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Trombone Shorty
Hailing from the Tremé neighborhood in New Orleans, Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews got his nickname by wielding a trombone twice as long as he was high. A prodigy, he was leading his own band by age six, and today this Grammy-nominated artist headlines the legendary New Orleans Jazz Fest.
Along with esteemed illustrator Bryan Collier, Andrews has created a lively picture book autobiography about how he followed his dream of becoming a musician, despite the odds, until he reached international stardom. Trombone Shorty is a celebration of the rich cultural history of New Orleans and the power of music.
Along with esteemed illustrator Bryan Collier, Andrews has created a lively picture book autobiography about how he followed his dream of becoming a musician, despite the odds, until he reached international stardom. Trombone Shorty is a celebration of the rich cultural history of New Orleans and the power of music.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published April 14, 2015
29 people are currently reading
2062 people want to read
About the author
Troy Andrews
5 books1 followerTroy Andrews is a jazz musician also known as Trombone Shorty
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 970 reviews
March 23, 2019
It’s hard for me to imagine someone falling in love with a trombone. I have to admit it’s not my favorite instrument in the music world, but Trombone shorty fell in love with a trombone and he played it every day of his life. As a child he would fall asleep in bed with it he played so much.
At 4 years old, Bo Diddley pulled him up on Stage to let the boy play at a music festival there in New Orleans. There is a picture in the back of the event. I have to admit I’m not up on my jazz. I have heard of Trombone Shorty, but I thought he was an old great back in the time of Count Basie and those old jazz musicians. He is modern and has played with great people’s bands like Lenny Kravits and Prince.
This was a great story full of hope and positivity. The artwork is ink, watercolor and collage. It’s a blending of all kinds of things like Trombone’s music.
The kids thought this was interesting. They thought it was funny that he slept with his trombone and I said ‘how is it different than sleeping with Frankenberry?’, and then the nephew got it. I told them that the trombone was his life and that is why he got so good at it. The nephew gave this 3 stars and the niece also gave this 3 stars. I think she learned something from his perspective.
At 4 years old, Bo Diddley pulled him up on Stage to let the boy play at a music festival there in New Orleans. There is a picture in the back of the event. I have to admit I’m not up on my jazz. I have heard of Trombone Shorty, but I thought he was an old great back in the time of Count Basie and those old jazz musicians. He is modern and has played with great people’s bands like Lenny Kravits and Prince.
This was a great story full of hope and positivity. The artwork is ink, watercolor and collage. It’s a blending of all kinds of things like Trombone’s music.
The kids thought this was interesting. They thought it was funny that he slept with his trombone and I said ‘how is it different than sleeping with Frankenberry?’, and then the nephew got it. I told them that the trombone was his life and that is why he got so good at it. The nephew gave this 3 stars and the niece also gave this 3 stars. I think she learned something from his perspective.
July 22, 2016
3.5 out of 5
I loved how Trombone Shorty took over Bo Didldey's performance :)))
But although Collier's illustrations are beautiful, they somehow fail to convey how young (and tiny!) Trombone Shorty really was then this happened:
Unfortunately, I didn't like Collier's artwork in Trombone Shorty as much as I loved it in Martin's Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. . But I LOVED the illustrator's note at the end, which added an extra layer of meaning to the artwork:
"I felt it was important to depict the sound of the music as beautiful colors and shapes that swirl out of Troy's trombone. Even the balloons that you see dancing throughout the book represent music always being around and floating through the air. By the end of the book, these balloons have transformed into a large hot-air balloon, powered by the force of Troy Andrews's horn. This balloon first transports Troy's musical message over the city of New Orleans, but as Troy grows, his music has the power to soar over the entire world."
Such a powerful message!
I loved how Trombone Shorty took over Bo Didldey's performance :)))
But although Collier's illustrations are beautiful, they somehow fail to convey how young (and tiny!) Trombone Shorty really was then this happened:
Unfortunately, I didn't like Collier's artwork in Trombone Shorty as much as I loved it in Martin's Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. . But I LOVED the illustrator's note at the end, which added an extra layer of meaning to the artwork:
"I felt it was important to depict the sound of the music as beautiful colors and shapes that swirl out of Troy's trombone. Even the balloons that you see dancing throughout the book represent music always being around and floating through the air. By the end of the book, these balloons have transformed into a large hot-air balloon, powered by the force of Troy Andrews's horn. This balloon first transports Troy's musical message over the city of New Orleans, but as Troy grows, his music has the power to soar over the entire world."
