Blue Grass Boy: The Story of Bill Monroe, Father of Bluegrass Music

This picture book is both a biography of Bill Monroe and a history of bluegrass music, the genre he was instrumental in creating... (t)he book's tone is nostalgic, with folksy narration... (a) tribute to an Americana icon and his musical legacy.

(I)nformation-packed (with) creative text...Fotheringham's inventive, digital artwork strikes a playful note...A spirited picture book introducing the 'Father of Bluegrass Music.

Gr 1-4--This picture book biography of Bill Monroe introduces readers to the formative influences of his music and richly recalls the hills and mountain streams of his Kentucky upbringing. The writing uses imagery and a voice that evokes the oral storytelling tradition to great effect. It's not just that Rosenstock describes the rolling hills of Kentucky, it's the way she uses language to lovingly speak of the land, its people, and the region using dialect and vocabulary that Monroe or any of his loved ones might if they were telling this story. The author adeptly and squarely aims this book at the intended audience by highlighting details young readers can connect with, such as Monroe being the youngest of eight children and growing up with a left eye that turned inward (esotropia). In both the narrative and the back matter, readers witness Monroe's trials with his eyesight and his resulting development of a fine-tuned sense of hearing which helps him make a big impression on the music world. The digital illustrations are vibrant with a retro feel. Natural elements ranging from trees to blue skies and animals are the most dominant images and complement the imagery of Monroe's music. The back matter provides a more in-depth look at the life and career of the musician and includes black-and-white photographs of his family and his band, quotes, and a bibliography. VERDICT A highly recommended purchase for most libraries, especially those in Kentucky and the surrounding states where the music was born, and in any collections looking to bolster their juvenile biography section.--Samantha Lumetta, Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County

Copyright 2018 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Rosenstock tells the story of bluegrass musician Bill Monroe, who found refuge from a sometimes painful childhood--he lost both of his parents and was ridiculed for having crossed eyes--through music. She describes the influences that Monroe would come to integrate into his music, including the blues, which he first hears from musician Arnold Shultz. Forming the Blue Grass Boys band and taking up the banjo, Monroe eventually finds a distinctive style, and Fotheringham's high-energy digital art shows Monroe's development from unhappy boy to confident performer with his band: "The music plowed through the radio, touching city folks missing the hills and hill folks left in the hollows." As Monroe hits his musical stride, the spreads fill with inky blue, like a moonlit Kentucky night. Ages 9-12. Agent: Rosemary Stimola, Stimola Literary Studio. (Mar.)

Copyright 2018 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

"This picture book is both a biography of Bill Monroe and a history of bluegrass music, the genre he was instrumental in creating... (t)he book's tone is nostalgic, with folksy narration... (a) tribute to an Americana icon and his musical legacy." - Kirkus Reviews

"(I)nformation-packed (with) creative text...Fotheringham's inventive, digital artwork strikes a playful note...A spirited picture book introducing the 'Father of Bluegrass Music.'"
— Booklist

"This picture book biography of Bill Monroe...richly recalls the hills and mountain streams of his Kentucky upbringing. The writing uses imagery and a voice that evokes the oral storytelling tradition to great effect. It's not just that Rosenstock describes the rolling hills of Kentucky, it's the way she uses language to lovingly speak of the land, its people, and the region using dialect and vocabulary that Monroe or any of his loved ones might if they were telling this story. The author adeptly and squarely aims this book at the intended audience by highlighting details young readers can connect with...The digital illustrations are vibrant with a retro feel...(and) complement the imagery of Monroe's music. A highly recommended purchase." - School Library Journal

"Rosenstock tells the story of bluegrass musician Bill Monroe, who found refuge from a sometimes painful childhood... (illustrator) Fotheringham's high-energy digital art shows Monroe's development from unhappy boy to confident performer with his band... as Monroe hits his musical stride, the spreads fill with inky blue, like a moonlit Kentucky night." - Publishers Weekly