Piano Starts Here: The Young Art Tatum (Hardcover)

~ Robert A. Parker (Author, Illustrator)

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

*Starred Review* Parker, who illustrated Jan Greenberg and Sandra Jordan’s Sibert Honor Book Action Jackson (2002), contributes both words and pictures in this heartfelt portrait of jazz great Tatum. Parker pushes the limits of the book’s nonfiction cataloguing by speaking in the pianist’s first-person voice, but an author’s note and a solid bibliography set the episodes in a framework of established facts. The vibrant scenes, in Parker’s familiar style of scratched ink lines and watercolor washes, show young Tatum playing at home for his dancing parents, at church for a full choir, and at local clubs, where he is discovered and his international career begins. In some images, crowds of dancers and musicians create a swirl of animated motion; in others, Parker sets Tatum, who was nearly blind, against a deep, moody, abstract background of shifting colors. Throughout, the simple, direct language shows the power of the music for both Tatum and his listeners. “When I am at the piano . . . I play clouds of notes, rivers of notes . . . I forget that my eyes aren’t good. I have everything I need.” Cue up the music; children will best appreciate this beautiful tribute with an earful of Tatum at the keyboard. Grades 2-4. --Gillian Engberg

Review

Starred review, Kirkus Reviews, December 15, 2007:
“Fusing Parker’s artistic talent and passion for jazz (he’s a musician, too), this sensitively embellished biography is totally on time.”

Starred review, Booklist, February 2, 2008:
“The simple, direct language shows the power of the music for both Tatum and his listeners.”

Starred review, School Library Journal, February 2008:
“Breathing life into words about music for young children is never easy, but Parker makes it appear effortless.”

Review, The San Francisco Chronicle, February 24, 2008:
"It's a joyful portrait of an innovative artist who was peerless in music ... A jazz musician himself, Parker brings a deep love and understanding to his subject."

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Hardcover: 40 pages
• Publisher: Schwartz & Wade (January 8, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0375839658
• ISBN-13: 978-0375839658
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 9.1 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #540,775 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Boyhood of a Prodigy, January 9, 2009

By	Ben Sonnenberg (New York, NY USA) - See all my reviews

A book that tells of the childhood of the great jazz piano player, Art Tatum (1909-1956), who, though stricken with blindness when very young, went on to become a keyboard wonder. Beautifully illustrated and sensitively written, it fills you with joy and an urge to listen, or re-listen, to a miraculous musician.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Piano Starts Here: The Young Art Tatum, June 22, 2008

By	Elaine A. Thomas - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

My eleven year old grandaughter liked this because she takes piano. Liked the fact that it was a true story.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great story, phenomonal artwork, February 21, 2008

By	John Q. Walker (North Carolina) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

The story of Art Tatum has been told too rarely -- it's a delight to have this wonderful book written by an impassioned author. Even more amazing is the gorgeous artwork, also done by Mr. Parker. Strongly recommended.