Such a powerful message!
March 21, 2015
Using his trademark collage, pen and ink, and watercolor illustrations, Brian Collier effectively captures the sounds and flavor of New Orleans, the home of musician Troy (Trombone Shorty) Andrews. Trombone Shorty's voice is distinct in this picture book describing his lifelong affinity for the music that filled the streets of Treme, his New Orleans neighborhood. Playing their own makeshift instruments, the youngster and his friends often followed in the footsteps of bands and street musicians during parades. (In New Orleans, we, of course, call that "second lining," a sort of ritual in which performer meets audience, and they mingle so that it becomes impossible to discern which is which.) A chance meeting with Bo Diddley at the city's Jazz Fest, his classes at the New Orleans Center for Cultural Arts (NOCCA), and his unique musical style brought him to the attention of other musicians. Having been nominated from Grammy Awards and traveled the world with his own band, this talented man continues to play the music he loves in the city he loves and work to preserve that music. To that end, he has established a foundation to support the next generation of jazz musicians. I enjoyed the way the author tells his story, starting with the importance of music to New Orleans before moving into his own interest in music. It is as though the two cannot be cleft in twain, which anyone who has lived in the Crescent City will surely understand. Paying homage to the unique expressions of the city's residents and their passions, the book will make anyone who's been there truly miss New Orleans. The illustrations show how carefully Collier has studied this city, even depicting neighborhood scenes and Mardi Gras crowds hanging out under the high rise underpass that leads out of town or across the Mississippi River. While it might have been enlightening to know more about the musician's formative years and his family, my only regret is that it would be lovely to have a CD with one of the musician's songs included in the book.
January 22, 2016
Troy Andrews writes about how he began playing the trombone at a very young age and is now a successful, talented musician with his band Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue. The illustrations are watercolor mixed with collage and recognized this year with an honor Caldecott medal. Bryan Collier, illustrator, has won medals in the past for his art. His subjects are notable African Americans and his art tells life stories about their accomplishments. In this book Troy (a.k.a Trombone Shorty) finds an abandoned trombone and begins to practicing faithfully, even sleeping with his instrument. His musical career has a unique beginning, when as a short, little boy Bo Diddly hears him playing along, in the audience, during a concert and calls him on stage to jam with him!! After reading about Trombone Shorty, I am inspired by Troy and his love of music to practice my banjo even more. Today Troy has a foundation to help musically gifted students his hometown of New Orleans pay for instruments and lessons.
January 2, 2018
Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews' delightfully personable and intensely enraptured first person narration, how he is telling the story of his own childhood, his own musical development (and that he so glowingly and joyfully describes New Orleans culture) have been an absolutely sweet and informative more than pleasant surprise for me. For Troy Andrews' words really and truly ring and sing with happiness and musicality, showing us as readers not only the importance of music for New Orleans as a city (and for Louisiana as an area, as a state) but also how music is both a communal and a family affair, how everyone joins in and how everyone encourages everyone else (from the youngest to the oldest). An expressive and lyrical celebration of family, of community, of music (and really, the only tiny little pet peeve academically inclined I do have is that I kind of wish that alongside of the informative author's note and acknowledgements, Troy Andrews had also included a selection of books and perhaps even a few websites for further study and research, as that would increase the teaching and learning potentials of Trombone Shorty).
Now when I first saw Bryan Collier's cover image for Trombone Shorty, I did have to wonder whether his illustrations (their 2016 Caldecott Honour designation notwithstanding) would perhaps be a bit too garish and gaudy for my personal aesthetics. However, even though Collier's pictorial renderings are indeed bold, expressive and very much in one's proverbial face, for the narrative, for Troy Andrews' exuberantly musical and intensely gleefully jubilant text, they provide not simply an adequate but really and truly a perfect accompaniment. They are indeed like the musical notes to the author's words, to his story, as Bryan Collier's colourfully expressive and impressive visuals give the polish that renders Trombone Shorty into a five star read for me (and even with the lack of suggestions for further reading, Bryan Collier's gloriously joyful and descriptive accompanying illustrations have indeed made Trombone Shorty a favourite and will keep it thus).
