Wood-Hoopoe Willie - Hardcover

Kroll, Virginia

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0881064092 ISBN 13: 9780881064094

Publisher: Charlesbridge, 1992

Synopsis

This wonderful tale is about Willie–a boy who taps, drums or thumps to express the music he feels inside. Willie dreams of playing the African instruments of his ancestors that his Grandpa describes: guedras, ecasas, atumpan and dundun drums. Readers will be captivated by Willie's spirit and will delight in his success.

This inspirational book will not only entertain, but enrich readers with the beauty of a culture. Katherine Roundtree's exquisite illustrations add tremendous warmth to this magical story.

About this title

About the Author:

Virginia Kroll has contributed more than 1500 items to juvenile magazines. She travels throughout the country speaking to children about writing multicultural books. She is the author of many children's books, including WOOD-HOOPOW WILLIE, A CARP FOR KIMIKO, SWEET MAGNOLIA, JAHA AND JAMIL WENT DOWN THE HILL, HATS OFF TO HAIR!, MASAI AND I (Four Winds Press), and BUTTERFLY BOY (Boyds Mill Press). Virginia lives in New York with her family.

From Kirkus Reviews:

Willie is one of those children who, wherever they are and whatever they're doing, raps and knocks, shakes and taps. His parents aren't unsympathetic, though they often remind him that the time or place--church, a Chinese restaurant, school--is inappropriate, and sometimes they lose patience. Daddy asks, ``Have you got a loose switch somewhere?'' while even Grandma scolds, ``William, that will do!'' Grandpa, however, sees Willie's incessant preoccupation as an opportunity to recall the family's roots, describing instruments he once saw on a visit to Africa and suggesting that there's a wood-hoopoe inside Willie, pecking its African rhythms. The conclusion is pat but satisfying: the drummer can't make it to the African-American Center for the fifth night of Kwanzaa (the celebration of Nia, or purpose), and Willie proudly takes his place. An effective interweaving of wholesome family dynamics and African heritage in the context of the observance of Kwanzaa; Roundtree's colorful realistic illustrations glow with life. (Picture book. 4-8) -- Copyright ©1993, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

About this edition

• Publisher: Charlesbridge
• Publication date: 1992
• ISBN 10: 0881064092
• ISBN 13: 9780881064094
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 32