About the Author:
Walter Dean Myers is the celebated author of many award- winning books for children, including "Harlem," a Caldecott Honor Book illustrated by Christopher Myers, and "Somewhere in the Darkness," a Newbery Honor Book. He and his wife live in New Jersey, where he practices his little-known hobby of playing the flute.
From School Library Journal:
PreSchool-Grade 3-Walter Dean Myers' fun picture book (Holiday, 2000) about a junkyard dog turned celebrated blues musician works wonderfully as a book/cassette kit thanks to Charles Turner's spirited narration and Mark "Dog" Deffenbaugh's bluesy guitar strumming. Nina Laden's vibrant pastel paintings capture the adventures of the anthropomorphic titular character, a teenaged pooch in hip attire who loves playing the blues. The action begins when Flats and his much older canine pal, Caleb, escape from their cruel, self-hating owner, A.J. Grubbs, a character Turner plays with gruff abandon. As street musicians in Mississippi, Flats plays guitar and Caleb accompanies by rattling a pair of bones. They wow the masses with such tunes as "The Freaky Flea Blues" and "The Mangy Muzzle Stomp." With Grubbs on his tail but leaving his arthritic pal Caleb behind, Flats takes off for the Big Apple where he finds even greater success. Myers' story offers meaningful messages about friendship and music without being too didactic or preachy. Gentle sound effects (crickets chirping in a nighttime scene, an approaching train, the sounds of dogs barking) enhance the action. Turner's energetic narration keeps the story humming along. Deffenbaugh's guitar work pleases the ear, and his performance of "The New York City Blues"(music and lyrics by Myers) is the program's highlight. This story about the joys of blues music has found a format that serves it very well.
Brian E. Wilson, Evanston Public Library, IL
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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