Jam, Too?

With nearly singable text, this tale beckons readers to move. A fantastic book-jam that delights the ear just as much as the eye.

Using colloquial greetings such as, 'Hey there, brother, ' 'What's up, my peeps, ' 'Hola, amigos, ' and 'Good day there, mates, ' suggesting people of different ages and backgrounds, a circle of musicians forms on the beach.

Readers can clap, tap, and drum along to a rhythmic jam session in this joyful seaside introduction to percussion. A conga player on a beach attracts other percussionists, the impromptu ensemble growing to include a djembe, a shekere, zills, maracas, and bongos. Wishing to join the group, a child who doesn't "have/ a drum to beat" wonders whether they can join in and "jam, too." The "PAT-A-PAT-A PAT PAT" of the conga, the "SLAP-SLAP. TIP-A-TAP" of the djembe, and other onomatopoeia ripple through Brown-Wood's rhyming, irresistibly rhythmic verse, immersing readers in the percussive experience. In Alcántra's expressive artwork, bright, summery hues of azure, fuchsia, and lime green leap out against the sand, adding to the jubilant vibes as characters of various skin tones throw their bodies into the music and dance. Ages 3-6. (Feb.)

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