Why am I passionate about this?
I have been writing and illustrating books for fifteen years, and I am passionate about the art of making picture books. I love music and dance too. While making this list, I was amazed by how different visual artists that I admire—and who have very different styles—were able to capture movement, rhythm, and energy. I was also fascinated by how the different authors crafted their stories and yet all of them managed to celebrate Black culture and resilience.
Duncan's book list on celebrating Black music dance with illustrations
Why did Duncan love this book?
Bryan Collier’s watercolor and collage illustrations are amazing. They are warm and joyful, just like Troy Andrews’s story.
In the book, Andrews, aka “Trombone Shorty,” recalls growing up in the Tremé neighborhood of New Orleans. He remembers playing non-stop a broken trombone he found on the street and eventually—as a young kid—getting to play on stage with the legendary Bo Diddley at the city’s Jazz Festival. This is an inspiring story and a visual delight.
1 author picked Trombone Shorty as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 4, 5, 6, and 7.
Hailing from the Treme neighborhood in New Orleans, Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews got his nickname by wielding a trombone twice as long as he was high. A prodigy, he was leading his own band by age six and today this Grammy-nominated artist headlines the legendary New Orleans Jazz Fest.
Along with esteemed illustrator Bryan Collier, Andrews has created a lively picture book autobiography about how he followed his dream of becoming a musician, despite the odds, until he reached international stardom.
Trombone Shorty is a celebration of the rich cultural history of New Orleans and the power of music.