Double Bass Blues

by Andrea J. Loney, Rudy Gutierrez (Illustrator)

A Caldecott Honor Book! A joyous celebration of family, community, and the unifying power of music, perfect for fans of Last Stop on Market Street .

Nic is an aspiring musician whose life spans two different worlds--his suburban school where he wows his friends in orchestra, and the busy city streets of his home where he's jostled by the crowd. Nic makes his way home from a busy day at school with a double bass on his back, the symphony of his surroundings in his heart, and a sweet surprise for the reader at the end of his journey. This is a sweet, melodious picture book about how dedication, music, and family can overcome any obstacle.

Genres: Picture Books, Music, Childrens, Realistic Fiction, African American, Family, Fiction

32 pages, Library Binding

First published January 1, 2019

About the author

Andrea J. Loney grew up in a small town in New Jersey and received her MFA in dramatic writing from New York University. Since then, she has worked various jobs, from screenwriter to toy designer to software trainer, and she even ran away to live with a circus. Today Andrea spends most of her time writing the kind of books that she wishes had been available when she was a child—stories that embrace and reflect the humanity of all children. She lives with her partner, their two cats, and a betta fish in Los Angeles, California. Visit her online at andreajloney.com.

Reviews

[Calista · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is basically a wordless book with the story mostly told through dynamic artwork, but there are about 10 words in it, so it isn't truly wordless. It is a quick story to read.

I learned from people that Caldecott award is about the artwork and not necessarily the story being told and from that perspective I can see why this was nominated for a Caldecott. The artwork is special and unique. There is motion and power in the images that make the story feel alive. It's a simple story, but fun to read. The artwork is kinetic and dynamic.

A boy is a double bass player. We see him at rehearsal and he loves playing. Then he has to get his enormous instrument home and the bass is bigger than he is. He has to take a bus and walk through the rain and walk up stairs with this huge thing on his back. He gets home and then plays for his grandfather and mimics the sound of rain falling on his instrument on his way home.

I love that it's a book about music. I was a flute/piccolo player, so I never had a whole lot to carry and was very grateful for that. Bless the people who have to carry bigger instruments. Flying is a lot different for them while I always carried on.

I have one new Caldecott book left to read for 2020.

[Tina Haigler · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a bittersweet book with a good message. It is mostly wordless book but it gets the point across. The message is universal: music soothes the soul. The art was funky and psychedelic, and very colorful. I recommend this for all ages, but I think it's especially good for younger kids with a limited vocabulary.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really appreciate the 'hidden' message in Double Bass Blues. Not only is it all worth it to go through the negative experiences in order to have the positive ones, but the negative ones actually inform and enrich the boy's creativity. (note the raindrop sounds!!) One doesn't write Blues songs about happy families, after all, and jazz, too, is most resonant & effective when its artists have had heavy experiences.

And of course the art is what really shines here. It's almost a wordless book... perfect for the Caldecott. In fact, since it is a book friendly to even younger children, and relies less on the text, I, personally, prefer it to the winner.

Except maybe for the scene of climbing the fence and the dog chewing on the instrument case. *Why* did the boy climb the fence??

(I did read this as an ebook and the format was all spreads but wouldn't rotate for me, so I may easily have missed some detail.)

[Ms. B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Playing the double bass is an important part of Nic's life in school and at home in this story that shows how he navigates between the two worlds and stays true to himself. The illustrations tell as much of the story as the words. You'll want to read this one more than once to catch all the details.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lively acrylic illustrations capture the essence of a big city and all its movements, sights, and sounds as well as the music that fills the air as one boy heads home. Having impressed his classmates and teacher with his playing in the orchestra, Nic hauls his double bass home. His journey is fraught with challenges as he must deal with overprotective dogs, the dismissive remarks of others, and even some physical violence. Even when he reaches home, there are challenges, and he must walk up several flights of stairs because the elevator is broken. But awaits him behind that door makes everything worthwhile as he has a chance to jam and show off some of his new chops. I loved how the ordinary stuff of life, even the less palatable parts, provides inspiration for Nic, and how understated the story is. The great onomatopoeia found throughout the book is fun to read aloud even while helping readers develop an ear for music in various forms. The book covers a topic not frequently addressed in picture book--the idea of a youngster being celebrated in one setting and ridiculed out of ignorance. I'm glad that Nic has such a supportive grandfather and musical community.

[Amber Scaife · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Caldecott Honor Book is gorgeous and it promotes a powerful message of hope and happiness through music in a world of everyday prejudices and little cruelties. Highly recommended.

[Agnė · Rating 3 out of 5]

Double Bass Blues is a nearly wordless picturebook with very unique, dynamic, vibrant, almost psychedelic illustrations. That stair sequence looks like something straight from my nightmare!

Nic plays double bass at his school, then has to carry the giant instrument all the way home, angry dogs, ignorant and rude passers-by, and multiple flights of stairs included. Luckily, the sounds on his journey home inspire Nic for the evening jam session with his Granddaddy and his friends.

Simple, sweet, and beautiful.

