When Louis Armstrong Taught Me Scat (2008) - Plot & Excerpts
"When Louis Armstrong Taught Me Scat" by Murial Harris Weinstein is a joyous tribute to Louis Armstrong and the art of scat. Who can resist lines like, "Before long the hands of the clock point to bedtime. Slipping under my blanket, scat words flash through my brain in neon, jump like Bo Peep's sheep, and I follow them to sleep. A horn is blowing, throwing long shadows on my walls. I love its wah-wah-wah-ing sound"? The language is rhythmic and literally dances across the page. What a fantastic introduction to scat for all ages! This would be a blast to read out loud in the classroom(it practically begs the reader to say the words aloud) and to also use as an introduction to jazz in general, Louis Armstrong, the trumpet - and literary elements such as simile, onomatopoeia, alliteration, and the like. The use of color and illustration by R. Gregory Christie to make the words come alive for readers is brilliant! I LOVED THIS BOOK!!! Highly recommended! I agree with Alyson of Kid Lit Frenzy that this book would be much more engaging if it had an audiobook to go with it. The book This Jazz Man is similar in feel and the added interaction of the audiobook sends it into the stratosphere of making the book that much more enjoyable. This is definitely one of those books that if you're reading to kids needs supplementary material of actually allowing them to listen to Louis Armstrong scat.
What do You think about When Louis Armstrong Taught Me Scat (2008)?
Apparently I don't have a jazzy scat voice. It wasn't the easiest of reads, but it was a nice book.
—maca
This book is a great way to introduce students to Scat and also show them how to appreciate music.
—tman
A good way to introduce Louis Armstrong and the scat technique to children.
—novice
I think this book would be much more effective as an audiobook.
—Caitlyn
