Theo and the Blue Note

by Peter Kuper

Even though he only knows one note, Theo the cat wants to play the saxophone and gets a chance of a lifetime to jam with such jazz greats as Charlie Porker and Duck Ellington when a rocket ship takes him to the moon.

Genres: Music, Picture Books, Childrens, Jazz

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2006

About the author

American alternative cartoonist and illustrator, best known for his autobiographical, political, and social observations.

Kuper's work in comics and illustration frequently combines techniques from both disciplines, and often takes the form of wordless comic strips. Kuper remarked on this, "I initially put comics on one side and my illustration in another compartment, but over the years I found that it was difficult to compartmentalize like that. The two have merged together so that they're really inseparable."

Reviews

[Jo Oehrlein · Rating 3 out of 5]

Theo loves playing the saxophone and his practices and practices, but can only play one blue note.

Then on the night of the full moon he finds a rocket outside his room. In it he goes to the moon and meets a bunch of jazz greats (Chimp Baker, Charlie Porker, Nat King Cobra, and others). With them, he learns to play all sorts of different blue notes (indigo, sky, prussian, etc.).

[Mickey Bits · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little weird and artsy/fartsy

[Marcie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the layout of the publication information (in the shape of a musical note) with the flag "So, what's a BLUE NOTE?It's a flatted note, especially the third or seventh note
of a scale. To hear it, just listen to jazz music". I love the dedication: "For Emily, the Heppest cat I know...My beret is off to Jules Feiffer, Emily Russell, Jim Rosenberger, Julie Grau, Betty Russell, John Thomas, Ryan Inzana, Joy Peskin, Jim Hoover, Regina Hayes, Denise Cronin, Cathy Young, Eve, Grandt, Rocky Maffit, Garin Thomas, Kevin Pyle, Scott Cunningham, Thelonious Monk, Lionel Hampton, Chico O'Farrill, Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole, Duke Ellington, Charlie Parker, Billie Holiday, Sonny Rollins, Miles Davis, Chet Baker,and Max Roach" A great list of Jazz greats to listen to. This one gets the award for the most PUNNY Jazz Musicials,
Duck Ellington, Cimp Baker, Carlie Porker, Nat King Cobra. Max Roach, Lionel Hamster, Duck Ellington, and Elephants Gerald with posters by Billy-Goat Holiday and Moles Davis.

Just fun!

[Maria Rowe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this creative story; loved the art even more!

Materials used: “stencils, spray paint, watercolors, colored pencils, and collage”
Typeface used: unlisted

[Donna Roy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Theo loved playing his sax. He was feeling blue because he only knew how to play that one blue note. Theo who played only the blue note was amazed to find the band of his dream which are, Charlie Porker, Nat King Cobra, Duck Ellington, and more in the rocket ship, after he stumbles upon a jukebox. The band shared their notes with Theo and it was revealed all Theo needed was his own blue note, thanks to the band.

Learning Experience: The children can create different instruments and share the instruments. The children can make music together. On another day, they can show and tell, something from home.

[Emma · Rating 3 out of 5]

Theo the cat is sad because, unlike his music idols, he can only play one blue note on his saxaphone. One day, he finds a spaceship in his backyard and takes a trip to a far-out place where he finds out how that blue note really matters. Cameo by Duck Ellington!

[Kimberly L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thius book is good for teaching children to accept their abilities to do things. The book is a great toolfor making children aware that sometimes it takes all of the little parts to make something special; every SMALL part is equally important to make a WHOLE.

[Bethany Livengood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book for children to learn about music, but also tells the story of how Theo used his small talents for a bigger cause. A great concept for children to learn!

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has quickly become one of my favorite books. It's great for Black History Month and leading into music culture.