The Django

by Udream (Contributor)

11

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Music, Art, Historical Fiction, Humor, Family

40 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2010

Reviews

[Mathew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not enough people are aware of the extremely talented Levi Pinfold and they should be. He's possibly more famous for Black Dog which is wonderful but The Django is where his career as a children's book author and illustrator is where it all started.
Although this is an ode to jazz musician, Jean 'Django' Reinhardt who was born into a French-speaking Romany family, there is much more to this book than at first meets the eye. In the story, little Jean is haunted by the mischief-making Django who is constantly getting him into trouble. What he is and why is he is questions that I want to explore more with others and I get the feeling that this would make a perfect shared read for the class; especially after reading a little about the author and his muse.

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to love this. But the author's note, a biography of the real-life Django, only makes me more confused about the story. If the reader interprets the existence of little troublemaker as real, what does it signify? If, otoh, it really is the boy making all that trouble, what does that mean? I've tried several by Pinfold and we just aren't simpatico, I guess. Beautiful artwork, though, so detailed and appealing.

[Shelli · Rating 2 out of 5]

While the illustrations are fantastic the story is confusing and I didn't understand why readers were supposed to feel badly for the naughty little Django. The afterward while interesting made me even more confused, supposedly this story was written in the spirit of a famous banjo player who lost the several fingers in a fire. Why not just tell that story? That would have been a great read.

[Peacegal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Memorably detailed illustrations bring this tale of a magical trickster to life.

[Stephen Wallace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the illustrations and story, but not as much as his book Black Dog. Love the level of detail in the pictures which makes a fun treasure hunt of details. Story good, and would be good to spark conversations if there really was a Django, or maybe it was the child? Glad I have it in my personal library, now I just need a grandchild to read it to.

I would say look at and read this book from your library or bookstore, but definitely buy Black Dog. I feel like this author is just getting started, and look forward to future books from him.

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

Weird, but I think I like it. Young Jean, a Romany who lives in a caravan with his parents, is plagued by a Django, a michievous doll-like sprite only he can see. He is blamed for all the Django's tomfoolery, and finally sends it away. Then he's sad, then his dad gives him a banjo, and then that's pretty much the end.

Hey, not every picture book needs to make a lot of sense.

There are some fancy fun words in here to make reading aloud a treat, and the watercolor illustrations are detailed and gorgeous and just waiting for an award.

[Jesse · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't enjoy the illustrations as much as Black Dog, but they were still very interesting with lots of little things hidden within them. The story seemed to be a folktale about a being called the Django that like music and playing pranks. However, the afterword gave background information on a person named Django who was a famous jazz musician. I guess I'm just confused by whether the real Django was supposed to be the little boy in the story...or the Django. Odd.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

It could be the filmic qualities and Bruegel-esque level of detail in the illustrations. It could be the impulsive behaviours and laugh aloud humour. It could be the beautifully realised father son relationship. It could be the romantic Romany gypsy setting. It could be the playful, colloquial dialogue. It could be the unpredictable storyline. It could be that I share a house with three jazz enthusiasts. Any or all of these factors may have influenced my high opinion. Or there could be a Django making me say this. You really best look for yourself!

[Phillip · Rating 3 out of 5]

A variant on "The Cat In The Hat" where a boy has to deal with the arrival of a mysterious mischief maker. The story in this picture book is not nearly as compelling as the illustrations that place the protagonist in a commune of gypsy wagons. On a more thematic level the author does approach the need for resolving the dual nature of the mortal individual.

I'm also a sucker for anything with a banjo on the cover.

[James Benham · Rating 5 out of 5]

The illustrations in this book are incredible! true works of art and incredibly detailed. The story follows a young boy, Jean, and a mischievous Django and the trouble it causes Jean (or is it just Jean blaming the Django?). Inspired by a hero of Levi Pinfold, this book is wonderful, perfect for use as a Big Book during storytime in class. Loved it.

[Marisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was drawn to the story because of its focus on the banjo and the famous musician Django Reinhardt. I found the detailed illustrations and the author’s notes on the musician engaging. The narrative and the characters, not so much.

Before reading, I thought that the Django’s dark skin was a nod to the banjo’s cultural origins. I thought, maybe we’ll get some ethnomusicology from this story. Nope. The Django’s shenanigans are random and the reader gets no context, no explanation, no history. It’s not until you read the author’s notes that you get some information about the Gypsy Jazz innovator.

This story left me feeling puzzled all around and, more importantly, made me feel uncomfortable with the looks of the Django and the message it could send to children.

[Mikaela · Rating 3 out of 5]

Underbara bilder!

[Beth Bauman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun illustrations, but I don't really like the plot.

[Sam Whitehouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bought this for the rich, absorbing artwork. Levi Pinfold is a master of picture books.

[Mia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely had fun reading this with a Louisiana accent lol.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, I am an adult, and I love this book! I got it for my little cousins to read and I enjoyed the illustrations so much that I wanted to read it before giving it to them. It's partially inspired by Django Reinhardt, who interestingly enough has a unique story to him himself. Django itself is filled with magical realism, and I enjoyed the motive behind the story. Wonderfully written, I highly recommend for parents or young readers!!!

[Jason Penckofer · Rating 3 out of 5]

A boy takes the fall for the doings of the django, a boggarty sort or creature no one else sees. In the author's note we learn that the boy is inspired by the childhood of Django Reinhardt. The illustrations are lovely, and in the spreads detailing the mischief caused, it is quite easy to play spot the django.

[Karyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

My son really liked this book about a little creature that causes a lot of mischief. He is eight and doesn't often ask to have a book read again, but two days after we first read this one he asked to read it again. It is a book that will probably appeal to boys more than girls, but the setting is homey and the ending is a good one.

[RuthAnn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book can be used to introduce children to music and specifically the banjo. It's inspired by the jazz musician, Jean "Django" Reinhardt. Plus since Django grew up as a French-speaking Romany or gypsy, I think children would be interested to learn about that unique culture.

[Matt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pair with Django

[Wendi · Rating 5 out of 5]

The banjo on the cover got my attention. Superb illustrations. A delightful tale and nice intro to jazz great, Django Reinhardt.
"A banjo's much more fun if you can play it... " So true!

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story and illustrations.

[Leslie Fisher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gorgeous illustrations!