Now when I first saw Bryan Collier's cover image for Trombone Shorty, I did have to wonder whether his illustrations (their 2016 Caldecott Honour designation notwithstanding) would perhaps be a bit too garish and gaudy for my personal aesthetics. However, even though Collier's pictorial renderings are indeed bold, expressive and very much in one's proverbial face, for the narrative, for Troy Andrews' exuberantly musical and intensely gleefully jubilant text, they provide not simply an adequate but really and truly a perfect accompaniment. They are indeed like the musical notes to the author's words, to his story, as Bryan Collier's colourfully expressive and impressive visuals give the polish that renders Trombone Shorty into a five star read for me (and even with the lack of suggestions for further reading, Bryan Collier's gloriously joyful and descriptive accompanying illustrations have indeed made Trombone Shorty a favourite and will keep it thus).
March 21, 2015
A young New Orleans prodigy who lives and breathes music realizes his dream of playing with some of the greatest musicians in the world. A lively, inspiring picture book autobiography superbly illustrated by Bryan Collier.
April 22, 2015
This book is amaaaaazing!!! The tone is conversational and full of New Orleans flavor. I really enjoyed the repetition of the greeting "Where Y'at?" It worked as a way of orienting the reader to the New Orleans culture and as a great refrain. Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews talks about his upbringing, his love of music, and his city. Collage and watercolor illustrations are superb; in my opinion, the best we've seen to date from Bryan Collier. The stylistic choices give the book an energy and the depiction of setting truly feels as if the reader has been on a great journey to a region where every sense is engaged, explored, and excited.
An author's and illustrator's note are both included and well worth the read. I cannot praise this book enough; it's phenomenal!
Highly recommended for sharing with all ages; this is a must read, must see, do not miss!
An author's and illustrator's note are both included and well worth the read. I cannot praise this book enough; it's phenomenal!
Highly recommended for sharing with all ages; this is a must read, must see, do not miss!
June 30, 2018
"Where ya at?"
I'm sitting here enjoying this story based on a prodigy's (Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews) grasp of the New Orleans' trombone sound. Yes, this story is a child's story, but honestly, anyone, regardless of age should read or listen to this tale.
"Where ya at?"
I'm wondering how to fit a trombone in my closet while sucking on some crawfish. This story transports you to New Orleans eating fresh seafood and gumbo while listening to jazz.
"Where ya at?"
Wondering why you're so worried about how I'm doing while you should read or listen to this story.
5/5
I'm sitting here enjoying this story based on a prodigy's (Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews) grasp of the New Orleans' trombone sound. Yes, this story is a child's story, but honestly, anyone, regardless of age should read or listen to this tale.
"Where ya at?"
I'm wondering how to fit a trombone in my closet while sucking on some crawfish. This story transports you to New Orleans eating fresh seafood and gumbo while listening to jazz.
"Where ya at?"
Wondering why you're so worried about how I'm doing while you should read or listen to this story.
5/5
January 11, 2016
Vibrant colors, interesting angles, and multiple materials in the illustrations of Trombone Shorty evoke the jazz and gumbo of New Orleans. The text strikes just the right balance as it provides both entertainment and information about how musician Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews found his way as a musician.
February 27, 2015
YES! YES! YES!
Guess what we need more of...books like this! Trombone Shorty is too young to be a legend, but he is a living, breathing, beautiful, talented human (not-dead, not white) and this is his story.
I absolutely canNOT wait for this book's release. This is sure to be one of the best picture book bios of 2015.
Guess what we need more of...books like this! Trombone Shorty is too young to be a legend, but he is a living, breathing, beautiful, talented human (not-dead, not white) and this is his story.
I absolutely canNOT wait for this book's release. This is sure to be one of the best picture book bios of 2015.
October 12, 2015
Really enjoyed this. I think it would especially be good for kids from our library who are lower income. It was a cool read about a local musician that I didn't even know existed. Loved it.
April 8, 2017
This is the first book I decided to buy for my son who is arriving in October.
February 19, 2018
Best way to share it with students was with the audio cd! They could hear Trombone Shorty play his trombone!