[Chana Stiefel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ziiiiiip! It won’t take long to read the spare text of Andrea Loney’s jazzy new picture book, but you will spend lots of time exploring how the words blend with the gorgeous illustrations by Rudy Gutierrez. You’ll want to hang around with Little Nic as he leaves music class hauling his huge double bass on the bus and up and down stairs. His destination? Grandaddy Nic’s jazz club, where Little Nic plays with the big boys in the band. Clap! Clap! Clap!

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

With it's sparse text (with most reliance on onomatopoeia), the story is somewhat open to interpretation. For me, it shows a young boy's love of music, and the way this impacts his life in mostly positive (and, occasionally, negative) ways. The opening spread shows him one with the instrument, in total bliss as he plays his music. Then we spread out to the wider world, the positive response from his teacher and other students in class... then his troubles as he leaves school and has to navigate in a world with people who don't necessarily understand or appreciate (and even make fun of) the big cumbersome instrument he carries with him on the bus, down the street, etc. Yet he's at home again with his granddaddy and the other fellows in his granddaddy's band and is once again blissfully immersed in his music by the end. I think many children (and adults) with special interests will be able to relate to feeling very much at home with others who share that interest, yet also misunderstood by others. (Note that if your child has a fear of big dogs, this may not be the best book as there is an encounter with a rather scary-looking dog who chews on the boy's instrument case.)

[Chantal · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is really colorful. I didn't get the story and to be honest, I didn't like it that much. Could have been better with a little more text. Next time better.

[Jenna Grodzicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sparse text and vibrant illustrations come together to tell the story of a young boy and his passion for music. At school, Nic is praised for his musical accomplishments. As he makes his way home through the busy city, however, his instrument is viewed as more of a nuisance. But a surprise guest at home gives Nic the chance to perform again for another eager audience. A must-have for classrooms and libraries.

[Philip · Rating 4 out of 5]

Story: 4
Illustrations: 5

Gorgeous illustrations, punctuated by snippets of text, that tell a sweet story about finding joy by doing what you love, even when life gets you down.

[Cheriee Weichel · Rating 4 out of 5]

The artwork is outstanding in this picture book about a young boy who plays a 'bull fiddle.' Through his skill he lives numerous lives. He is admired by his school peers, ignored and harrassed by others in the street, and applauded by his grandfather and his bandmates. It took me a while to actually figure out the story because the text is so spare.

[Tasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nic plays cello at school with a zip and a hum, filling the room with his solo. Then he heads home, climbing over fences, rushing past dogs, to get on the bus. It takes him to another part of town where people make fun of his school uniform and wonder what his cello is. As rain falls, the mocking follows him all the way home until he reaches his granddaddy’s apartment that is filled with other musicians all ready to play along with his “bull fiddle.”

Loney celebrates the transforming power of music in this picture book. Her text is very simple, filled with sounds like clapping hands, musical zips and swoops, and noises of rain, buses, and crowds. Then he takes those noises and the stress of the ride home and turns them into music to share. This book also explores the life of a child straddling two communities, demonstrated by one trip home, with music anchoring both parts of his life.

The illustrations are done in acrylic paint. They incorporate strong lines and bright colors. The faces of Nic and other people are done in great detail, contrasting with the world around him which is done in a more stylized feel.

A marvelous musical picture book. Appropriate for ages 3-5.

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was nice. I certainly would pull it out for a music display since it shows the love Nic has for music. However, it seemed too caught up in the long hazardous journey between a private school, judging by the uniforms, and where his grandfather, also named Nic, plays music. I was left unsure why Nic loved music, or why anyone else should, just that they do. Nic is very repressed and silent while on his trip, enduring bullies on two (boys) and four (a dog) feet, but lights up when he finally reaches his grandfather’s place (business?) and both his grandfather and his grandfather’s friends made it quite clear he was welcomed and valued. Interesting but definitely didn’t do it for me. Addendum: I went back and reread. There certainly is energy about the artwork! I suppose I could raise it to 4 stars, but just barely. Another reason for 4 stars is that there are so few books about music. I still feel this misses the fundamental point when it comes to showing what about music is so interesting.

[The Library Lady · Rating 2 out of 5]

Okay, normalcy--or at least for a few minutes, as I get to review picture books.


I wish that the Caldecott committee members could be given these books to read WITHOUT knowing who wrote them, or more importantly, who did the art. Then we might get back to awards based on the quality of the art, not the political correctness of the artist. Because that does seem to be how they're judging current materials--and that's as bad as any other bias.

Because the art here is by a Latino artist, but it is plug ugly--I hate that distorted, gnarled look that seems to be trending.

Wynton Marsalis did the sound effects bit much better in
Squeak, Rumble, Whomp! Whomp! Whomp!: A Sonic Adventure--with much more attractive art. And it makes a great read aloud!

[Cindy Mitchell *Kiss the Book* · Rating 4 out of 5]

Double Bass Blues by Andrea J. Loney illustrated by Rudy Gutierrez, PICTURE BOOK Borzoi Book (Alfred A. Knopf), 2019. $18. 9781524718527

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Nic plays with his orchestra at school. In fact, he has a solo - all his friends are proud and he does a great job! But, his trip home is anything but easy - when you carry a big double bass on public transportation, things get a bit crowded - but it's all worth it for the great surprise when he gets home!

