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lattelibrarian's review against another edition
4.0
With beautiful illustrations and lyricism, Parker regales the story of Art Tatum's childhood into adulthood as he loses eyesight and learns how to play the piano. He's a talented genius, able to understand chords and songs and rhythm, able to enchant a community and listeners across the country. This book just goes to show how encouragement and perseverance can aid in a lifelong journey of music and joy.
Review cross-listed here!
Review cross-listed here!
jcschlotfelt2313's review against another edition
4.0
Beautiful water colors bolster the short tale of Art Tatum's early years. The story of a young Tatum who overcame near blindness to become one of the greatest jazz pianists of all time is a great one to teach about strengths despite perceived weaknesses and also the power of art and expression for all children.
kgtaylor's review against another edition
5.0
"Piano Starts Here" is a smooth book that tells the journey of Art Tantum who loses his sights throughout his childhood. However, playing the piano allows him to express his feelings and to feel connected with his family and the ones who have encouraged, supported, and loved him.
beththebookdragon's review against another edition
3.0
Loose pen-and-watercolor art gives a jazz feel to this children's biography of jazz pianist Art Tatum.
middle_name_joy's review against another edition
5.0
Piano Starts Here: The Young Art Tatum explores the early life of the influential jazz pianist through lyrical prose and bright illustrations that show the world as Art Tatum might have seen it. Tatum came from modest beginnings and was nearly blind, but his passion for the piano and his acute memory for any sound that he heard drove him to become a virtuoso who was revered by both classical and jazz pianists alike.
This is a picture book biography. It emphasizes the youth of Art Tatum and his family and community relationships in his hometown of Toledo, Ohio. Included in the back of the book is a more extensive biography of Tatum’s achievements and a bibliography of sources for further research.
I found Art Tatum to be a worthy subject and one who is often lost in the shadows of other, more well-known jazz artists of the age, such as Louis Armstrong and Benny Goodman. I was inspired by Tatum’s story and I believe students would be similarly engaged in his struggle and eventual triumph.
I would use this book in a lesson on how the distribution and appreciation of musicians within communities has and has not changed over time. I would play a piece of Tatum’s music and have students visualize they type of person playing it. Then we would read the book as an interactive read aloud. I would extend the learning by having the students fill out a brief biography worksheet on Tatum.
This is a picture book biography. It emphasizes the youth of Art Tatum and his family and community relationships in his hometown of Toledo, Ohio. Included in the back of the book is a more extensive biography of Tatum’s achievements and a bibliography of sources for further research.
I found Art Tatum to be a worthy subject and one who is often lost in the shadows of other, more well-known jazz artists of the age, such as Louis Armstrong and Benny Goodman. I was inspired by Tatum’s story and I believe students would be similarly engaged in his struggle and eventual triumph.
I would use this book in a lesson on how the distribution and appreciation of musicians within communities has and has not changed over time. I would play a piece of Tatum’s music and have students visualize they type of person playing it. Then we would read the book as an interactive read aloud. I would extend the learning by having the students fill out a brief biography worksheet on Tatum.
sabernar's review
5.0
Another jazz book for kids! This one is for kids that are a bit older, but it's never too early to start reading good books (with good art) to your kid.
This one is about Art Tatum, one of the greatest jazz pianists of all times. It's the great story of how Art Tatum came to become one of the greatest jazz pianists of all times. And it manages to tug at your heartstrings just a little bit, too.
This one is about Art Tatum, one of the greatest jazz pianists of all times. It's the great story of how Art Tatum came to become one of the greatest jazz pianists of all times. And it manages to tug at your heartstrings just a little bit, too.
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