October 1, 2023
This is a jewel of a story. It is a celebration of music, dreams, and life in New Orleans. I’m very familiar with New Orleans having traveled there a few dozen times This story captured the spirit of music in that lovely town.
January 20, 2016
Winner of the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award and a Caldecot Honor for books published in 2015, "Trombone Shorty" is the true story of Troy Andrews (AKA "Trombone Shorty") and his musical upbringing on the streets, and in the "gumbo," of New Orleans. Told in his own words, and illustrated by Bryan Collier, the story shows the power of persistence and hard work. Music was pervasive in Andrews' Treme neighborhood, like breathing. As a little boy, he was passionate about music and carried the trombone, which was bigger than he was, with him everywhere. He now, as an adult, plays around the world with his band, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue.
"Trombone Shorty" is a visual delight! Painted in watercolor and collage, Collier's illustrations communicate the color and pervasiveness of the jazz music of Andrews' upbringing. They sing! Especially interesting is the use of the balloons throughout, and the use of watercolor intertwined with collage that employs actual photographs from some of the events described in the book. And the author's note, which includes authentic photographs of Andrews as a little boy lugging his trombone through Treme, and of Andrews onstage as a toddler with Bo Diddly, are a joy!
What a wonderful read! An inspiration to anyone who has a passion!
"Trombone Shorty" is a visual delight! Painted in watercolor and collage, Collier's illustrations communicate the color and pervasiveness of the jazz music of Andrews' upbringing. They sing! Especially interesting is the use of the balloons throughout, and the use of watercolor intertwined with collage that employs actual photographs from some of the events described in the book. And the author's note, which includes authentic photographs of Andrews as a little boy lugging his trombone through Treme, and of Andrews onstage as a toddler with Bo Diddly, are a joy!
What a wonderful read! An inspiration to anyone who has a passion!
February 22, 2016
Most recently, The ALA (American Library Association) deemed this wonderful book worthy of two very prestigious awards, namely, for the illustrations of Bryan Collier, the Corretta Scott King award, and for the story and writing, the sought after award of the 2016 Caldecott Honor Book!
Sit back and be prepared to embrace this lovely autobiographical story of a little boy, way too big in stature for the trombone instrument, yet large enough in initiative, sheer determination and a God given musical talent that propelled this little guy into one of the most successful trombone players in America!
Born in Treme, a poverty stricken area of New Orleans, named shorty because he was tiny, he found a used trombone, and, so taken with the sound, as a youngster, he actually slept with the instrument.
By the ripe age of six, he began a very prestigious career of yet another incredibly gifted soul hailing from New Orleans.
Sit back and be prepared to embrace this lovely autobiographical story of a little boy, way too big in stature for the trombone instrument, yet large enough in initiative, sheer determination and a God given musical talent that propelled this little guy into one of the most successful trombone players in America!
Born in Treme, a poverty stricken area of New Orleans, named shorty because he was tiny, he found a used trombone, and, so taken with the sound, as a youngster, he actually slept with the instrument.
By the ripe age of six, he began a very prestigious career of yet another incredibly gifted soul hailing from New Orleans.
July 17, 2016
#bookaday A true story of "Trombone Shorty" AKA Troy Andrews who had the dream to make music for others and that is what he did. There is a beautiful author's note with pictures. He has played at the Grammy's, for President Barack Obama, and has released albums.
His dream is to make sure the music of Nee Orleans is passed on to future generations.
Another good story about perseverance. Could also be used for Genius Hour.
His dream is to make sure the music of Nee Orleans is passed on to future generations.
Another good story about perseverance. Could also be used for Genius Hour.
July 1, 2018
Fun jazzy art, neat story. I read so many picture book biographies, and it was pleasantly novel to hear the author tell his own story instead of someone else telling it on his behalf.
April 25, 2021
Music is an exciting thing, and you can feel any emotion in it. Like jazz, you can feel cheerful. Like classical, you can feel sad in it. Like in rap, you can feel intense energy. Every piece of music has its unique charm, but the most powerful aspect of music is its "language" that everyone can understand. No matter if you are an older person, a young person, or a child, everyone feels the same the moment you hear music. Just like "Trombone Shorty", a child born in a musical town and love music when he was born, he lives in a town that in your house there could don't have money, but there should always have an instrument. Reading this story, let me remember the time I learn violin. It is pretty similar to the story of the main character because I was also influenced by some great musicians. It all started with a day that my mom takes me to a music performance. Watching the performance, beautiful notes flow slowly from the strings. Every note sound so unique but beautiful. From that day, I started to learn the violin.
