Loosely based on Floridian tales about the famous fiddler Cush Holston--a musician who, it is said, inspired the animals to dance--this lush picture book explores music and magic in the cypress swamps of northern Florida. Full color.
Book Description
Editorial Reviews
From School Library Journal
Kindergarten-Grade 3-Against a tapestry of backwoods and cypress swamps, a tale unfolds inspired by one of north Florida's legendary fiddlers. In love with sound and rhythm, Django takes naturally to his grandfather's fiddle, charming the birds and animals in the forest roundabout, but leaving his parents and grandmother less than amused. When the birds he attracts destroy their garden and Django begins neglecting his chores, the fiddle goes back to the bottom of the family trunk. And there it lies until storm winds rage and the boy saves the animals from the flooded woods. Cech's tale resounds with the folklife of the area, as do McGinley-Nally's vibrant folk-art vignettes. A more felicitous pairing of author and artist would be hard to imagine. Using intensely vivid watercolors on naturally tinted and mottled paper, the artist creates a series of tableaux of backwoods life, richly patterned and alive with the flora and fauna of Django's world. As spirited and captivating as one of the musician's own tunes, this is a lively yarn and a fitting tribute to the folk culture of the region.
Marcia Hupp, Mamaroneck Public Library, NY
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Marcia Hupp, Mamaroneck Public Library, NY
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Booklist
Ages 5-8. Inspired by tales about legendary Floridian fiddler Cush Holston, this imaginative retelling has splendid illustrations. Set in the Cyprus swamp, it stars precocious fiddler Django whose music mesmerizes the backwater critters. But when the crows ruin Daddy's garden and a bear spooks Grandma Thelma, the cherished instrument goes back into the family trunk. It's brought out again during a hurricane, and Django's songs save the animals, who take refuge from the floodwaters on the front porch and on every high spot around the house ("It was just like Noah's Ark!"). While the text, longer than in many picture books, is occasionally lyrical and the ending is satisfying, the artwork wins the day. Surrounded by whimsical borders featuring angels, gators, and quilt squares and set against sponged golden brown paper, the unusual folk-art watercolor paintings are precisely detailed and brightly colored. The author acknowledges the troubadours who influenced his storytelling in an appended note. Julie Corsaro
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4.0 out of 5 stars
Music,
This review is from: Django (Hardcover)
John Cech has given children a look at the beauty that can be created through music. In all of the stress of content area curriculum today we sometimes forget the arts. The author has shown how music can be a strength in children that adults may miss. It appears to give the reader the idea to let children share things that interest them and in turn share different aspect of culture and art with children.
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