The 5 O'Clock Band

May 1, 2018

K-Gr 4-In this beautiful companion to the award-winning Trombone Shorty, the author shares his love and appreciation for his hometown of New Orleans and the musical heritage that exists there. Based on his own experiences as a boy, Andrews shares with readers the story of Shorty and his friends, members of the 5 O'Clock Band, who love to parade down the street and through their neighborhood of Tremé playing music each afternoon after school. One day Shorty gets so involved in his practicing that he's late to the rendezvous point and is left wondering if he really has what it takes to be a bandleader. As he wanders in search of his mates, Shorty encounters a number of beloved neighbors, including Tube Tremé and Big Chief, who each offer him a salient piece of advice to consider. He's reminded of the importance of tradition, love, and dedication. Andrews provides some information on the history of the Mardi Gras Indians in the back matter; however, librarians will want to provide additional resources for readers. Collier's exquisite artwork rendered in pen and ink, watercolor, and collage brings readers into the heart of the city that Andrews so dearly loves. These complex and layered illustrations complement the story perfectly, honoring the vibrancy of New Orleans. VERDICT Consider this beautiful book wherever Andrews's Trombone Shorty is popular.-Heidi Grange, Summit Elementary School, Smithfield, UT

Copyright 2018 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

April 15, 2018
"Trombone Shorty" Andrews (with an authorial assist from Taylor) and illustrator Collier bring to life another compelling, true story of Andrews' early life. As a young boy, Shorty loved playing music with his friends so much that they created the eponymous band (so named because they practiced at 5:00 after finishing homework and chores). In this picture-book account, Troy becomes so caught up in playing his own music that he arrives late for the band's performance and planned parade to discover that they left without him. Disappointed with himself, Troy wonders how he might ever become a bandleader after letting down his own band members. Crestfallen, he journeys through town, looking for his band. On his way, he encounters three New Orleans institutions--musician Tuba Tremé; Queen Lola, Creole chef; and a troupe of Mardi Gras Indians--who help him understand the ingredients for success. Collier's characteristic collage illustrations effectively represent Troy's emotional struggle for self-improvement, and the level of detail in the images portrays the liveliness of New Orleans well. Backmatter includes extensive notes from the author and illustrator and information about the Trombone Shorty Foundation, which exists to "preserve the rich musical culture of New Orleans."An excellent story about a man who remembers the community he came from and actively works to ensure its future success. (Picture book. 4-8)

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Starred review from May 1, 2018
Grades 1-4 *Starred Review* Fans of Andrews' Trombone Shorty (2015) will cheer over Shorty's illuminating return. Chronologically more of a twin than a sequel, this continuation of Andrews' autobiography revels in an appreciation of the culture and influences that shaped this accomplished musician's art. We meet young Shorty at a point when he is making his mark in New Orleans with his fellow band members, playing around Trem� and emulating veteran musicians in Jackson Square. One day, Shorty is so engrossed in his trombone practice that he forgets to meet his band, and they leave without him. Shorty heads to the French Quarter on his own, where he's distracted from his disappointment by the scent of gumbo and jambalaya, the sonorous wail of a tuba, and calls of where y'at? from various locals. These intentional divergences allow Andrews and Collier to pay tribute to the wisdom and experience of New Orleans' residents (Tuba Trem�, Creole chef Queen Lola, and Big Chief of the Comanche Mardi Gras Indians), as Shorty asks for advice on being a good bandleader. Deeply textured watercolor collages in rich hues and dynamic shapes preserve history and expressively capture Shorty's reverence for his local heroes. Shorty learns about the importance of dedication, tradition, and love, all of which are further explicated in the author's and illustrator's notes.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2018, American Library Association.)