Ben's Trumpet [Paperback]

Rachel Isadora (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 18, 1991 | Age Level: 3 and up | Grade Level: P and up

The story of Ben is fiction, but it could be the story of more than one jazz musician who grew up in the twenties. Using the art-deco style of the period, Rachel Isadora not only captures the poignancy and yearning of a youthful talent, but in page after page of striking art seems to convey the very sound of music.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Featuring stunning, evocative black-and-white art, this Caldecott Honor book concerns a boy growing up in the 1920s who aspires to be a jazz musician--"Ben thinks the trumpeter is the cat's meow." Ages 4-8.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 3-By Rachel Isadora. Original jazz music underscores the narration of this Caldecott Honor Book about a young boy's yearning to play the trumpet just like the musicians that he hears at the Zig Zag Club.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 3 and up
  
• Paperback: 40 pages
• Publisher: Greenwillow Books (September 18, 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0688109888
• ISBN-13: 978-0688109882
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 9.7 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #286,852 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #74 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > Arts & Music > Performing Arts > Fiction

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Rich, Tender and Soulful, April 25, 2000

By 

w vansickle - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ben's Trumpet [With Cassette] (Live Oak Music Makers) (Hardcover)

This one little picture book is among the most beautiful and powerful books I've ever read. In fact I don't feel as if I've simply read this book; I feel as though I've experienced it. It was fast and dizzy, yet calm and peaceful. I could almost feel myself sitting outside on a warm night, listening to the wail of jazz music floating on the air. With its simple, easy charm this book taps into the hopes of a small boy, and gives the reader hope that the goodness of the human spirit can triumph over its evils. This book has some of the most amazing illustrations that I've seen in a children's book, and it uses them very effectively. So, whether you are a parent looking for a book that will stimulate your child's imagination, a jazz enthusiast, an admirer of fine illustration, or just a person looking for a heart-warming experience, this book is a fabulous selection.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Riviting and remarkable - a true classic, January 1, 2004

By 

E. R. Bird "Ramseelbird" (Manhattan, NY) - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Ben's Trumpet (Hardcover)

There are large and small crimes in the world. Small crimes includes little white lies and petty theft. Large crimes represent something much larger in the grand scheme of things. For example, it is a very large crime that it took the New York Public Library's 2003 100 Children's Books Everyone Should Know for me to discover "Ben's Trumpet". Have you seen this book? This is a gorgeous piece of work, particularly striking in its publication date (1979) but not dated. Not even a little. Following Ben, a young man living in a Harlem-esque neighborhood, the story depicts the boy's obsession with playing the trumpet. The plot is touching and has a happy ending that doesn't feel forced or tacked on. It flows just as smoothly as the book itself. Nice storylines aren't what push this book into greatness, however. Look at the illustrations a minute. Notice Isadora's use of line. Her clever placement of black and white. Look at the different drawing styles that emanate from the jazz musicians and their music. Now compare this to Ben's home, a simplistic realistic series of pictures. My favorite section comes after the trumpeter at the Zig Zag Jazz Club compliments Ben on his trumpet playing. The next two pages show the trumpeter walking away, his body curved, swaying to some internal music. On the opposite page there is a kaleidoscope of forms and images, possibly representing Ben's elation at the compliment. Possibly just serving as gorgeous filler. Please read this to your children. Teach this to your children. And give this book to everyone you know. Do I gush? I know I do. But trust me, this book is worth it.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Ben's Trumpet--a Caldecott Honor book, December 15, 1999

By 

marilyn carlisle (Baltimore, MD) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ben's Trumpet (Paperback)

A wonderful book for young children about dreaming/hoping. With few words it gets its point across. Illustrations are incredibly varied and wonderful--I especially love the ones of the musicians! However, I am troubled by the drawing of Ben's father and his friends gambling and drinking--seems to add to stereotypical notions; I'd love to discuss it w/ the author/illustrator.