ALA Booklist (Fri Dec 06 00:00:00 CST 2024)

A girl and her brother, Kenny, can't sleep, despite their mama's insistence, because of the rhythmic sounds of their father's band coming from the basement. Unable to resist moving along to the beat, Kenny coaxes his sister to creep downstairs with him to watch. They sneak past obstacles, to the basement, ultimately discovering the most glorious surprise about the band. Readers will cheer for the siblings as they get swept up in the joy of music and family. Baptist's text is upbeat and engaging, written with all the rhythm and rhyme of lyrics to a favorite song as the kids go from being spectators to enthusiastic participants. Mohammed's illustrations are a visual delight, brimming with vibrant colors and dynamic compositions. The underlying theme of family bonding through a shared passion is a beautifully conveyed ode to music, togetherness, and creativity. A beautiful family story and a must-have for any music lover.

Kirkus Reviews

Two siblings postpone bedtime to listen to their father's jazz band practicing in the family basementThe young narrator and brother Kenny are upstairs in bed but finding it hard to fall asleep. Hearing the strains of Dad's music, they can't help dancing along: "The rhythm's steady, / the trumpet's sweet. / Before too long, / we're on our feet!" Soon they decide to sneak downstairs to listen more closely. As they enjoy the music, they recognize the singer: "That's Mama's voice stealing the show!" They're discovered, but rather than sending them back upstairs, the adults invite them to jam. The narrator starts banging on the drums, while Kenny grabs the mic. Finally, it's bedtime; too tired to protest, the children head upstairs, with thoughts of playing in Daddy's band again filling their heads. Centering on a tightknit, music-loving Black family, this lively story exudes joy. Laced with onomatopoeia and alliteration, Baptist's jaunty verse sets a swinging tone ideal for storytime. Children will enjoy following along with the mischievous siblings. The exuberant collage illustrations pair perfectly with the text, their colorful fluidity bathing the scenes in deep blues and reds and depicting musical notes swirling dramatically across the pages.A rollicking read-aloud, sure to have youngsters on their feet dancing along with its young protagonists.(Picture book. 4-8)

School Library Journal (Fri Nov 01 00:00:00 CDT 2024)

K-Gr 3— Setting up a funky vibe with rhymes and changing rhythms, Baptist propels two children with brown skin who are supposed to go to sleep out of their beds in response to the sounds of their daddy's band—first to dance on their beds, and then to sneak downstairs for a closer listen, arriving just as their mama takes the microphone to sing. But Mama is on their case: "My my my, funny as can be!/ Got four li'l eyes think I don't see./ My my my, hear what I say:/ Those four li'l feet betta scurry away!" There's still time to join the small but diverse basement ensemble for a glorious intergenerational jam before stumbling back to bed and nodding off to dream of being two more in Daddy's band. Mohammed's rolling illustrations, culminating in a bright and jazzy wordless spread of swirling notes and colors, capture the driving sound of the music and the joy it brings to make and hear it. From that sonic height, the art's general hues switch to a cooler, bluer cast, winding down to a supple and evocative dreamscape. VERDICT A lovely purchase, this warm bedtime story is laced with love of music and close family feelings.— John Edward Peters