Review — The First Music

Miriam Lang Budin, Chappaqua Public Library, NY
SLJ reviews — 1/1/2007

Pritchett’s original story gives a folkloric explanation for the development of polyrhythmic and polyphonic music. At first, all the African animals make their sounds without regard to the others. One day, almost by accident, they listen to Elephant stomping, “Padada BOOM–pada BOOM!” and begin to add their own rhythms and voices (“Shh-ka-shh!,” “Skee-de-lee!,” etc.), and the resultant dance party goes on for days. Only the frogs sit listening on the periphery. Finally, in the quiet dawn of the seventh day, the frogs lift their voices: “Reep-reep-ree!” and before long everyone else joins in. This book practically insists upon audience participation. The stylized earth-toned illustrations employ patterns found in African carvings and fabrics to good effect. In the right hands (and feet and voices), this will make for a rousing storytime.

Title Details: The First Music
Author: Dylan Pritchett  
Illustrator: Erin Bennett Banks
Interest Level: GR PreK-3

#   #   #

About August House

Recently recognized as one of "America's 101 Top Independent Publishers," August House is a highly-acclaimed and award-winning multimedia publisher of children's stories and folktale anthologies. August House's is based in Atlanta, GA.

August House Media Contact

Rob Cleveland
404-442-4422