Little Man

August 15, 2011
“Everybody in my neighborhood has a thing,” explains Little Man, the forthright young narrator of this finding-one’s-bliss story. Little Man’s thing is mastering the drums. It isn’t easy being a novice (“Even my brother says that when I play, babies cry, dogs howl, and grown-ups run away”), but thanks to a rhythmic mantra that keeps him focused (“passion, purpose, and perfection”), an admirable work ethic, and a big goal—a gig drumming at the block party—Little Man triumphs. Say a Little Prayer collaborators Warwick and Freeman almost derail their story with an unnecessary subplot that has Little Man yearning for a bike, but otherwise their writing has an authentic, appealing directness; fans of the TV series Everybody Hates Chris will find a lot to like. If a tad flat for a story about a budding fervor for music, Willingham’s (Busy Fingers) realist pastel and airbrush illustrations give some sense of the easygoing congeniality of Little Man’s urban neighborhood and the infectious nature of a good beat. On an accompanying CD, Warwick reads the text and Wooley offers a drum demonstration. Ages 6–9.

November 1, 2011

Gr 1-3-This success story, based on Wooley's city childhood, includes striking portraits in pastels and airbrush. A boy whom everyone calls Little Man explains his passion for drums in detail, including the fact that neighbors and some family mock his amateur ability (Grandma uses earplugs). He aspires to music lessons across town but cannot afford a bike for transportation. Little Man babysits and does chores, but it's not enough. Only Dad's encouragement keeps his spirits up. Practice leads to confidence, and when Little Man performs at a block party, the crowd dances and cheers, and then people put money in a hat that's passed around. Little Man has finally earned enough for a bike. A CD of Warwick reading the book is included, her mellow tones adding to the pleasure of the tale. It also offers Wooley's demo of various drums and accessories, sure to pique the interest of young musicians.-Gay Lynn Van Vleck, Henrico County Library, Glen Allen, VA

Copyright 2011 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.