reviews, LLC Used with permission.

Based on the story of a beloved musician from Rochester, N.Y., this day-in-the-life tale by Blasi (A Name of Honor) introduces Hosea, a black street performer who saves the money he earns to buy band instruments for the children in his neighborhood. An author's note supplies Hosea's backstory, and the narrative shows Hosea exchanging greetings with his young neighbor Nate, who mimes playing his rake like a trumpet. Evans (Big Papa and the Time Machine) draws Hosea in bold indigo outlines as he shoos the pigeons away and begins to play. A woman asks how long he's been playing: "This old thing?" he jokes. "Not as long as my first love... MISS/ CLARA/ NET." His melodies swirl in soft candy curves and clouds, and he keeps on even when it starts to rain. The day's takings put him past his goal, and he buys a trumpet for Nate. "Will you teach me, too?" Nate asks. "You ready to learn?" Hosea says. Hosea does more than just entertain; he makes his own community as he shares his music and his warmth. Ages 3-9. (Jan.)

Copyright 2019 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

PreS-Gr 2--Hosea is a storyteller who can spin a yarn without words through music. He prepares his saxophone for a long day at the public market and thinks, "On a day like this...I could play forever." Shoppers listen and dance to his smoky tunes, notes, and riffs. The crowds come and go, Hosea plays on. The clouds darken and rain falls, Hosea plays on. By the end of the day he has enough money to buy an instrument for the kid next door and offers him music lessons so together, they can play on. Blasi's picture book debut features a black Rochester, NY musician whose musical ministry was to enrich his community with music. Her thoughtful impressions continue in the author's notes where readers further learn of Hosea's talents and community activism. Blasi skillfully weaves dialogue, nature sounds, and city noise throughout the musical narrative. Evans whimsically illustrates these textual elements to give them shape and movement. He creates a bluesy rhythm with dynamic cobalt lines, pastel washes, and crisp textured leaves that twirl and whirl within the book to tie Hosea's day together. VERDICT A touching tribute that serves as a reminder to listen to the people, music, and sounds that surround us.--Rita Christensen, Orem Public Library, UT

Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

"A fictional tribute to a local musician whose dedication to music has a long-lasting effect on his community. Blasi's narrative centers on a Rochester, New York, local who plays his saxophone in an outdoor market for passersby every day. Told through simple sentences and sound effects, the story immerses young readers in the busy city life. There is a lot to unpack in this book around socio-economic status as Hosea, a white-bearded black man, passes a light-skinned neighbor kid, Nate, who plays pretend trumpet to him. Hosea's only stated goal is to make 'enough' money, but the text leaves readers wondering what he needs money for. Locals flock to Hosea as he plays through the sunshine and rain. When Hosea has 'enough' money he heads back to present readers with a pleasant surprise ending and a sweet reminder of the kindness that seemed to embody Hosea Missouri Taylor Jr., who died in 2016. An author's note closes the book, offering a brief biography and sharing the immense impact he had on those around him. Evans employs a bright color palette and leaves that whoosh with swirls of faint color through the pages to connect readers to Hosea's music. Both a heartfelt eulogy and a musical inspiration for a whole new generation of young readers." —Kirkus

"Hosea Missouri Taylor, Jr., a Rochester, NY, resident and saxophone player, is brought to life by Blasi and Evans through a fictionalized example of his openhearted giving. A day in the life of the street musician relates the musical legacy he bestowed upon his community. One morning, Hosea packs up his instrument and heads toward the bus, encountering his neighbors, a father and son, raking leaves. The boy pretends his rake handle is a trumpet and 'plays' a few notes as Hosea encourages him: 'Keep practicin', my man!' Hosea continues to the public market where he plays his saxophone for a group of people with the thought that 'maybe—just maybe—he would earn enough today.' Readers are left to wonder what he plans to use the money for and are rewarded at the story's end by the man's thoughtfulness. Large, pastel illustrations fill the pages and the text changes font size and color throughout, adding movement to the tale. Though Hosea passed away in 2016, his gift of music lives on in the people he inspired."— Booklist