- Theo and the Blue Note
- By Peter Kuper
(Viking, $16)
Theo is one hep cat. He wants nothing more than to master his cherished saxophone, but the only sound he can ever eke out of it is a single blue note. One day, a mysterious rocket shows up in Theo's backyard and transports him to the moon, where he discovers all his favorite musicians—including Duck Ellington, Lionel Hamster, and Elephants Gerald—playing together at a lunar module–jazz club called the Apollo. When Theo's blue note joins the aural rainbow of the Apollo all-stars, beautiful music is made. Award-winning graphic novelist Peter Kuper brings this jazz fable to life with an artistic style that evokes the classic Max Fleischer cartoons of the 1930s and '40s. But the unique palette is what stands out most: Color is at the heart of this tale, after all (it's a great way to introduce children to the idea that various hues can represent emotions). The bold tints, softened by muted lines, create an otherworldly feel that only adds to the story's dreaminess. After the final page has been read, expect requests to hear the music of the real Moles Davis and Billy Goat Holiday. — Ages 3 and up
