Hosea Plays on
No. of pages 32
Published: 2020
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This book is aimed at children in preschool-4th grade.
This book has been graded for interest at 3-9 years.
There are 32 pages in this book.
This is a picture book. A picture book uses pictures and text to tell the story. The number of words varies from zero ('wordless') to around 1k over 32 pages. Picture books are typically aimed at young readers (age 3-6) but can also be aimed at older children (7+).
This book was published in 2020 by Sterling Publishing Co Inc .
Shane W. Evans is the illustrator of numerous award-winning books for children, including We March , Underground, Mixed Me! , and Chocolate Me! He lives with his family in Kansas City, Missouri, where he also runs an art and community events studio.
"A fictional tribute to a local musician whose dedication to music has a long-lasting effect on his community. Blasi's narrative centers on a Rochester, New York, local who plays his saxophone in an outdoor market for passersby every day. Told through simple sentences and sound effects, the story immerses young readers in the busy city life. There is a lot to unpack in this book around socio-economic status as Hosea, a white-bearded black man, passes a light-skinned neighbor kid, Nate, who plays pretend trumpet to him. Hosea's only stated goal is to make 'enough' money, but the text leaves readers wondering what he needs money for. Locals flock to Hosea as he plays through the sunshine and rain. When Hosea has 'enough' money he heads back to present readers with a pleasant surprise ending and a sweet reminder of the kindness that seemed to embody Hosea Missouri Taylor Jr., who died in 2016. An author's note closes the book, offering a brief biography and sharing the immense impact he had on those around him. Evans employs a bright color palette and leaves that whoosh with swirls of faint color through the pages to connect readers to Hosea's music. Both a heartfelt eulogy and a musical inspiration for a whole new generation of young readers." --Kirkus
"Hosea Missouri Taylor, Jr., a Rochester, NY, resident and saxophone player, is brought to life by Blasi and Evans through a fictionalized example of his openhearted giving. A day in the life of the street musician relates the musical legacy he bestowed upon his community. One morning, Hosea packs up his instrument and heads toward the bus, encountering his neighbors, a father and son, raking leaves. The boy pretends his rake handle is a trumpet and 'plays' a few notes as Hosea encourages him: 'Keep practicin', my man!' Hosea continues to the public market where he plays his saxophone for a group of people with the thought that 'maybe--just maybe--he would earn enough today.' Readers are left to wonder what he plans to use the money for and are rewarded at the story's end by the man's thoughtfulness. Large, pastel illustrations fill the pages and the text changes font size and color throughout, adding movement to the tale. Though Hosea passed away in 2016, his gift of music lives on in the people he inspired."-- Booklist