Big Tune: Rise of the Dancehall Prince
by Alliah L Agostini (Author) Shamar Knight-Justice (Illustrator)
An exuberant picture book written by Alliah L. Agostini and illustrated by Shamar Knight-Justice is about a Black boy with big dancing dreams who learns the meaning of courage and community.
It's the weekend, first in June;
speaker's blasting out big tune!
Cousins, aunties, uncles, friends pack the house,
and fun begins.
Shane is shy but loves to dance--and all year long, he's picked up cans to earn some money toward his goal: high-tops with a pump-up sole. But then the speaker blows--it's done! Will this stop his family's fun? Can Shane come through to save the day and bring back Big Tune Saturday?
Set within a vibrant Caribbean American neighborhood and told to a rhythmic beat, Big Tune is a story of Black boy joy that touches on determination, confidence to express who you are, selflessness, and community gratitude.
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Kirkus Reviews
Publishers Weekly
Portrayals of diasporic Caribbean culture and a child's selflessness distinguish Agostini's 1990s Brooklyn-set story celebrating connection and community. As "cousins, aunties, uncles, friends/ pack the house, and fun begins," young Shane, teased by his brothers for shyness, dreams of being crowned dancehall king like their father--an honor reserved for those with the best moves. Feeling pressure, Shane practices only in secret, saving money earned by collecting cans to buy a new pair of kicks that he's sure will rocket him to the top. But when a speaker breaks and the bashment is canceled, Shane puts his own plans on hold to save "Big Tune Saturday"--an act that's amply rewarded. Agostini's buoyant rhyming verse pulses with details, and Knight-Justice's stylized illustrations layer bold patterns and textures with typewritten text, sheet music, and images of the Jamaican flag, building a joyfully immersive portrait of neighborhood gatherings where "Swaying hips wine fast and slow./ Brown skin shines with black light's glow." An author's note concludes. Ages 3-6. (Mar.)
Copyright 2023 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.School Library Journal
K-Gr 3--A celebration of Jamaican culture, from the drinks to the food and the dances. On the first weekend in June, Shane's family and friends gather for a party. Shane collects cans in exchange for money so he can save up for a new pair of sneakers, high tops with a pump-up sole. He's too shy to dance in front of others; when he's alone, he can dance and sing all night. Shane imagines the dance moves he'd do and how the crowd would cheer for him. When the speakers for the party break, everyone's sad the party is canceled. Luckily, Shane is there to save the day. The author's note provides additional context about the music and dances featured throughout. The up-tempo rhyme scheme of the lines resembles a song much like the ones Shane enjoys. The picture book stresses the importance of community and selflessness, essential lessons for a picture book audience. Distinctive and vibrant collage-style illustrations depict a Black community of various skin tones and hair textures. VERDICT This unique picture book's celebration of Jamaican culture and community is a great addition to every library.--Myiesha Speight
Copyright 2023 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.Review quotes
Taffy Elrod is a professional chef, cooking instructor, recipe developer, food writer, and former restaurant owner with over 20 years experience in the food industry. Chef Elrod's background in food for health informs her cooking and teaching. Making food and cooking accessible to everyone and empowering others to cook the food that matters most to them inspires Chef Elrod's work daily and brings her joy. She's known for her homestyle soups and baked goods that utilize seasonal produce and pantry items in unique and delicious ways, and for pairing professional knowledge with fun and flavor wherever she cooks.
Chef Elrod is a Culinary Instructor at the Capital District Educational Opportunity Center in Troy, NY, a freelance recipe developer, and food writer. Her work has been featured on TheSpruceEats.com and in Plate magazine and The Washington Post. Taffy lives in New York's Capital District with her husband, Pizza Man, along with their cat, Kit Kat. Connect with her at cheftaffyelrod.com and on social media at @cheftaffyelrod.
Sawyer Cloud loves sunny days and music. Children's books she has illustrated include Jade Braves the Dark, Dear Mama's Loving Arms, Our Favourite Things, Earthbred, and Under the Mango Tree. If not drawing, she would be singing out loud in her room wearing her favorite fairy costume, and sharing the moment with her online friends. She lives in Madagascar with her family and two pets, Arya the dog and Potter the cat. Her dream is to travel and share her stories with the world.JUV030040 - Juvenile Fiction | People & Places | Caribbean & Latin America
Picture books
Stories in rhyme
Families
Family life
Neighborhoods
Jamaican Americans
Communities
Children, Black
Loudspeakers
Dancehall (Music)
