Rock Star Recess

School of Rock meets Fancy Nancy in this exuberant story about rock n' roll dreams colliding with the reality of elementary school.
Elsie’s music class has played Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star too many times, and she wants to try something new. When her music teacher suggests she “rock on her own time,” Elsie devises a plan. It’s recess, and the playground will make a great venue. Soon she and her best friends are setting up a stage. In true rock-star fashion, their band enlists classmates to help with hair and makeup, special effects, and security. They even host a press conference and an autograph session! Elsie has thought of everything to throw the most epic of recess rock concerts . . . or has she?

K-Gr 3-Music class has Elsie feeling uninspired, so when her teacher tells her to rock out on her own time, she enlists her best friends Lizzy and Luke to start a band. Their goal is to put on the biggest concert their class can imagine in the 30 minutes they get for recess. The trio, now known as the Rebells, has thought of everything: hair, makeup, publicity, crowd control, a band manager, refreshments, and stage effects. However, when they are ready for their big moment they realize they forgot to practice the music. Unsure of what to play for their fans, the Rebells improvise with a classic tune. While the story is contemporary, Mullock has created a nod to rock stars of the past with a retro neon palette and detailed illustrations that create whimsy and add energy to the book. VERDICT Reminiscent of Laura Numeroff's works, this title takes a lively look at what's possible during recess when friends let their imaginations run wild. Best suited for elementary collections and independent readers who enjoy humor.-Monisha Blairα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.