The Good Song

A Story Inspired by "Somewhere Over the Rainbow /

What a Wonderful World"

A TRUE TALE WITH

A CHERRY ON TOP

Cameron Kids/Abrams

(pub.10.6.2020) 32 pages

Author: Alexandria Giardino

Illustrator: Penelope Dullaghan

Character: Inspired by songs sung by Israel Kamakawiwo‘ole

Overview: "The day the baby boy was born, on a beautiful Hawaiian island, the world sang him a lullaby. What a good song. But what is the good song? The boy listens for it and finds it in his heart and shares it with the world. Inspired by the medley of the classic songs 'Over the Rainbow' and 'What a Wonderful World' sung by Hawaiian singer Israel Kamakawiwo‘ole, the good song is aloha—love." Tantalizing taste:

"After dinner, everyone played music together.

Their songs filled the night, along with the wind,

the rain, and the waves.

'This is aloha,' Grandpa said. 'This is love.'

Iz wanted to join in.

He strummed Uncle Moe Keale's old ukulele.

It was held together with bubble gum, but Iz didn't care."

And something more: THE GOOD SONG was a finalist for the 2020 NCBR Young Children's Literature Award.

Alexandria Giardino suggests podcasts to support Native Hawaiian storytellers: nativestories.org; hawaiipeoplesfund.org; nativeseedpod.org

And the author donates a portion of proceeds to a Hawaiian medical clinic that IZ long supported: Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center.

Thank You, Dr. Salk

The Scientist who Beat Polio and Healed the World

A TRUE TALE WITH

A CHERRY ON TOP

Farrar Straus Giroux

6.22.2021 40 pages

Author: Dean Robbins

Illustrator: Mike Dutton

Character: Dr. Jonas Salk

Overview:

"Jonas Salk wasn't seen as a brave hero―not at first. As a child he was quiet and unassuming, but Jonas dreamed of tikkun olam, the Jewish phrase for “healing the world.” He saw the polio virus strike his city, and he knew that with determination and hard work, he could be the one to stop its spread. So he grew up to study medicine, ultimately creating the polio vaccine that saved untold numbers of lives―and healed the world!" Tantalizing taste:

"Doctors and nurses came in with trays of vaccines.

Parents, teachers, and principals served as volunteers.

The children rolled up their sleeves for a polio shot.

The volunteers gave them a lollipop, a pin, and a special card.

Everyone was proud to help Dr. Salk prevent the disease."

And something more: Dean Robbins writes in the Author's Note: "The polio vaccine brought worldwide fame to the modest, soft-spoken doctor. People named streets, hospitals, and even babies about him. The United States government awarded him the Congressional Gold Medal and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. No matter how famous he became, Jonas still personally answered the many fan letter that read, 'Thank you, Dr. Salk!'"

Stompin' at the Savoy

How Chick Webb became the King of Drums

A TRUE TALE WITH

A CHERRY ON TOP

Sleeping Bear Press

(pub.1.15.2021) 32 pages

Author: Moira Rose Donohue

Illustrator: Laura Freeman

Character: Chick Webb

Overview: "Though a disability stunted his growth and left him with a hunched back, William Henry 'Chick' Webb did not let that get in the way of his musical pursuits. Even as a young child, Chick saw the world as one big drum, pounding out rhythms on everything from stair railings to pots and pans. His love of percussion brought him to the big time as an influential big band leader." Tantalizing taste:

"This new music was just right for Chick. He decided to follow Duke's advice and form his own swing bands. But Chick was a picky 'bird.' He wanted only the best musicians for his band. Once he found them, he and his band were touring the country. That's how Chick happened to hear about a girl with a satiny-smooth voice. Her name was Ella Fitzgerald. The moment Chick heard Ella, he hired her as the band's lead singer.

Being small didn't change the size of Chick's dreams."

And something more: From More about Chick at the back of the book: "In the late 1920s and early 1930s, big bands formed to play swing music. It was a music people wanted to dance to. New dances like the Charleston and the Lindy Hop became popular. One of the most famous songs Chick played, 'Stompin' at the Savoy,' refers to the foot stomping often used in some of these dances... At [Chick's] funeral, Ella Fitzgerald sang 'My Buddy.' By the time she got to the end, she was weeping."