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pwbalto's review against another edition
4.0
Is it my imagination? Or do I hear echoes of Edgar Allen Poe's poem The Bells in this chanting, building, happily intense readaloud? Superdiverse, friendly faces in an urban setting give the book an energetic look, too. And something about the eyes and wide faces, the eclectic garb, recalls scratchy-lined illustration of the late 60's. Everything about this book is sunny.
ctorms's review against another edition
3.0
preschoolers loved the illustrations of the city and the mob of children making non-stop noise.
pwbalto's review
4.0
Is it my imagination? Or do I hear echoes of Edgar Allen Poe's poem The Bells in this chanting, building, happily intense readaloud? Superdiverse, friendly faces in an urban setting give the book an energetic look, too. And something about the eyes and wide faces, the eclectic garb, recalls scratchy-lined illustration of the late 60's. Everything about this book is sunny.
abigailbat's review
An exuberant picture book about kids coming together to drum the rhythms of a city on bowls and buckets and whatever they can find. Pair with I Got the Rhythm or Tanka Tanka Skunk for a boisterous, rhythmic storytime.
tashrow's review
4.0
A great choice for a musical story time, this book offer charming illustrations and a dynamite beat. The beat starts with one child banging on a pot with a whisk and spoon. Soon children take to the streets with all sorts of objects to drum with: pots and pans, kettles and cans. They march down the street, surprising grown ups with their music. The parade of people grows and grows, turning the entire city into a city of drums. Not only does this book offer a catchy beat, but it also shows the delight of music and its ability to bring people together. Drum!
Guidone’s words create all sorts of rhythm, never hesitating to be jazzy or complex. This makes the book far more interesting to read aloud than a sedate or steady beat. She begins most stanzas of her poem with the word “drum” and ends most with that word too. This gives everyone a chance to stop and restart with another rhythm. Purely infectious!
Newton’s illustrations, done in Photoshop, are filled with a city of people of all colors, ages, and occupations. Interestingly, they incorporate not only digital art but a collage effect with word clippings in unlikely places. Sharp-eyed children will also spot postage marks in the pictures. The illustrations nicely capture the busyness of an urban setting along with the excitement of the music.
Recommended, this book is one you must try with children. Just go with the rhythm, hand everyone different things to drum with, and everyone is sure to have a bang up time. Appropriate for ages 2-4.
Guidone’s words create all sorts of rhythm, never hesitating to be jazzy or complex. This makes the book far more interesting to read aloud than a sedate or steady beat. She begins most stanzas of her poem with the word “drum” and ends most with that word too. This gives everyone a chance to stop and restart with another rhythm. Purely infectious!
Newton’s illustrations, done in Photoshop, are filled with a city of people of all colors, ages, and occupations. Interestingly, they incorporate not only digital art but a collage effect with word clippings in unlikely places. Sharp-eyed children will also spot postage marks in the pictures. The illustrations nicely capture the busyness of an urban setting along with the excitement of the music.
Recommended, this book is one you must try with children. Just go with the rhythm, hand everyone different things to drum with, and everyone is sure to have a bang up time. Appropriate for ages 2-4.
circleofreadersdruid's review
4.0
I think it would be impossible to read this without tapping along to the beat and you'd be doing your kids a disservice if you didn't hold an impromptu drum circle after reading it. The illustrations are sweet and portray all sorts of people. This book would be great for next summer's Summer Reading Program theme, Libraries Rock.
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