Hip Cat [Paperback]

Jonathan London (Author), Woodleigh Hubbard (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 1996 | Grade Level: P and up

This is the jazzy story of a hip, saxophone playing cat who heads to the big city to seek fame and fortune. Once there, he finds that the top dogs own the cool clubs, and that sometimes you have to work at the Doggie Diner to make ends meet. But he also learns how important it is to "do what you love to do and do it well!" The rhythmic text is filled with the same ebb and flow that characterizes jazz music, and the brilliant illustrations bring alive a magical world where cool cats dig hot jazz and where, if you try hard enough, no dream is out of reach.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Only squares won't dig the beatnik slang and improvisational rhymes of this beboppable, unstoppable tale. Sax-playing cat Oobie-do takes the train to San Francisco, where he tries to "make jazzzzzy music." But being a musician doesn't pay the bills, and Oobie-do becomes a short-order cook at the Doggie Diner. He doesn't stay down on his luck for long, though; Minnie, impecunious owner of Minnie's Can Do nightclub, encourages him to play a gig, and pretty soon the joint jumps to Oobie-do's tunes. London, striking a very different note here than in A Koala for Katie and The Eyes of Gray Wolf (also reviewed this issue), captures the sounds and rhythms of bohemia: "Scat, cat. Go, cat, go! Hip Cat daddy-o's got a horn to blow!" Hubbard ( C Is for Curious: An ABC of Feelings ) creates vibrant spreads that ideally complement the narrative; their unsullied bright colors, smooth edges and serpentine forms are reminiscent of such jazz-inspired abstract canvases as Stuart Davis's The Mellow Pad. Playful and optimistic, this story of dreams--and persistence rewarded--is the cool cat's meow. Ages 3-8.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 4-A cool, saxophone-playing cat from the sticks heads for the bright lights of the big city to find fame and fortune. Oobie-do John gets his first gig at Minnie's Can Do, a jumping joint that's long on jazz, but short on cash. To earn a living, he has to be a short-order cook at the Doggie Diner and play his horn for pennies at the town tourist traps, but he never skips a beat. Finally, Oobie-do's music begins to be the talk of the jazz scene, and that hip feline becomes the coolest cat of all. Here is a one-of-a-kind book with a great message-it encourages youngsters to do what they love, and to work at it to the best of their ability. Hubbard's vivid illustrations sparkle like the paintings of Matisse and offer just the right accompaniment to the jazzy text, which jumps across the pages and takes an occasional twist. Pre-readers may miss some of the subtlety here, but the fresh music of the narrative makes a terrific read-aloud. It will work just as well with older children because of its sassy style. Just pop in a cassette by Dizzy or Miles, and read, man, read.
Virginia E. Jeschelnig, Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library, Willowick, OH
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 40 pages
• Publisher: Chronicle Books (September 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0811814890
• ISBN-13: 978-0811814898
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 8.5 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #866,444 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Hip Cat, August 4, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Hip Cat (Paperback)

This is one of the most amazing children's books I have ever read. Jonathan London is able to convert prose into music. You have a sense of being inside jazz and understanding what it is from a completely emotional standpoint. I was thrilled to have the pleasure of reading this book to my 5 year old son and to introduce him to what jazz feels like. We listened to several Jazz albums after reading this book and the book helped to make a connection to the music. Thank you, Thank you Mr. London for this incredible experience!

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Hip Cat-Jazz Is His Bag!, July 7, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Hip Cat (Hardcover)

This Reading Rainbow Book, Hip Cat, by Jonathan London and illustrated by Woodleigh Hubbard is a refreshing introduction to the lyrical and "cool" genre of jazz music for the young child. It gives them the opportunity to experience with words and visuals a character who desires to make his livelihood by doing what he enjoys best! The story is dedicated to Herschel Silverman, jazz poet, Bobby McFerrin, scat man, Miles Davis and John Coltrane. Young learners, hopefully, will come away with a heightened idea of self-awareness as it relates to career choices and a greater level of endurance to make of their lives what they choose. Oobie-do John the Sax Man Scat Man, the cool cat man, realizes his love for making jazzy music on his saxophone. Others enjoy his craft and his pay is peanuts and applause. Oobie-do needs more to survive. He doesn't give up finding a good gig, one that will feed him and pay his bills. Persistence and perfecting his craft win him a just reward.

Teacher Note: Excellent opportunity to integrate language, music and rhyme. Students can also meet and greet jazz greats via musical listening/movement experiences. A real opportunity to submerge classroom experiences into "multiple-intelligences" mode. Another recommended book is Willie Jerome by Alice Faye Duncan.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Gem! Wonderful if your kid likes music at all!, May 4, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Hip Cat (Paperback)

The illustrations in this book are a level above the typical childrens fare. The text may intimidate at first, but if you read it with the intended "jazz" rhythm, it becomes fast and fun very quickly. My 2-year-old was reciting the entire book within a couple of weeks! It'll also add some great beatnik phrases to your toddler lexicon!! SHOOBY WA DITTY!