I always love picture books about kids musical experiences and this one is terrific! It's almost like Nic's music inspires the generations - his friends and his grandpa's. Full of vibrant musical illustrations with lots of textual onomatopoeia - I could almost hear him play.

Lisa Librarian
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...

[Christina Carter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Andrea J. Loney's text ziiiiiiiiiiips and Hummmmms to a melodious rhythm when Nic plays his double bass at school before a cheering crowd or when he's jamming with Granddaddy across town to the clap, clap, claps. Music surrounds him and it brings him pure joy. You can see it in his face when his eyes are closed as he leans in to play, gracing those strings with his brilliance. His glee permeates the pages in a colorful, artistic display. Rudy Gutierrez's illustrations have a life of their own. You can feel the musicality. A vibe that lets you see and feel the color of music.

I agree with the recommendation of ages 4-8 and think that not only would this be a great addition to a K-5 library but it would also fit well in the music room.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nic plays with his orchestra at school. In fact, he has a solo - all his friends are proud and he does a great job! But, his trip home is anything but easy - when you carry a big double bass on public transportation, things get a bit crowded - but it's all worth it for the great surprise when he gets home!

I always love picture books about kids musical experiences and this one is terrific! It's almost like Nic's music inspires the generations - his friends and his grandpa's. Full of vibrant musical illustrations with lots of textual onomatopoeia - I could almost hear him play.

For this and more of my reviews, visit http://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com . CHECK IT OUT!

[Jodi McKay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simplicity at its finest! The onomatopoetic and sparse text mixed with the vibrant illustrations tell a story of a child who is passionate about playing music. Kids will find something new in the illustrations every time they read it which adds to the magic and musicality of it all. Such a beautiful book and wonderful way to feature the gift of music.

[Viviane Elbee · Rating 5 out of 5]

The artwork tells most of the story in this sparsely worded book about a talented young bass player. At school kids admire his music, but on his trek home through the city, carrying a huge bass around is tough. Some people make comments that he doesn’t appreciate.

Fortunately there’s a happy and hopeful ending.

Kids enjoyed it.

[LauraW · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to like this one better than I did. It is written for people who focus more on pictures telling the story than words, but just pictures and sounds aren't quite enough to make me love the story.

[Ama · Rating 3 out of 5]

Busy illustrations that reflect the sparse text so that they tell the story without words. But, so busy that they are nearly dizzying.

[Alice Ball · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though the text is sparse and simple, there is a deep story that comes across. Music drives the young protagonist in school and at home. Wild and dizzying illustrations.

[Heidi Burkhart · Rating 5 out of 5]

The text was a bit too sparse. The illustrations made the book. Absolutely fabulous.

[Cat Fithian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nearly wordless. Illustrations are very busy, but a story can be found. Could be a good companion to other jazz picture books but not as singable as Be Boy Bop or Charlie Parker.

[Angelina · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm always happy to discover picture books about music so I was hopeful about this one. Sadly, although the idea seemed great, the actual execution fell short for me. There's no real story to speak of and we don't really learn much about playing the double bass (apart from the obvious fact that it's big). Also, double bass players don't usually lug their instruments around on their own, let alone across the city. The artwork for me wasn't that impressive either.

[Margaret Boling · Rating 4 out of 5]

7/9/2022 ~ A homage to music. A testament to the way music can cross cultural lines. A depiction of bullying and resilience. While this doesn't have a typical narrative structure, the story is told beautifully through the illustrations, and the words add rhythm to the tale.

I am in LOVE with Gutierrez' illustrations. Every time I open the book, I notice something different.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

While there are words on every page, I would consider Double Bass Blues to be a mostly wordless book. Most of the time the words are “sound” words or like speech bubbles. I am actually surprised the book has both an author and an illustrator. There are words that I am sure Andrea Loney contributed but the real story is told through the pictures.
Rudy Gutierrez used acrylic paint to create his boldly colored illustrations. His style, while artistic, may be difficult for children to understand. I’m not sure all children will “get” the story. Rudy Gutierrez did receive a Caldecott Honor for his work.
There would be no problem with adding Double Bass Blues to my k-12 Christian school library. I have not yet decided if I will. If I did I would add it to my Caldecott unit in which students evaluate Caldecott books and determine if they agree that it should have received the award.
I borrowed a copy of Double Bass Blues from my local public library. This is my honest review.

[Aolund · Rating 4 out of 5]

With very few words, Andrea J. Loney's text combines with Rudy Gutierrez's vibrant illustrations to create an expressive text almost made for "whole book approach" reading, where young listeners are invited to discuss the pictures, what's happening in them, and how the characters feel. Main character Nic, who is black, plays the double bass, and while he feels amazing while he's playing he also struggles to cart the big instrument around town and is teased for wearing a tie and carrying around such a big and unfamiliar object. Nevertheless, he keeps on going, making and enjoying music. Lots of onomatopoeia and dialogue, illustrations show a diverse range of skin tones and presentations as a part of Nic's community.

Themes: Music, Anti-Bully, Be Yourself, Community
Age Range: 4-9