The Band in Our Basement: A Picture Book

(Hardback)

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Publishing Details

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Physical Properties

Description

In this rollicking, rhyming picture book, a pair of siblings who are supposed to be in bed discover a jazz band playing in their basement

The sounds downstairs are funky
and we start to wiggle toes.
We flip-flop and we giggle
with sheets up to the nose.
The rhythms steady, the trumpets sweet.
Before too long, were on our feet!

After hearing Daddys band practicing in the basement, a brother and sister cant resist sneaking out of bed to watch them play. Careful, careful, cant be caught. Tiptoe past the squeaky spot! They long to join in the fun, but cant be seen out of beduntil the discovery of a surprise band member turns the jam session into a family affair. With an energetic, lyrical text from award-winning author Kelly J. Baptist and exuberant illustrations from Jenin Mohammed, The Band in Our Basement will have readers feeling the beatright before settling back down for bedtime.

Reviews

***STARRED REVIEW***
"Mohammeds luminous artwork shapes the story with superb visual storytelling...This joyous book will be a hit at any music-themed storytime and certainly will be on repeat as bedtime draws near."

* The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books *

***STARRED REVIEW***
"Internal rhyme and repetition pulse through Baptists buoyant verse...Mohammeds Gelli print collage and digital illustrations...enlivening this jazzy jam session of a book."

* Publishers Weekly *
Centering on a tightknit, music-loving Black family, this lively story exudes joy. A rollicking read-aloud, sure to have youngsters on their feet dancing along with its young protagonists. * Kirkus Reviews *
A lovely purchase, this warm bedtime story is laced with love of music and close family feelings. * School Library Journal *
[U]pbeat and engaging...The underlying theme of family bonding through shared passions [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. * Booklist *

Author Bio

Kelly J. Baptist is the award-winning author of many books for kids, including The Swag Is in the Socks, which won the 2022 Midland Authors Award for Childrens Fiction; her middle-grade novel, Ready, Set, Dough; and The Electric Slide and Kai, which won the Lee and Low New Voices Honor. Baptist lives in Southwest Michigan with her five amazing children, and practices Kobe Bryants Mamba Mentality every day! Jenin Mohammed grew up in sunny (but mostly rainy) south Florida. She loves kittens (even though she is allergic to them), roller coasters, and scary movies. Above all else, Mohammed enjoys traveling to different places and teaching kids how to embrace their inner artist.