Ty's One-Man Band

by Mildred Pitts Walter, Margot Tomes (Illustrator)

On a hot, humdrum day Ty meets a man who, using a washboard, comb, spoons, and pail, fills that night with music.

Genres: Picture Books, Music, Childrens, African American

40 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1980

About the author

Delegate to the 2nd World Black and African Festival of the Arts & Culture in Lagos, Nigeria, in 1977. Graduate of Southern University with an MA in education from Antioch College. She lives in Denver, Colorado, and travels widely as an educational consultant.

Reviews

[Kathryn]

I don't know how I would rate this if I came to it the first time as an adult pulling it off the library shelf, but it was one of my favorite of the featured books on RR when I was a kid-- I loved the narrator's voice (Lou Rawls) and the way the music was so integrated with the reading of the story. It's a little wistful, a little mysterious -- even a hint frightening--and also very joyous. I was really inspired to try to make musical instruments from found objects around the home after this one (probably my mom was missing some kitchen pots and pans and spoons for awhile, haha!) So, five stars from this child of the '80s.

[Beverly]

Ty is excited by his discovery of a one-legged man who can make music from tin cup, plate, and spoon. The man asks Ty to also get a washboard, wooden spoons, comb and a pail for him to make music with later in town. Ty tries to get everyone else in town excited, too, but they have their doubts about the music making abilities of the man they haven't yet seen or met. An interesting book to encourage young readers that they, too, can make music, or, at least, rhythmic sounds. The illustrations are rendered in subdued colors.

[Linda]

It's a special donation to the used bookstore where I work, a book by Mildren Pitts Walter, one of the earliest African American writers I learned about and this is a book I remember reading to my classes when teaching. She is from Colorado and appears to still be living, is 102! This special book is also autographed! It's an interesting story that might not happen today but my own grandmother told of people who came through town, entertaining through some talent to earn a little money or a meal. This time a young boy named Ty was in the woods, hidden by tall grass and watching animals at a pond when a man came through, sat down and started eating bread, cheese, and an apple. He made an odd "step-th-hump" sound as he walked; he had a wooden peg for one of his legs! This mysterious man told Ty if he brought a tin pail, a washboard, two wooden spoons, and a comb, he'd meet everyone at sundown and become a "one-man band". The end of the story is rather magical when Ty's mystery man showed everyone a joyful evening. I'd love to see that "one-man band", too.

[Luna]

Possible conversation topics for kids using this book:
Using what you have on hand, creativity, disability, cooperative endeavors

*Accessible via Reading Rainbow

[Amy]

A fun children's book. Ty meets a man down by the river who promises to be a one-man band if Ty brings him a comb, a bucket, two spoons, and a washboard. As Ty collects the items, his friends and family express doubts. Ty waits for the man with his instruments; when the man shows up, the whole town gets in on the music and dancing. The best part is when the man slips away, and the neighborhood continues to make music without noticing he's gone.

I did not like the repetitiveness of the sound words - I read the book silently to myself. It might work better if read aloud.

[jacky]

This was featured on Reading Rainbow. I remember Levar teaching us how to us the instruments in the one man band more than I do the book. Listening to it read on Reading Rainbow to my children I realize there is a lot I didn't remember about this book. Beautiful language. And I am sure this is where all my knowledge of home made instruments comes from. I remember many details of the show episode, too, from the book reviews at the end to the computer generated music.

[Beth]

Ty sees a man with one real leg and on peg leg. He learns that the man's name is Andro and he will play for Ty's friends. Ty has to gather 2 wooden spoons, a tin pail, and a comb. All owners of the items want them back for their practical uses. All in the area love the music, but Andro leaves in the night.

[Katrina Kim]

* Introduce repetition; great way to develop spelling and phonic skills

Discuss items that can be used as instruments
- What is music?

What are some activities that can be done alone?
What are some activities that have to be done as a group?
- Create a venn diagram

Discuss the impact Ty had on the community?

- How do you wish to have an impact?

[Stacy]

This is a cute book about a young boy who meets a traveler who teaches him that anything can be an instrument. I couldn't quite tell from the pictures what era it was supposed to be in - some people were dressed in 1920s flapper clothes, others in mid-1800s, and others in mid- to late-1900s - but nevertheless it was a fun read.

[Cheryl]

A gentle story of a man who creates music from a washboard, two wooden spoons, a tin pail and a comb.

Although the music man's disability is obvious and is woven into the story, it is not the focus, not something to be 'overcome'.

[Joshua's Mom]

Joshua's (4 years) favorite part: the spoons turned into drums sticks!

[Jessica]

A fun, musical read about the magic of everyday items. With lots of onomatopoeia, be ready to make some silly noises.