Finally, Trombone Shorty is a pretty interesting book about music, so if you are interested in music you can read it.
Finally, Trombone Shorty is a pretty interesting book about music, so if you are interested in music you can read it.
November 11, 2022
A story about a little boy that loves his trombone and jazz, and practices hard to bring something wonderful out of it.
Ages: 4 - 8
Cleanliness: nothing to note.
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Ages: 4 - 8
Cleanliness: nothing to note.
**Like my reviews? Then you should follow me! Because I have hundreds more just like this one. With each review, I provide a Cleanliness Report, mentioning any objectionable content I come across so that parents and/or conscientious readers (like me) can determine beforehand whether they want to read a book or not. Content surprises are super annoying, especially when you’re 100+ pages in, so here’s my attempt to help you avoid that!
So Follow or Friend me here on GoodReads! And be sure to check out my bio page to learn a little about me and the Picture Book/Chapter Book Calendars I sell on Etsy!
October 29, 2018
With mixed media collage, pen and ink, and watercolor illustrations, this book really captures the essence of the musical splendor of life in New Orleans.
The narrative is informative and Mr. Andrews tells an inspirational tale of a young boy who finds fame through his passion for music and overcomes his impoverished beginnings to pursue his calling.
This book was selected as one of the books for the December 2017- Caldecott Honors 2013-2017 discussion at the Picture-Book Club in the Children's Books Group here at Goodreads.
The narrative is informative and Mr. Andrews tells an inspirational tale of a young boy who finds fame through his passion for music and overcomes his impoverished beginnings to pursue his calling.
This book was selected as one of the books for the December 2017- Caldecott Honors 2013-2017 discussion at the Picture-Book Club in the Children's Books Group here at Goodreads.
December 8, 2016
Read this with a group of 8th grade boys including a close reading of the images. The story asks how one finds a passion and what one does with it to help others find theirs while making the world a little more joyful.
March 23, 2015
Such a joyful book about the role and influence of music and this musical prodigy. Loved the portrayal of the neighborhood and the city too. Terrific illustrations.
July 22, 2015
Biography of Trombone Shorty, jazz musician from New Orleans. Illustrations combination of collage and drawing.
January 25, 2016
Loved this book!
August 31, 2016
good nice boy
October 15, 2017
I did not like this book because I did not like the part when Trombone Shorty found a trombone. I enjoyed this book because I liked the part when Trombone Shorty went on stage.
August 3, 2019
Why did I miss all of these amazing picture books? I literally finished it and was dropping it in the lap of my two musical sons saying here, read this, it's awesome.
The story itself picks a focus and doesn't overwhelm any of the personal details or get heavy-handed about skill and practice. The book plain and simply demonstrates the love of music and how to follow your passion especially when it runs through your veins.
The imagery is vivid and the storytelling is equally as powerful. The strength in representing New Orleans and jazz/blues culture is phenomenal and certainly represents. Two, please!
The story itself picks a focus and doesn't overwhelm any of the personal details or get heavy-handed about skill and practice. The book plain and simply demonstrates the love of music and how to follow your passion especially when it runs through your veins.
The imagery is vivid and the storytelling is equally as powerful. The strength in representing New Orleans and jazz/blues culture is phenomenal and certainly represents. Two, please!
January 19, 2023
trombone shorty is an autobiography written by troy “trombone shorty” andrews about his time growing up in new orleans and how music was a major influence in his life
apart from the story, i really, really liked the illustrations done by bryan collier. there are some that use real images interspersed with illustration and i just think that’s neat
i would recommend this to anyone interested in learning about trombone shorty as this is a good starting point
apart from the story, i really, really liked the illustrations done by bryan collier. there are some that use real images interspersed with illustration and i just think that’s neat
i would recommend this to anyone interested in learning about trombone shorty as this is a good starting point
November 13, 2020
The black and white photos in the back of this book of this tiny little boy playing the trombone are incredible.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 970 reviews