Ed Shankman

Shankman, Ed
The Bourbon Street Band is Back
Illustrated by Dave O’Neill. 2011. 32 pp. $14.95 hc. Commonwealth Editions. 1933212799. Preschool- grade 3.

Tags: New Orleans, Katrina, hurricane, music, jazz, animals, band, Louisiana, poetry, picture book, rhyming, story time, read-aloud

This book is set in New Orleans, as demonstrated by the vibrant and lively illustrations of local attractions such as Bourbon Street and Jackson Square. The story celebrates the rich history of music in the city, and uses music as a metaphor for the effects Hurricane Katrina had on the city. The grandest group of animal musicians, Bobcat Bob and the Bourbon Street Band, drew crowds from all over and always played until the sun came up. When the hurricane arrived, the sun went down and the music stopped. The people stayed inside and the city remained silent and dark. Months later, the faint sounds of music drew the people back out in the streets, and as the band returned, the sun began to shine. This lovely tribute to the rebirth of a vivacious city is told in rhyming quatrains, giving the story a song-like quality. This book would make a beautiful addition to your children’s library and would also make a fun, engaging choice for read alouds during storytime.… (altro)