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Hepcat
A debut to sing about!
What's a musical cat to do when he's lost his groove? When his beat has up and beat it-on the eve of his big concert? Slip outside and find some new tunes, that's what! From The Beatles to Elvis to Little Richard (Good Golly, Miss Molly!), some of rock music's greatest legends make cameos in renowned editorial cartoonist William Bramhall's debut picture book. Rock on, Hepcat, you're the coooolest cat in town.
What's a musical cat to do when he's lost his groove? When his beat has up and beat it-on the eve of his big concert? Slip outside and find some new tunes, that's what! From The Beatles to Elvis to Little Richard (Good Golly, Miss Molly!), some of rock music's greatest legends make cameos in renowned editorial cartoonist William Bramhall's debut picture book. Rock on, Hepcat, you're the coooolest cat in town.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published June 3, 2004
8 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
October 1, 2025
A perfect children’s book! My son wants to read it over and over
March 10, 2023
Wow, William Bramhall created the illustrations as well as the words, the concept, the effrontery of it all.
Yes, effrontery. I mean, "hepcat" was outdated slang when I went to high school in 1960. Soon as I got my hands on a copy of "On the Road," I wanted to grow up and become a beatnik. So I know something about the milieu.
When I picked up this book and learned about the premise of this book, I couldn't wait to start reading-and-grooving.
Soon I got to the part where Hepcat sits down at the keyboard but freezes up:
"'I'm so nervous. I've lost my groove!' he shouted."
At which point I looked at the fantastically, contagiously, scared illustration and knew that I'll be more than safe for this ride.
SUMMING UP
All the musical portraits and allusions to songs are magnificent: So much wit between covers, and in a kid's book yet!
Wish I had more stars to give in this review. Because this book is a triumph.
Yes, effrontery. I mean, "hepcat" was outdated slang when I went to high school in 1960. Soon as I got my hands on a copy of "On the Road," I wanted to grow up and become a beatnik. So I know something about the milieu.
When I picked up this book and learned about the premise of this book, I couldn't wait to start reading-and-grooving.
Soon I got to the part where Hepcat sits down at the keyboard but freezes up:
"'I'm so nervous. I've lost my groove!' he shouted."
At which point I looked at the fantastically, contagiously, scared illustration and knew that I'll be more than safe for this ride.
SUMMING UP
All the musical portraits and allusions to songs are magnificent: So much wit between covers, and in a kid's book yet!
Wish I had more stars to give in this review. Because this book is a triumph.
January 30, 2017
I definitely only picked this up because of the title. I was pleasantly surprised! I really liked it and all its references to old music. Adults with musical tastes that go way back will enjoy reading this to kids.
November 25, 2017
I love everything about this one; the illustrations, the story, the sorta absurd dated dialect- all of it. Good for reading with a small child, but also good for reading with an adult who works in the creative field.
Went a bit overboard on jokes based on the Beetles, but I'll forgive it.
Went a bit overboard on jokes based on the Beetles, but I'll forgive it.
September 29, 2008
Man, is Bramhall paying royalties to the songwriters or what?
I guess the message for kids here is that they can look anywhere in the world for inspiration, as long as it loops back on the Beatles or Elton John or some predecessor like that.
I suppose we were bound to get postmodernism thrust into our child's face sooner or later. I just didn't realize it would be so soon and without the necessary critical analytical approach. Hepcat just embraces it so cheerfully! It's no wonder Hepcat was depressed; he's run up against an existential crisis of authenticity!
I guess the message for kids here is that they can look anywhere in the world for inspiration, as long as it loops back on the Beatles or Elton John or some predecessor like that.
I suppose we were bound to get postmodernism thrust into our child's face sooner or later. I just didn't realize it would be so soon and without the necessary critical analytical approach. Hepcat just embraces it so cheerfully! It's no wonder Hepcat was depressed; he's run up against an existential crisis of authenticity!
September 27, 2012
This story book has lots of illusions that parents will enjoy (like the beetles who speak to Hepcats in Beatles lyrics), but that may go over kid's heads. There's enough enjoyable stuff for kids in this book too, though, and a nice little lesson about believing in yourself and listening for music everywhere.
Slightly washed-out watercolor art is pretty, but not incredibly child-appealing.
Maybe could be used for older kids in a unit or story time focusing on music.
Slightly washed-out watercolor art is pretty, but not incredibly child-appealing.
Maybe could be used for older kids in a unit or story time focusing on music.
June 18, 2009
Music is everywhere! When hepcat looses his musical inspiration, a group of "beetles" helps him realize that music is everywhere. There are fun cultural and musical references in this book as hepcat looks for musical inspiration.
February 1, 2016
The cool Hep Cat learns the lesson that music is everywhere. Great story and even better illustrations. Love the drawings of the beetles under the floorboards. Look carefully and you'll see other famous musicians throughout the story. The Little Richard frog is priceless!
July 23, 2008
my gf gave this to me as a gift because our cat is named hepcat. cute book.
June 20, 2008
I grabbed this book on a whim at the library with my daughter. It is one of our all time favs.
August 18, 2009
Fun book about musical inspiration for a truly "Hep" cat. Fun for adults as well as children.
January 25, 2013
Before the was "Pete the Cat," there was "Hepcat." And he is one cool dude, but he's lost his groove. Follow Hepcat on this acoustical journey through the sounds of his city's beat.
February 23, 2014
Clif loves it, I like all the song ties though I wish a list of referenced songs were at the back for a tie in musical learning experience.
April 4, 2015
Loved loved this book. SO much fun with terrific illustrations and great sounds. A celebration of the music all around us!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews