New York State Of Mind (Byron Preiss Book) [Hardcover]

Billy Joel (Author), Izak Zenou (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 4 and up | Grade Level: P and up | Series: Byron Preiss Book

Legendary performer Billy Joel's bluesy ode to New York introduces children to the verve and magic of the city.



"I'm taking a Greyhound on the Hudson River Line - I'm in a New York state of mind."

Billy Joel's evocative lyrics invite readers to tag along as two spirited little dogs experience the energy and excitement of New York City, one of the world's most visited cities. From the "movie stars in their fancy cars" at Radio City Music Hall to Chinatown, from the Empire State Building to a Central Park carriage ride, this colorful portrait of the city's most beloved landmarks is a joyous celebration of a great American city.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

PreS-Gr. 2. Does Billy Joel's wonderful song "New York State of Mind" make a picture book? Well, yes and no. Izak's sweeping artwork puts the accent on the pictures, but does the text work as a story? Not really. Those familiar with the song will remember that it's about the singer taking a nostalgic trip back to NYC, revisiting old haunts. Here the protagonist is a dog. After "taking a greyhound down the Hudson River line" (uh, that would be a bus, not a canine), the floppy-eared fellow finds himself in New York at Christmas. He knows "what I'm needing," and that turns out to be the fluffy, long-haired dog he meets in the park. Romantic New York activities ensue, with some cute twists. Pictures accompanying the lyrics about needing the New York Times and the Daily News show the pups under the papers in a driving rain. In the end, it's the artwork (which could probably be paired with lots of songs) that makes this special. Izak evocatively mirrors the city's vibe by mixing bold strokes with impressionistic touches. An accompanying CD brings the song to a new generation. Ilene Cooper
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Scholastic Press; First Edition edition (November 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0439553822
• ISBN-13: 978-0439553827
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 10.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #635,086 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Simplicity at its best, December 16, 2005

By 

D. Sparkman (USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: New York State Of Mind (Byron Preiss Book) (Hardcover)

This is a simple book with each page sporting only a line of text from Billy Joel's New York State of Mind off the Turnstiles album. I think the illustrations are great as they are impressionistic representations of various places in New York City, such as the theatre district, Central Park, Times Square, etc. It's sure to capture the imagination of any adult and child alike. The book comes with a CD single of the song to accompany reading if desired.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A contemporary music classic is now a picture book, June 8, 2006

By 

Corinne H. Smith (Athol, MA USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: New York State Of Mind (Byron Preiss Book) (Hardcover)

"New York State of Mind" has always been one of Billy Joel's most passionately-performed pieces. When witnessed live and in person, the song is a glowing tribute to all East Coasters and specifically to New Yorkers, from one of their own. But even the recording on the Turnstiles album is powerful. It pays homage to the concept of "home."

Joel's lyrics transfer nicely onto the pages of this picture book. The main characters, two small dogs, may remind some folks of the pair from "The Lady and the Tramp," another city story. Izak's illustrations portray the metropolis in fall or early winter, with leaves on the ground and ice skaters at Wollman Rink. Each double-page spread visits a specific location in the city, and each are identified by name. Look closely to find the irony in the signage. Theater-goers are standing in line to see "Movin' Out!" on Broadway. And the ice rink banner reads TROMP instead of TRUMP. Play the accompanying CD (containing the Turnstiles version of the song) while reading the captions, and you'll hear the soulful strains of the saxophone just as a sax player appears on the page. A captivating new book for children and adult fans of NYC and/or Billy Joel, particularly poignant in these post-9/11 days.

1.0 out of 5 stars disappointed, October 29, 2011

By 

Judy Rodriguez - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: New York State Of Mind (Byron Preiss Book) (Hardcover)

I was disappointed that it was a library book. I didn't know that and cannot now give it as a gift.