suggested by Vicki Palmquist, children's literature enthusiast, who listens to jazz, reads about jazz, and finds this true American invention to be infinitely fascinating

Heaven’s All-Star Jazz Band
written and illustrated by Don Carter

In a text that grooves and swings with the rhythms of jazz, Don Carter celebrates some of America’s greatest jazz legends.

Grandpa Jack loved jazz. He called it “heavenly.” So now that heaven is where Grandpa Jack’s at, his grandson imagines it to be a place filled with music. In a club called the Cotton, Grandpa Jack can hear all his favorite musicians play together in Heaven’s All-Star Jazz Band. And when that glorious music has filled his soul, Grandpa Jack steps up onto the stage and adds his own bit of rhythm with his famous spoons solo.

Don Carter celebrates some of jazz’s greatest legends and the lasting bond their music creates between a boy and his grandfather. A very moving book for jazz fans.

Charlie Parker Played Be Bop
written and illustrated by Chris Raschka

Reviewers called this book "sassy," "syncopated," and "ebullient." Raschka creates a loving portrait of the legendary jazz saxophonist without playing a note.

Ella Fitzgerald
written by Andrea Davis Pinkney, illustrated by Brian Pinkney

Scat Cat Monroe narrates a celebration of the life and career of the first lady of song, noting her distinctive style and far-ranging impact upon contemporary music.

Once Upon a Time in Chicago
written by Jonah Winter, illustrated by Jeanette Winter

Created by a mother and son team, this simple biography of the great jazz musician, Benny Goodman, describes how his extraordinary musical ability was encouraged by his immigrant father and how he got his first clarinet.

John Coltrane’s Giant Steps
written and illustrated by Chris Raschka

An ingenious tribute to one master from another. Imagine John Coltrane's classic "Giant Steps" performed by raindrops, a snowflake, a box, and a kitten, respectively the tempo, the bass, the piano, and the saxophone melody. Full color.

The Jazz Fly
written by Matthew Golub, illustrated by Karen Hanke

While seeking directions to town, a fly picks up the rhythm of the answers he gets from a frog, a hog, a donkey, and a dog, and then uses these sounds to jazz up his band's music.

Hip Cat
written by Jonathon London, illustrated by Woodleigh Hubbard

Hip Cat journeys to the city by the bay to live his dream of being a jazz musician.

Max Found Two Sticks
written and illustrated by Brian Pinkney

Although he doesn't feel like talking, a young boy responds to questions by drumming on various objects, including a bucket, hat boxes, and garbage cans, echoing the city sounds around him.

I See the Rhythm
written by Toyomi Igus, illustrated by Michele Wood

Chronicles and captures poetically the history, mood, and movement of African American music, from slave songs through ragtime, blues, cool jazz, to hip-hop. Michele Wood received a Coretta Scott King illustrator award for this book.

Jazz: My Music, My People
written and illustrated by Marcel Monceaux

With stylized portraits and brief essays, Marcel Monceaux writes about his personal connection to the music, the composers, the players, the musicians, the vocalists. A perfect book for music lovers, particularly those who aren't yet crazy about reading.